Zoom video meets trigger plastic surgery demand to look good

NEW YORK: Believe it or not but video meetings on online platforms has triggered 'Zoom Dysmorphia' — a disorder involving obsessive focus on a perceived flaw in body appearance — that has resulted in people seeking plastic surgery in record numbers. According to researchers in the US, patients are seeking plastic surgery in record numbers, citing their appearance on Zoom as a cause.

Of particular concern are noses and wrinkles, according to a paper published in the journal Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine.

Zoom has allowed life to go on in an ever-changing world, but may be affecting the way individuals view themselves.

The authors noted a surge in patients citing their appearance on Zoom as a reason to seek care, particularly concerned with acne and wrinkles.

A recent analysis of Google search trends during the pandemic showed the terms "acne" and "hair loss" are increasing in this newly virtual reality.

"We suspect the trend may also arise from people constantly seeing themselves on video and becoming more aware of their appearance," the authors said.

Before Zoom took over as the metric used to value one's appearance, patients used selfies and an arsenal of photo editing apps to create filtered versions of themselves. Dubbed "Snapchat dysmorphia", the influx of patients hoping to look more like their edited selves has caused widespread concern for its potential to trigger body dysmorphic disorder. (IANS)

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