CosBeauty Magazine #94

COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT
cite double chins, drooping jowls and the
jawline as key facial concerns.
Sydney dermatologist Dr Natasha Cook says,
‘Not only are we seeing our own faces more
often on video calls, but the format also adds
an additional layer of scrutiny, by reflecting our
emotions and reactions in real time.
‘For some people, this is far more
confronting than simply looking in a physical
mirror for daily grooming.’
Putting your best
face forward
The survey researchers noted that Australians
are taking action to put their best face forward
– emphasised by 48% considering ways to
improve their personal appearance on video
calls ‘from over-the-counter skincare to medical
aesthetic injectable treatments’. Specifically,
14% are considering dermal filler or antiwrinkle
injections to improve their appearance
for online video calls. The Cosmetic Physicians
College of Australasia (CPCA) has reported
that, compared with the previous year, dermal
filler injections saw a significant increase of
25% and anti-wrinkle injections were up 14%.
This trend has been echoed internationally,
with a recent US study noting 86% of
dermatologists reported their patients
referenced video conferencing as a reason
for their new cosmetic concerns. Another
recent study found that among those who
previously did not have an interest in facial
cosmetic treatments, 40% now plan to pursue
treatments based on concerns from their video
conferencing appearance alone.
Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Steven Liew
says, ‘Video calls are now a norm in our
daily communication. Unfortunately, it now
provides a platform for people to not only
scrutinise their own features more closely but
also compare themselves to others.
‘This harsh reality has translated into
increased interest in facial aesthetics in clinic,
with many people stating their motivation
for enhancement is directly related to seeing
themselves on screen,’ he adds.