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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Indian J Plast Surg 2024; 57(06): 479-485
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1790588
Special Topic

Fantasies and Fallacies of ‘Aesthetic’ Instagrammers

Mrigya Sharma 
1   Gujarat Medical Education & Research Society Medical College, Gotri, Gujarat, India
,
Abhishek Dhakad
2   Department of Plastic Surgery, Topiwala National Medical College and B. Y. L. Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
,
Sandeep Sharma
3   Aesthetique, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Centre, Gujarat, India
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.
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Abstract

The influence of Instagram, as a social media platform, in shaping perceptions of aesthetic surgery cannot be understated. The idea of a more “aesthetic” self cultivates a desire for cosmetic enhancements. This article underscores the profound impact of Instagram on aesthetic surgery, shedding light on both its fantasies and fallacies. Instagram, a medium for dissemination of content, often blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. Although the intent is to transfer credible information from the provider to the consumer, Instagram often contributes to the distortion of one's self-image and creates unrealistic expectations. Moreover, the glamorization of aesthetic surgery as a fast, effortless fix, often by commercially run enterprises, leads to misconceptions and impulsive decision-making. These fallacies are further compounded by the increase of misinformation and deceptive practices, presenting ethical challenges for influencers and surgeons alike. This study explores the ethical responsibilities of these “Aesthetic Instagrammers,” emphasizing the necessity for transparency and ethical guidelines, while analyzing all the social media stakeholders and providing suggestions for better engagement.

Keywords

aesthetic surgery - Instagram - influencers - beauty standards - digital awareness

Authors' Contributions

M.S. and A.D. contributed to data collection, data interpretation, and manuscript writing. S.S. contributed to the study design, data collection, data interpretation, and manuscript writing.




Publication History

Article published online:
23 September 2024

© 2024. Association of Plastic Surgeons of India. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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