In an age where social media inundates us with images of flawless beauty, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to discern reality from illusion. 

Many of us rely on these images when considering cosmetic treatments or selecting a doctor, but how can we trust what we see?

Our guest this week is Dr. Michel J Reilly, a double board-certified head & neck and facial plastic surgeon. He addresses the alarming trend of subtle editing in before and after photos, which may not accurately portray the outcomes of surgical procedures. Dr. Reilly shares insights gleaned from his extensive experience, offering invaluable guidance on how to navigate the sea of plastic surgery imagery flooding our social media feeds.

Studies, such as one by Vaca et al., have revealed that a staggering 97% of top before-and-after Instagram posts associated with plastic surgery hashtags showcase visually enhanced results. This raises important questions about authenticity and transparency in the industry.

In this episode, we explore strategies for decoding these images. We discuss how factors like lighting, facial expressions, head positioning, makeup, and hairstyle differences can significantly impact our perception of surgical results. By gaining insights into these nuances, listeners can become more discerning consumers of cosmetic imagery and make informed decisions about their aesthetic journeys.