How Zoom Is Causing A Cosmetic Boom

With 47 per cent of Canadians working remotely, daily video calls have us looking at ourselves more frequently than ever before. This increase in literal self-reflection has caused a surge in cosmetic procedures. We chatted with 8 West facial plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi about this trend—read his insights into how Zoom is causing a cosmetic boom! —Vita Daily

Hi Dr. Buonassisi! Have you seen this increase in literal self-reflection cause a surge in cosmetic procedures? If yes, how so?

Yes, many people have a strong desire to return to their normal lives, and for many that includes looking as good as they feel. The camera lens can really distort a person’s perceptions of themselves. The “fishbowl” effect can make certain features appear much differently on camera than they do in real life giving people an altered perspective of themselves and causing them to pay particular attention to certain aspects of their own face that they had never really noticed before.

What types of procedures (invasive and non) have you seen surge, and why? Why do you think, personally, that video conferencing is changing the way we look at ourselves?

We have certainly noticed an uptick in the amount of “micro surgeries” or minimally invasive surgeries that are being booked. These are procedures such as the sliver blepharoplasty, mini lift, and minimal incision brow lift that, for the right candidate, can offer the noticeable change that comes from having surgical procedure with a much quicker recovery and less downtime. We have also noticed a rise in patients coming to the clinic for injectable treatments, specifically to target concerns in the eye area such as botox for crow’s feet or filler for a tired eye treatment. With more and more people wearing masks, we are relying on our eyes to be the focal point and express or communicate how we are feeling.

How else is working from home impacting cosmetic trends?

Although we have always offered virtual online consultations as a part of our practice, we have noticed that the number of online inquiries has increased significantly since there has been more of an awareness to have online consultations and get prepared in advance. Many patients who are finding themselves working more from home, or even working outside the home but being required to wear a mask, have the ability to recover from both surgical and non surgical procedures in relative anonymity without having anyone else necessarily know that they have had anything done. These are often procedures that they have been considering for awhile but have not been able to find the time for recovery, or downtime, that fits into their schedules until now.

Your top advice or tips for looking your best during a Zoom meeting?

• Taking a few minutes to get yourself ready prior to your call can make a world of difference.
• Ensure the lighting in your room is bright and inviting, sit next to a window if possible for natural light
• Pay attention to your surroundings, is the room behind you clean and free of clutter?
• Position the camera at a flattering angle
• Wear bright, solid colours avoiding white and black.

8west.ca