Social Media Filters Influence Hair Restoration Rates
The rise of 'selfie culture' has previously been blamed for the wave of teenagers seeking hair transplants. Now, this theory has been backed by the results of an annual survey from The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).
The AAFPRS 2018 survey found that social media's effects on people's self-perception and how they want to appear both on and off camera, has had a significant impact on surgery and cosmetic practice rates - including hair loss restoration.
One of the main drivers of plastic surgery trends, according to the AAFPRS report, has been people wanting to look better in selfies. Over half of the surgeons surveyed - 55 per cent - reported patients citing this reason for having work done. As we get used to seeing 'filtered' versions of ourselves, real life imperfections can become worrisome for certain people. Botox and nose jobs (rhinoplasty) came out as the top procedures sought by both men and women.
However, it was not necessarily to do with wanting to look younger as the key concerns to surface were wanting to appear healthy and vital - effectively mimicking some of the effects that can be achieved through using photo filters on social media sites such as Instagram. However, wanting to have control over the ageing process was a stated desire for many. This is being somewhat catered to in the development of more technologically and scientifically advanced skincare and hair care products as brands look to target increasingly savvy and demanding consumers. Though these can only do so much, which may explain the rise in interest when it comes to invasive and non-invasive therapies, as well as the reported surge in hair transplant enquiries.
The AAFPRS survey found a jump in surgical hair restoration rate of over 500 per cent over the past five years (538 per cent). Whilst these figures represent American adults, this trend seems to be less prevalent among UK men.
AAFPRS President William H. Truswell, M.D. explains, “More and more of our patients are using social media as a forum to gain a sense of solidarity when under-going a major, potentially life-changing procedure. Consumers are only a swipe away from finding love and a new look, and this movement is only going to get stronger.”
This applies to both non-surgical and surgical rejuvenation procedures, with a notable rise being seen in the popularity of injectable treatments such as mesotherapy - scalp injections said to enhance hair growth - and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.
Though these scalp injections have not yet been proven to be beneficial as a genetic hair loss treatment, Dr. Truswell considers this an area to watch, stating "PRP is the next frontier, and facial plastic surgeons are eager for more data to illustrate what it can do for skin rejuvenation and how it can be used in combination with lasers, energy based devices, and microneedling and even hair restoration."
Another reason given for undergoing cosmetic procedures from eyelid surgery to hair transplants, included 'empowerment'. This can mean taking pro-active action to address sources of concern which may have a negative effect on self-confidence, whether it's frown lines or a receding hairline, in order to be - or at least present - your best self.
One issue amongst those seeking surgery, which was an obvious top concern - perhaps so obvious it had a response of 33 per cent which seems surprisingly low, was the fear of 'looking unnatural'.
When it comes to hair transplants, the technology and techniques used in these surgeries has come a long way from the old 'hair plug' effects that were frequently seen in the 1980's. Now, these procedures can be performed within hours with relatively little downtime, with signs being visible - often bloody spots on the scalp and inflammation - for up to a week afterwards.
However, in many cases surgery can be avoided altogether if the hair follicles are still functioning and capable of producing hair. There are clinically-proven, non-surgical hairloss solutions for Male Pattern Baldness - as long as the hair follicles are still active and the scalp has not taken on a smooth, shiny appearance - and Female Pattern Hair Loss. Belgravia offers MHRA licensed and FDA-approved hair loss treatments for both men and women, to help restore thinning hair and, with on-going use, help with preventing baldness.
Many clients tell us the impact following their bespoke hair regimens has had on their confidence and self-esteem, something which - whilst hair loss may seem trivial to some - can have a significant effect. "I am really happy just in general and have far more confidence about my hair," says this patient in her Success Story review. Whilst this Male Pattern Hair Loss treatment client notes, "I have personally seen huge improvements in my hair line, and so have many others, commenting on how healthy and thick my hair is... Nothing better than feeling confident that you have a full head of hair!"
Anyone concerned about losing their hair who wants to take decisive action can start by having a professional consultation. This simple step can be comforting as well as delivering the expert diagnosis, advice and personalised recommendations needed to make an informed decision about how to proceed.
The AAFPRS 2018 survey found that social media's effects on people's self-perception and how they want to appear both on and off camera, has had a significant impact on surgery and cosmetic practice rates - including hair loss restoration.
