Hey Doc! – Dating Apps and Plastic Surgery

 

On the latest episode of Hey Doc!, hosts welcometo discuss dating apps and plastic surgery.

Dating apps like Tinder and Bumble have reshaped how people connect, but are they also driving a boom in cosmetic surgery? In a recent Hey Doc! episode, hosts Dr. William P. Adams Jr. and Dr. Rod Rohrich are joined by Dr. Jerry Chidester, Dr. Jason Pozner, and Dr. Charlie Riccio to explore this intriguing trend. They discuss whether the pressure to look polished in profile pictures is pushing patients toward procedures or if broader cultural shifts, amplified by social media and Zoom, are at play.

Dating Apps and First Impressions: A Catalyst for Change?

The panel dives into whether dating apps, with their focus on visual first impressions, are spurring cosmetic procedures. Dr. Rohrich introduces the topic: “We’re gonna talk about this trend… in cosmetic surgeries that’s driven by, supposedly, allegedly, dating apps.” Dr. Riccio hears it from patients: “The dating apps, at least the static photos, sometimes don’t ever resemble who they meet in person.” He notes that while live videos might align better, “the first impression is always a good one and that’s usually the physical appearance.”

Dr. Riccio sees the connection: “People do see themselves and… if I’m on a dating app… I want to look good.” The desire to stand out in a swipe-right culture pushes some to seek enhancements, though he cautions that tools like Photoshop and filters often suffice for profile pics. Dr. Pozner, practicing in Boca Raton with older facial patients, is skeptical: “I’m not really seeing many of them on the dating app.” He points to shows like Love Is Blind, where connections form without visuals, suggesting physical appearance isn’t always king.

The discussion ties this trend to a post-COVID shift. Dr. Chidester explains: “We’re in an era now where… we’re on Zoom meetings since COVID… I could see [it] spreads over into the dating worlds.” Dr. Rohrich recalls: “During COVID… people are going, ‘damn, I need something done.’” The constant self-scrutiny on screens—Zoom, TikTok, or dating apps—heightens appearance awareness, potentially driving surgical consultations.

Beyond Dating Apps: A Broader Cultural Shift

The panel debates whether dating apps are the sole driver or part of a larger phenomenon. Dr. Chidester references the “catfish” concept: “Someone shows up and doesn’t look anything like you thought, or is 20 years older.” This gap between online personas and reality may prompt some to seek surgery to align their look with their digital image. However, Dr. Riccio attributes the trend more to selfie culture: “People became a lot more aware of their appearance… with the selfie culture we have… [they’re] more proactive about trying to improve their appearance.”

Dr. Riccio sees it as a natural extension of plastic surgeons’ role: “Plastic surgeons and our co-specialists offer lots of things for people who want to improve their appearance.” Patients aren’t just hiding at home; they’re seeking expert opinions for procedures like eye or face lifts. Dr. Pozner agrees, noting it’s a familiar pattern: “People come to us because they want to look better, whether… on Zoom or on their dating app.” Even anecdotes, like a med school friend marrying someone he’d only seen masked, highlight that attraction often transcends superficial fixes.

The panel concludes that while dating apps amplify appearance pressure, the drive for cosmetic surgery reflects a broader societal embrace of self-improvement. “It’s good for our businesses, and it’s really good for the public,” Dr. Riccio adds, emphasizing the positive impact of accessible surgical options.

Swiping Right on Self-Confidence

This Hey Doc! episode reveals dating apps as one piece of a larger puzzle fueling cosmetic surgery demand. From Zoom fatigue to selfie culture, the push for a polished look is real, though not always dating-driven. Dr. Riccio sums it up: “People have become more proactive about trying to improve their appearance.”

Are dating apps influencing your choices? Share in the comments, like, and subscribe for more Hey Doc insights. For enhancements, consult board-certified surgeons for results that match your real-world goals.