Transparency in procedures: How social media is creating a new, open dialogue around plastic surgery

There's no doubt that one of the hottest media topics around plastic surgery is the gossip that surrounds which celebrities have had which procedure done. From social media influencers to gossip columnists to industry experts, everyone loves to be a part of the conversation and speculate about how celebrities achieve and maintain their looks.

Many celebrities and everyday people alike have historically elected to keep their plastic surgery under wraps, both due to perceived public scrutiny and the so-called "taboo" feeling surrounding them. For all involved, this can be because some label plastic surgery as selfish or vapid, even for those whose livelihood depends on their appearance.

However, there has been a recent significant shift away from this trend of secrecy toward one of transparency, with the Hollywood elite, influencers and patients being very open and straightforward about their procedures.

This sudden shift can be traced back to a comment from the one and only Kylie Jenner on TikTok when she was asked about her breast augmentation specifics and she responded, "445 cc, moderate profile, half under the muscle!!!!! silicone!!! garth fisher!!! hope this helps lol."

Since her very open and honest comment around breast augmentation, other celebrities, content creators and industry professionals have also decided to open up about what procedures they have had done, sharing with their audiences on social media and elsewhere. In turn, more individuals have been encouraged to be transparent about what procedures they've undergone, further perpetuating the cycle of open sharing and honesty.

But what does this mean for the plastic surgery industry moving forward? Is this just a quick-hitting social trend or something more permanent? To learn more about this new trend of transparency in procedures, we spoke with ASPS Member Surgeons Johnny Franco, MD, and Kelly Killeen, MD.

The continuing shift in transparency around procedures

In an age of misinformation and false representation on social media, showing transparency around what plastic surgery procedures someone has received to attain their looks is a breath of fresh air.

"This is one of the most positive trends in social media that I have seen in the past couple of years," said Dr. Franco. "This openness, frankness, willingness to talk about it – it's so refreshing. It normalizes this and makes people think that it isn't just some magic potion or diet that made people turn into this. I have loved this for my patients!"

Even with the positive nature of this shift towards transparency, it's important to exercise caution.

"Like most things, there are good and bad things about transparency," said Dr. Killeen. "For too long, celebrities would pretend they did not do various procedures and that their impossible physiques were due to genetics. Women would chase these bodies with an unhealthy diet, supplements, etc. Women hold themselves to an impossible standard that was only achievable via surgery. It's good for people to know the truth.

"The unfortunate thing about transparency is that this may encourage more people to have procedures and continue to shift the beauty standard to something not obtainable without surgery, which is concerning," continued Dr. Killeen. "Although plastic surgery procedures are amazing and can improve self-esteem and make adjustments to areas of our bodies, they cannot completely change who you are. My concern is always that people will start to believe they can transform into their favorite celebrity with enough surgery."

The impact of growing transparency in plastic surgery

Transparency isn't only a positive change for patients – it's also an amazing step forward for surgeons. Potential patients have better access to accurate information and a wider array of results that can help inform them about what to expect with a given procedure.

"What's also been super interesting and exciting is that even we, as surgeons in our own practice, are seeing that our patients are sharing their journey," said Dr. Franco. "The more variety we can get, the more we can see the different results that are achievable. In turn, this will show what options there are for patients and what way procedures can go. It will help future patients search for much more meaningful terms and procedures. It has been really exciting to see and create this buzz of open conversations with patients and other surgeons."

Social media has become increasingly influential in our lives, and its impact is being felt in the plastic surgery specialty.

"In general, it's always surprising to me how powerful social media can be with driving plastic surgery trends," said Dr. Killeen. "I had an adorable patient share her surgery details, and I received over 20 consultation requests, half of which requested her exact surgery down to the implant size!"

How to continue this momentum of transparency

While this is an amazing step in a positive direction for the plastic surgery specialty, it's essential to maintain the momentum and make this not a trend, but a lasting and permanent part of the conversation.

"I do think that we as plastic surgeons do have to keep educating people and encouraging them to post and participate in this trend," said Dr. Franco. "With more participants, you can see a wider variety of body frames, body shapes, etc., getting the same type of procedure with different results. It can really help educate patients on the different options. And the more educated someone is, the better outcome they will receive and the more realistic they will be about it. That's why I love this trend and have been so proactive about it at my practice."

Social media and celebrity culture will always be intertwined. With the recent rise in popularity of celebrities and patients alike being transparent about plastic surgery procedures on social media, we have seen a noticeable shift in public perception, accompanied by a greater willingness to share details that would have been kept private otherwise.

As we continue to move the conversation forward with openness and honesty, it's important to keep the goal of transparency in mind and closely monitor realistic beauty standards to ensure that we're not taking this trend too far into the realm of unattainability.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.