Patient Reliance on Cosmetic Surgery Apps Raises Alarm
It seems there’s an app for everything, including cosmetic surgery! On an episode of NBC’s The Doctors, the show’s resident plastic surgeon demonstrated an iPhone app that allows people to upload a photo of themselves and “try out” different cosmetic surgery procedures. With the click of a button, the app allows people to see what they might look like with a new nose, a face lift or any number of popular cosmetic surgery procedures.
Consumers consider cosmetic surgery apps for iPhones (Android apps due out soon) harmless fun. Who doesn’t want to see what they’d look like with Angelina Jolie lips or, for you guys out there, George Clooney’s nose? However, Cleveland cosmetic surgeons are concerned that some people may become so fixated on their digitally-constructed persona that they will fail to adequately discuss and consider the professional recommendations of a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Apps that help a person visualize a proposed change in his or her appearance can be a useful medical tool. In fact, some plastic surgeons use visualization software to help patients see what they’ll look like after surgery. As part of a comprehensive cosmetic surgery evaluation and assessment by a board-certified Cleveland plastic surgeon, visualization aids can be an effective planning tool. However, before undergoing plastic surgery, it is essential that the physician and patient thoroughly discuss the patient’s appearance goals and whether the desired cosmetic surgery procedure is safe for the patient and will actually accomplish the patient’s goals.
The drawback of one-size-fits-all cosmetic surgery apps is that they cannot take into account the patient’s unique facial and body structure, skin condition, medical history or age; any of which can impact the success and safety of a particular cosmetic surgery procedure. If you’re contemplating cosmetic surgery, thoroughly discuss your goals with your board-certified Cleveland plastic surgeon and listen to his recommendations.