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Social media has spawned the selfie–a photo of yourself, taken by yourself–and it’s become a defining term of our culture. But who knew that snapping the perfect selfie created a demand for plastic surgery!?

According to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, one in three plastic surgeons saw an increase in young people wanting facial procedures so they could look better online. 58 percent of the doctors surveyed said they saw an increase in 20-something patients coming in for injections and procedures–most often rhinoplasty.

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These days, in what can affectionately be called the selfie culture, some people get their self-esteem boosts from how many likes and comments they receives from the photo they share. But psychologists say a selfie is more than just a picture. They provide a great way to get that immediate reassurance and approval at least for that moment.

Now that the inner turmoil that seflies give young people is causing them to seek plastic surgery to fix their faces for your online viewing pleasure,  I connected with New York City plastic surgeon, Dr. Barry M. Weintraub to give me some insight on this troubling trend. Here’s what he had to say:

HelloBeautiful: Why do you think young people are going to the extreme to get surgery to look better in pictures?

Dr. Weintraub: In this era of concentrated aesthetic focus thanks to social media,people are more connected than ever about they way they look. I think it is a combination of both [photoshopped pics of celebrities and selfies]. Young people have many idols with whom to compare themselves, and they see themselves in photographs on a daily basis.

HB: What are the most popular surgeries requested?

Dr. W: Patients come to me for natural-looking rhinoplasties, eyelid surgery (the eyes are the first thing to show aging), as well as Botox and fillers. In my older patients, face lifts are very popular, as I strive to produce results that are understated and elegant. Neck lifts are also popular for the same reason.

HB: Which celebrity do most people want to look like?

Dr. W: Many patients request Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge’s nose.

HB: How many men are interested in procedures?

Dr. W: I have noticed an increase in male patients who seek my expertise in plastic-surgical improvements. They often request rhinoplasties as well as eyelid surgery.

HB: Are there any surgeries you wouldn’t perform on a young person?

Dr. W: There are many surgeries I won’t perform! I will not perform any surgery that would be a medical or aesthetic mistake. There is a fine line between beauty and artificiality, and this is a line I will not cross. Beautiful is always attractive; artificial is not. In terms of specific ages, I would not do a rhinoplasty on any patient younger than 13, nor would I do a breast surgery on a female under the age of 18, or when the patient has matured physically and psychologically.

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As a woman who spends a majority of her time online, I know the importance of putting your best face forward. However, the invasive nature of surgery has never been an option for me to make my photos look better. What the heck are the multiple filters for?

 

Get to know the doctor:

Dr. Barry M. Weintraub is a top New York City board-certified plastic surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Weintraub is a connoisseur of all-natural facial harmony and has pioneered many non-invasive techniques to ensure a radiant and natural appearance. He practices in New York City and East Hampton, and specializes in high quality, detailed cosmetic plastic surgery of the face and body, employing cutting-edge approaches to treatments. Dr. Weintraub uses the latest minimally invasive, non-surgical and short-incision techniques to provide maximal results for his patients. He also serves as a national spokesperson for the American Board of Plastic Surgery and as a Media Ambassador for the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. For the 2012-2013 year, his unparalleled results have made him the recipient of the Patients’ Choice Award. Dr. Weintraub is a member American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association and New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons Rhinoplasty Society.

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