The video conferencing service, Zoom, was one of the most influential platforms during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many companies, programs, and organizations used Zoom to connect when otherwise it would be unsafe to meet in person. However, something that plastic surgeons noticed, once elective procedures were available to patients, was an increased demand for plastic surgery and other aesthetic treatments.

Why Are More People Getting Plastic Surgery After COVID-19?

If you have to use Zoom or another virtual video meeting platform for work, or to connect with your family, you may have an idea why plastic surgery is becoming more popular. 

Zoom Dysmorphia

The saying goes, “the camera adds 10 pounds” and while Zoom isn’t the same as a Hollywood camera, seeing yourself reflected in the camera might make you more self-conscious. It is possible to use video calling services without looking at your own video feed, but most people find examining how they look in their video feed irresistible. In fact, due to the prevalence and popularity of Zoom, many people have expressed this feeling in relatable memes.

And with more people wanting to look good on camera, the more they may be experiencing “Zoom Dysmorphia.” Zoom dysmorphia is not an official condition, but it does reference facial dysmorphia where someone feels distorted self-image and self-worth due to perceived issues with their own face.

We’re all a little more sensitive to our own flaws, but then seeing them on display in a camera can make them feel much more significant.

This feature, along with less than ideal camera angles and lighting conditions could be one reason that more people are turning to plastic surgery and other aesthetic treatments.

The “Zoom Boom”

It’s not just the effects of looking at our own faces more frequently that could be behind the uptick in plastic surgery. No, another added benefit that patients are taking advantage of is being able to work from home, especially if they were curious about plastic surgery in the past.

Normally, plastic surgery procedures require a couple of weeks of downtime before a full return to activity. Face procedures like eye lifts or face lifts usually cause bruising and require bandages to be worn while the face heals. But while people work from home they don’t have to take as many sick days, and can even work from the comfort of their beds while resting. So having the time to take off for surgery and recovery is not as much of an issue, especially because patients can still participate in essential meetings without even having to turn their camera on.

More Disposable Income

Those blessed to keep working during the lockdowns may have found themselves saving money on gas and food. During a regular workweek they may have relied on eating out for lunch, snacks, and coffee, and then found themselves buying cheaper options at home. With no commute, they might have found more money in their bank accounts thanks to fewer trips to the gas station.

And more money in the bank means it’s easier to consider elective cosmetic procedures.

Best Surgeries for Looking Good On Zoom

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that in 2020 the procedures that saw the biggest increase in popularity were mostly face-focused procedures like facelifts and chin liposuction. Below are a few examples of plastic surgery procedures we offer at Garza Plastic Surgery in Nashville, TN to help our patients look their best on Zoom and in person.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

The nose is probably the most prominent feature of your face, and by doing a few small alterations, a plastic surgeon can optimize the proportions of your face. A board certified surgeon can also straighten a crooked nose, or improve the overall shape and structure of your nose.

Facelift

If you’re starting to see more lines and wrinkles in your personal video feed, a facelift is the gold standard for helping people looking younger. Facelifts help stretch and lift lines and wrinkles, as well as sagging skin around the eyes and neck. Treatment can also be customized to target specific areas of concern. 

Marionette lines, frown lines, and nasolabial folds can all appear more prominent in stark zoom lighting, not to mention if you’re using a high-definition camera. If this is how you’re feeling, then you should talk to a Nashville plastic surgeon about how a facelift can help you.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Stress and lack of sleep from the past two years has undoubtedly caused more crow’s feet and under eye bags than ever before. An eye lift can lift and tighten the soft skin either under or above your eyes. An eyelift can also remove fat deposits that have dragged down the skin around the eyes.

Patients who receive eye lift procedures report looking younger, more refreshed, and less tired. If you’d like to explore your options for eye lift surgery and how it could help you look better on Zoom, schedule a consultation with Dr. Garza.

Neck Lifts

If you’ve been using Zoom on a desktop or laptop, chances are that the camera has been at an angle that makes your neck look less than flattering. Even if you don’t have what many refer to as a “double chin,” you may be noticing some sagging skin stretching from your jawline to your neck.

Either way, a neck lift can reduce the amount of extra skin and fat deposits under your neck to give you a younger appearance.

Best Aesthetic Treatments to Look Good on Zoom

Surgical aesthetic procedures were not the only treatments on the rise in 2020. Nonsurgical treatments like Botox and dermal fillers also grew in popularity. If you’re not ready to go under the knife, then ask your surgeon about the following aesthetic treatments to help you look your best on Zoom this year.

Lip Fillers

At Garza Plastic Surgery, we offer a wide selection of injectable dermal fillers to add volume to your face for more lush and full features. Lip injections are among our most popular options for patients looking for a quick boost.

But our dermal fillers also help make up for lost facial volume while improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

At Garza Plastic Surgery we offer injectable treatments including:
  • Juvederm® Ultra XC
  • Juvederm® Ultra Plus XC
  • Juvederm Volbella® XC
  • Juvederm Vollure® XC
  • Juvederm Voluma® XC

Botox Injections

Many lines and wrinkles are caused by the contraction of muscles when making certain facial expressions. Botox injections can be used to reduce the intensity and occurrence of these facial expressions by numbing the nerves to certain facial muscles. Treatments are quick and give patients results for months at a time.

ZO Blue Peel

Designed by dermatologist Zein Obagi, the ZO Blue Peel is a medical skin peel that rejuvenates and repairs the skin at a mid-depth level. This chemical peel can help reduce the appearance of fine lines on the face, as well as address problems such as discoloration, scarring, and sun damage.

Make an appointment with Tracey Robinson to learn more about the ZO skincare treatments and product we offer at Garza Plastic Surgery.

PDO Threading

PDO threads are the best alternative to a full facelift procedure. This procedure is minimally invasive and nonsurgical, so there’s no need for general anesthesia. Using PDO threads, Dr. Garza will lift and tighten the skin around your face and neck. Once placed, the threads will absorb naturally into your skin while stimulating collagen production.

Results last for months at a time and the treatment can usually be completed in under an hour.

PRP Therapy for Facial Rejuvenation

Have you heard of Kim Kardashian’s vampire facial? Well, it’s no myth. Platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP) are effective at giving patients a younger appearance that includes improved skin volume and a youthful glow. No vampirism required!

Visit Garza Plastic Surgery

These are only a few of the plastic surgery procedures and aesthetic treatments we offer at Garza Plastic Surgery in Nashville, TN. To find out if one of these treatments, or another of our services like HydraFacial, is right for you, make an appointment at our office for an aesthetic consultation.