Social Media and Plastic Surgery: Hope or Hinder?

Beauty Standards

Idealized beauty standards have been plastered into society. The constant pressure to resemble those beauty standards and acclaim it as “natural beauty” is unfathomable, despite becoming a common practice nowadays 一 the cosmetic industry itself values at £340 billion. Throughout the decades, beauty has moulded into lifestyle choices, and a societal obsession, predominantly crafted by social media trends. Although, there is no universally accepted truth of beauty, many sacrifice personal happiness and satisfaction to fulfil the insatiable pressures of culture.

So, does plastic surgery provide artificial hope for those who are unsatisfied with their physical appearances, or solely engulf in societal hype implemented by social media?

Society today prioritises the concept of beauty, through implementing unrealistic and dynamic standards, that pressure primarily women to reflect and compare their physical appearances against those of others. Although, the level of complacency is substantial in determining the cause of an increase in demand for cosmetic surgery, undoubtedly social media is a contributory factor.

Snapchat and Instagram

Accounting for social media platforms, content is tailored through recent search history, based on app algorithms. Social demographic, including quantitative and qualitative data such as age, topics of interest and previous social media posts are all accounted for. A representative of a study, conducted in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the impacts of social media and undergoing cosmetic surgery, 48.5% of respondents were influenced by advertisements to undergo cosmetic treatments. Of them, two-thirds considered undergoing non-surgical procedures, and only 18.7% would consider undergoing surgical procedures due to social media influence (Arab, 2018 ).

Although the sample of the study is unrepresentative and cannot be generalised for international countries, the correlation between targeted social media advertisements and cosmetic surgery is explicit. Evidently, such advertisements are constantly promoting the targeted demographic to consider cosmetic surgery, through comparative and supposed self-improvement ideals. Although the impact of unregulated cosmetic surgery advertisements is arguable, for example emerging debates such as “Should cosmetic surgery advertisements be banned?”, cosmetic surgery advertisements may impede the self-esteem of individuals. In 2017, for example, a survey of Facial Plastic surgeons found that 55 per cent of surgeons reported seeing patients who requested to improve their appearances in selfies (Relly, 2019 ).

Filters and Lenses

Filters. As explained by Google, filters in terms of photography are “a screen, plate, or layer of substance which absorbs light or other radiation or selectively absorbs some of its components”. Notice, “selectively absorbs some of its components”, embracing this concept into the features of Snapchat and Instagram, filters have the ability to alter someone’s physical appearance, immediately, however only virtually.

Notably, Snapchat obtains the “Lenses” accessibility, where users can alter their virtual appearance, through computer vision. Computer vision uses pixelated data to conclude a specific object, identifying the person, (the same technology is applied to self-driving cars).[1]  During October 2015, Snapchat lenses were solely used for entertainment purposes, “posing as dogs with elongated tongues”, “flower crowns” and “killer bunny”. However, an aspect that progressively exerts pressure, is the “beauty element”, recently morphing into “Snapchat Dysmorphia”, referring to the psychological phenomena of patients bringing filtered selfies to their surgeons (Relly, 2019 )

Snapchat and Instagram provide filters that allow users to change their skin tone, soften fine lines and wrinkles, alter the size of their eyes, lips, and cheeks, and change various aspects of their physical appearance (Ramphul, 2018 ).The desire of cosmetic surgery patients to resemble their refined complexion strongly depicts an unrealistic expectation of themselves. Interestingly, cosmetic surgery patients are unaware about the negative impact: frequently patients desire attributes of a physically altered image, by using similar terminology and verbal descriptions. Dr Michelle Yagona, a facial plastic surgeon in New York city, noticed a distinct pattern amongst patients “I don’t ever really have somebody that comes in and says I want to look like Angelina Jolie or I want to look like a Snapchat filter of myself. But I start to notice that they talk about things that are very similar to that without using those words” (Brucculieri, 2018). Despite many other factors influencing an individual to prefer cosmetic procedures as a means of changing one’s appearance, receiving psychological support and counselling provides a wider beneficial impact.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