"Selfie awareness"
One of the main drivers of plastic surgery trends, according to the AAFPRS report, has been people wanting to look better in selfies. Over half of the surgeons surveyed - 55 per cent - reported patients citing this reason for having work done. As we get used to seeing 'filtered' versions of ourselves, real life imperfections can become worrisome for certain people. Botox and nose jobs (rhinoplasty) came out as the top procedures sought by both men and women.
However, it was not necessarily to do with wanting to look younger as the key concerns to surface were wanting to appear healthy and vital - effectively mimicking some of the effects that can be achieved through using photo filters on social media sites such as Instagram. However, wanting to have control over the ageing process was a stated desire for many. This is being somewhat catered to in the development of more technologically and scientifically advanced skincare and hair care products as brands look to target increasingly savvy and demanding consumers. Though these can only do so much, which may explain the rise in interest when it comes to invasive and non-invasive therapies, as well as the reported surge in hair transplant enquiries.
The AAFPRS survey found a jump in surgical hair restoration rate of over 500 per cent over the past five years (538 per cent). Whilst these figures represent American adults, this trend seems to be less prevalent among UK men.
AAFPRS President William H. Truswell, M.D. explains, “More and more of our patients are using social media as a forum to gain a sense of solidarity when under-going a major, potentially life-changing procedure. Consumers are only a swipe away from finding love and a new look, and this movement is only going to get stronger.”
This applies to both non-surgical and surgical rejuvenation procedures, with a notable rise being seen in the popularity of injectable treatments such as mesotherapy - scalp injections said to enhance hair growth - and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.
Though these scalp injections have not yet been proven to be beneficial as a genetic hair loss treatment, Dr. Truswell considers this an area to watch, stating "PRP is the next frontier, and facial plastic surgeons are eager for more data to illustrate what it can do for skin rejuvenation and how it can be used in combination with lasers, energy based devices, and microneedling and even hair restoration."
Another reason given for undergoing cosmetic procedures from eyelid surgery to hair transplants, included 'empowerment'. This can mean taking pro-active action to address sources of concern which may have a negative effect on self-confidence, whether it's frown lines or a receding hairline, in order to be - or at least present - your best self.
Fear of looking 'unnatural'
One issue amongst those seeking surgery, which was an obvious top concern - perhaps so obvious it had a response of 33 per cent which seems surprisingly low, was the fear of 'looking unnatural'.
When it comes to hair transplants, the technology and techniques used in these surgeries has come a long way from the old 'hair plug' effects that were frequently seen in the 1980's. Now, these procedures can be performed within hours with relatively little downtime, with signs being visible - often bloody spots on the scalp and inflammation - for up to a week afterwards.
However, in many cases surgery can be avoided altogether if the hair follicles are still functioning and capable of producing hair. There are clinically-proven, non-surgical hairloss solutions for Male Pattern Baldness - as long as the hair follicles are still active and the scalp has not taken on a smooth, shiny appearance - and Female Pattern Hair Loss. Belgravia offers MHRA licensed and FDA-approved hair loss treatments for both men and women, to help restore thinning hair and, with on-going use, help with preventing baldness.
Many clients tell us the impact following their bespoke hair regimens has had on their confidence and self-esteem, something which - whilst hair loss may seem trivial to some - can have a significant effect. "I am really happy just in general and have far more confidence about my hair," says this patient in her Success Story review. Whilst this Male Pattern Hair Loss treatment client notes, "I have personally seen huge improvements in my hair line, and so have many others, commenting on how healthy and thick my hair is... Nothing better than feeling confident that you have a full head of hair!"
Anyone concerned about losing their hair who wants to take decisive action can start by having a professional consultation. This simple step can be comforting as well as delivering the expert diagnosis, advice and personalised recommendations needed to make an informed decision about how to proceed.
The Belgravia Centre
The Belgravia Centre is a world-renowned group of a hair loss clinic in Central London, UK. If you are worried about hair loss you can arrange a free consultation with a hair loss expert or complete our Online Consultation from anywhere in the world for home-use treatment.
View our Hair Loss Success Stories, which includes the world's largest gallery of hair growth photos and demonstrates the level of success that so many of Belgravia's patients achieve.
