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Facial Plast Surg 2022; 38(02): 131-134
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1741500
Original Article

Face-off: Social Media Responsibility in Medicine and Nonsurgical Treatment of the Face

Chris Kowalczyk
1   Department of Dermatology, Larkin Community Hospital Inc., Boynton Beach, Florida
,
Shino Bay Aguilera
2   Department of Dermatology, Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Institute, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
,
Gherghina Andrei
3   Department of Dermatology, OCEANS Dermatology, Boynton Beach, Florida
,
Amelia Damse
3   Department of Dermatology, OCEANS Dermatology, Boynton Beach, Florida
,
Sabrina Ghalili
4   College of Medicine, SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, New York, New York
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Abstract

The practice of reaching an audience through social media to promote nonsurgical treatments of the face is in its infancy. Young adults, arguably the most health-literate generation to date, comprise both the majority of users targeted by social media and the fastest growing demographic seeking cosmetic consultation. We know that this age group is also at an increased risk of depression and body dysmorphia in an era where nonsurgical cosmetic options are typically thought to be gateways to surgical treatments. In light of these facts, it seems the ethics of medicine might be lagging behind the amorphous, rapidly evolving nature of social media and, specifically, its use as a platform for business promotion and health information. As cosmetic treatments become a normalized facet of society's health care routine, in large part due to its ubiquity on social media platforms, its promotion by providers requires reexamination so that its pro-social potential can be realized. This is ensured by fostering a social media presence and in-office attitude that treatments should be an agreement between patient and provider on realistic expectations and how best to meet them.

Keywords

social media - cosmetics - injections - ethical dilemmas


Publication History

Article published online:
04 February 2022

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