A study conducted by The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, at University College Medical School, detailed that three patients claimed that they were not pre-occupied by their appearance prior to the surgery and that their symptoms of BDD developed only after surgery, which they believed had been done badly (Veale, 2000). The evidence, according to the study, is minuscule of the likelihood of developing Body Dysmorphic Disorder after cosmetic surgery influenced by social media. From a general perspective, it is reasonable to predict that after undergoing cosmetic surgery satisfaction rate would immediately be higher than previously; however, when patients were discontented with the post-appearance, excessive anger, guilt and frustration fuelled a spiral of undergoing subsequent procedures. Moreover, for those who already underwent multiple cosmetic procedures, after 50% of the procedures the pre-occupation transferred to another area of their body (Veale, 2000). Thus, the study concluded that nearly all patients were dissatisfied with their post-cosmetic surgery appearance and experienced adverse symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder afterwards. 

Conclusion

Conclusively, centring upon the impact of social media, having an incline on opting for cosmetic surgery, it is evident that social media fuels an insatiable desire to resemble one’s virtual complexion. Frequently, such influences from Snapchat or Instagram filters are not identified at first. However afterwards when social media partakes a significant part in daily lives, detrimental influences endeavour a sense of satisfaction, both internally and externally.

Shanum Dewan, Youth Medical Journal 2023

References

Arab, K., 2018 . Influence of Social Media on the Decision to. PRS Global Open .

Brucculieri, J., 2018. ‘Snapchat Dysmorphia’ Points To A Troubling New Trend In Plastic Surgery. s.l.:Huffpost .

Ramphul, K., 2018 . Is “Snapchat Dysmorphia” a Real Issue?. s.l.:s.n.

Relly, M., 2019 . Psychology Today. [Online]

Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/dissecting-plastic-surgery/201909/social-media-and-the-rising-trend-cosmetic-surgery

[Accessed 12 December 2022].

Veale, D., 2000. Outcome of cosmetic surgery and ‘DIY’ surgery in patients with body dysmorphic disorder. Psychiatric Bulletin.

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Is Communication Important in the NHS?

The concept of communication is not contemporary, instead its longevity diverges before the 7th century, according to Claude Simmon, who had developed the Communication Theory, “Information is the resolution of uncertainty”. However, when applying simplified theories, upon diverse sectors especially healthcare, the significance of communication may sometimes be blurred or perhaps become obscured. Frequently, the concept of communication is blurred into organisation structures, that the absence of communication leads to detrimental repercussions, regardless of the setting or situation. 

Throughout the development of the NHS, since 1948, paramount structural alterations have proceeded, due to the absence of a the utmost important element: communication. Both the clinical and moral failures, of the NHS was outlined first through the Ely report. The Ely report, followed the complaint of a nursing assistant employed at the Ely hospital, describing the “inhumane and threatening behaviour by six staff members towards four patients”, alongside the lack of care and indifference on the part of the senior staff to complaints (The Health Foundation). An inquiry committee had been established, after consideration upon the request of the Secretary of Social Services, to investigate the “ill-treatment of patients and of pilfering by staff” (UK Parliament). It is explicitly foreshadowed that, the rationale into filing the complaint, involved substantial lack of a combination of verbal and non-verbal communication between the staffing structures consisted with the NHS; further highlighting, the notorious consequences of underfunding inflicting upon the quality of care. The following allegations, were also implemented into the complaint:

• Cruel ill-treatment of four particular patients by six named members of the staff;
• Generally inhumane and threatening behaviour towards patients by one of the staff members already referred to ;
• Pilfering of food, clothing and other items belonging to the hospital or the patients;
• Indifference on the part of the Chief Male Nurse to complaints that were made to him;
• Lack of care by the Physician Superintendent and other member of the medical staff.

(Socialist Health Association)

Principally focusing upon the allegation of “indifference on the part of the Chief Male Nurse to complaints that were made to him”, (Socialist Health Association) emphasises the culture of segregated communication due to the varying levels of responsibilities between members of the NHS. The mentioning of the term “indifference”, constructs the ignorance between members of the NHS, diverging due to a lack of communication and awareness of the importance of multi-disciplinary teams in any healthcare setting. In this case, effective communication between various roles within the disciplinary was essential to build a positive relationship between other NHS members and the patients, for better health outcomes from the perspective of the patients. Consequently, in this case due to consistent lacking of a combination of verbal communication skills, non-verbal communication skills, and listening, members of staff were unable to raise awareness of the issues encountered, instead they were dismissed as there was no framework to debrief situations, which may have significantly impacted staff, or a staff welfare trust. Having said, the failures of the Chief Male Nurse to address issues, primarily due to inadequate funding, further leading to failures in committing to the individual’s responsibilities, and being enforced to condemn the issues encountered by NHS subsidiary members.

Consequently, the predominant problem alerted centred around staff welfare, especially concerning “professional isolation” (UK Parliament) as there was a significant imbalance between “the skilled and devoted service given by the staff in long stay hospital, who have all too often been working for many years under heartbreaking difficulties” (UK Parliament), therefore upon the recommendations of Beatrice Serota, “a new system of regular visiting and inspection is needed” (UK Parliament) Beatrice Serota’s recommendation centred around effective communication, as regular visiting and inspection had significantly increased the wellbeing of staff members across the four departments investigated. Furthermore, regular visits allowed the four departments of the Ely Hospital to be constantly under the assistance of the government; therefore constantly developing plans to coherently improve the communication between staff members, to establish an attributional relationship between each other’s welfare.

On the other hand, some people may believe that throughout developing clinical skills, communication is sub-consciously and simultaneously developed, therefore there is no necessity into investing upon staff welfare and communication inspections by the government, instead they should be directly invested into allocating clinical equipments; specially in departments, where there is a significant shortage. According to Baroness Hylton-Foster, during a Parliamentary conference, supposedly the issue arisen is not professional isolation, instead “even with special training it needs superhuman patience to cope with some of the patients with whom they have to deal”. (UK Parliament) However some may question, in order to elaborate upon the patience to deal with complicated situations, in any healthcare setting, definitely communication is required in order to explicitly and assuringly address situations. 

In conclusion, communication whether it be in healthcare or any other professional or daily setting, is significant to continuously develop through organisation schemes, and avoid severe moral and legal failures. As portrayed through the case of Ely Hospital’s failings, in which professional isolation was deeply ingrained within the culture of Ely Hospital, members of staff had compensated the quality of healthcare through a paramount lack of motivation and inability to cope with mental and physical pressures. 

Sheza Dewan, Youth Medical Journal 2022

References

The Health Foundation. “Inquiry into Ely Hospital.” The Health Foundation, 1969, https://navigator.health.org.uk/theme/inquiry-ely-hospita. Accessed 27 June 2022.

Socialist Health Association. “Report on Ely Hospital.” Socialist Health Association, 1969, https://www.sochealth.co.uk/national-health-service/democracy-involvement-and-accountability-in-health/complaints-regulation-and-enquries/report-of-the-committee-of-inquiry-into-allegations-of-ill-treatment-of-patients-and-other-irregularities-at-the-ely-h. Accessed 28 June 2022.

UK Parliament. “Ely Hospital, Cardiff: Inquiry Findings.” UK Parliament, 1969, https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/lords/1969/mar/27/ely-hospital-cardiff-inquiry-findings. Accessed 27 June 2020.

Is communication important in the NHS?

Communication Theory 

The concept of communication is not contemporary, instead its longevity diverges before the 7th century, according to Claude Simmon, who had developed the Communication Theory, “Information is the resolution of uncertainty”. However, when applying simplified theories, upon diverse sectors especially healthcare, the significance of communication may sometimes be blurred or perhaps become obscured. Frequently, the concept of communication is blurred into organisation structures, that the absence of communication leads to detrimental repercussions, regardless of the setting or situation. 

Findings of Ely Hospital Inspection

Throughout the development of the NHS, since 1948, paramount structural alterations have proceeded, due to the absence of the utmost important element: communication. Both the clinical and moral failures of the NHS were outlined first through the Ely report. The Ely report, followed the complaint of a nursing assistant employed at the Ely hospital, describing the “inhumane and threatening behaviour by six staff members towards four patients’ ‘, alongside the lack of care and indifference on the part of the senior staff to complaints (The Health Foundation). An inquiry committee had been established, after consideration upon the request of the Secretary of Social Services, to investigate the “ill-treatment of patients and of pilfering by staff” (UK Parliament). It is explicitly foreshadowed that, the rationale into filing the complaint, involved substantial lack of a combination of verbal and non-verbal communication between the staffing structures with the NHS; further highlighting the notorious consequences of underfunding inflicting upon the quality of care. The following allegations, were also implemented into the complaint:

• Cruel ill-treatment of four particular patients by six named members of the staff;
• Generally inhumane and threatening behaviour towards patients by one of the staff members already referred to ;
• Pilfering of food, clothing and other items belonging to the hospital or the patients;
• Indifference on the part of the Chief Male Nurse to complaints that were made to him;
• Lack of care by the Physician Superintendent and other members of the medical staff.

(Socialist Health Association)

Principally focusing upon the allegation of “indifference on the part of the Chief Male Nurse to complaints that were made to him”, (Socialist Health Association) emphasises the culture of segregated communication due to the varying levels of responsibilities between members of the NHS. The mentioning of the term “indifference”, constructs the ignorance between members of the NHS, diverging due to a lack of communication and awareness of the importance of multidisciplinary teams in any healthcare setting. In this case, effective communication between various roles within the disciplinary was essential to build a positive relationship between other NHS members and the patients, for better health outcomes from the perspective of the patients. Consequently, in this case due to consistent lacking of a combination of verbal communication skills, non-verbal communication skills, and listening, members of staff were unable to raise awareness of the issues encountered, instead they were dismissed as there was no framework to debrief situations, which may have significantly impacted staff, or a staff welfare trust. Having said that, the failures of the Chief Male Nurse to address issues, primarily due to inadequate funding, further leading to failures in committing to the individual’s responsibilities, and being enforced to condemn the issues encountered by NHS subsidiary members.

Government Recommendations 

Consequently, the predominant problem alerted centred around staff welfare, especially concerning “professional isolation” (UK Parliament) as there was a significant imbalance between “the skilled and devoted service given by the staff in long stay hospital, who have all too often been working for many years under heartbreaking difficulties” (UK Parliament), therefore upon the recommendations of Beatrice Serota, “a new system of regular visiting and inspection is needed” (UK Parliament) Beatrice Serota’s recommendation centred around effective communication, as regular visiting and inspection had significantly increased the wellbeing of staff members across the four departments investigated. Furthermore, regular visits allowed the four departments of the Ely Hospital to be constantly under the assistance of the government; therefore constantly developing plans to coherently improve the communication between staff members, to establish an attributional relationship between each other’s welfare.

Disagreements 

On the other hand, some people may believe that throughout developing clinical skills, communication is sub-consciously and simultaneously developed, therefore there is no necessity into investing upon staff welfare and communication inspections by the government, instead they should be directly invested into allocating clinical equipments; specially in departments, where there is a significant shortage. According to Baroness Hylton-Foster, during a Parliamentary conference, supposedly the issue arisen is not professional isolation, instead “even with special training it needs superhuman patience to cope with some of the patients with whom they have to deal”. (UK Parliament) However some may question, in order to elaborate upon the patience to deal with complicated situations, in any healthcare setting, definitely communication is required in order to explicitly and assuringly address situations. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, communication whether it be in healthcare or any other professional or daily setting, is significant to continuously develop through organisation schemes, and avoid severe moral and legal failures. As portrayed through the case of Ely Hospital’s failings, in which professional isolation was deeply ingrained within the culture of Ely Hospital, members of staff had compensated the quality of healthcare through a paramount lack of motivation and inability to cope with mental and physical pressures. 

Works Cited

The Health Foundation. “Inquiry into Ely Hospital.” The Health Foundation, 1969, https://navigator.health.org.uk/theme/inquiry-ely-hospita. Accessed 27 June 2022.

Socialist Health Association. “Report on Ely Hospital.” Socialist Health Association, 1969, https://www.sochealth.co.uk/national-health-service/democracy-involvement-and-accountability-in-health/complaints-regulation-and-enquries/report-of-the-committee-of-inquiry-into-allegations-of-ill-treatment-of-patients-and-other-irregularities-at-the-ely-h. Accessed 28 June 2022.

UK Parliament. “Ely Hospital, Cardiff: Inquiry Findings.” UK Parliament, 1969, https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/lords/1969/mar/27/ely-hospital-cardiff-inquiry-findings. Accessed 27 June 2020.