Social Media and Plastic Surgery Statistics: How Trends Attract Patients to Your Clinic

In recent years, social media isn’t just growing—it’s reshaping the way we live, connect, and, yes, even how we choose our doctors. 

As of February 2025, social media is reaching new heights with 5.24 billion users—around 63.9% of the world’s population.

In the US, the numbers are just as impressive. As of January 2025, 246 million Americans—that’s 72.5% of the population—are actively using social platforms.

So, what does this mean for you as a plastic surgeon?

If you’re among the best in the field but not as visible online as some of your flashier competitors, you could be losing out on valuable patient leads, consultations, and booked procedures. 

You’ve probably seen firsthand how social media influences demand. 

Those jaw-dropping before and afters, the viral glow-ups—they’re dominating Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

These platforms aren’t just for entertainment anymore. They’re where patients are searching for their next surgeon.

But here’s the truth: 

You’re busy. Between running your practice and taking care of patients, you barely have time to think about hashtags and algorithms.

And maybe you’ve already tried working with a few digital marketing agencies. 

At first, things seemed promising, but then their strategies started falling behind as platforms changed. 

If their cookie-cutter approach left you disappointed, we get it. 

In today’s world, what worked yesterday won’t necessarily work tomorrow.

You need a team that not only keeps up—but stays ahead.

That’s where we come in.

At Digital Spotlight, we specialize in turning your social media presence into a powerful tool that attracts and converts the right patients.

Whether it’s scroll-stopping organic content or smartly-targeted paid ads, we help you: 

• Grow your visibility
• Reach your ideal audience
• Bring in leads beyond word-of-mouth referrals

Our secret sauce?

We’re not your typical marketers.

Our founders are experts in actuarial science who’ve reverse-engineered social media algorithms to deliver real, measurable results consistently. 

With advanced tools and deep audience insights, our campaigns generate high-converting leads at 30% to 70% lower costs than traditional ads. 

It’s why our clients stick with us.

Most worked with three to seven agencies before landing here—and they stay because we actually deliver what we promise.

So, let’s stop letting potential patients scroll right past your work. 

We’ll help you stand out where it matters most—online. 

Schedule your FREE consultation today.

Visit us at 2450 Colorado Avenue, Suite 100E, Santa Monica, CA 90404, or give us a call at 310 879 8003. 

You may also send an email to contact@digitalspotlight.com. 

Let’s chat. We’d love to help you grow.

How Does Social Media Influence Plastic Surgery?

In today’s digital world, a simple like, comment, or share can do more than boost engagement—it can inspire someone to book a consultation. 

This era shows that the influence of social media isn’t just on beauty standards—it’s driving real decisions in plastic surgery.

Scrolling through social media feeds exposes users to various flawless face and body images, all thanks to filters and photo-editing tools like Photoshop—Adobe’s software for creating, designing, and editing images. 

These digital enhancements smooth the skin, refine features, and develop perfect proportions that set unrealistic beauty standards.

As a result, more people are seeking plastic and cosmetic procedures to match these idealized looks, hoping to bring their filtered reflection to life.

While we can help boost your likes and engagement on your social media posts, our real focus is on what truly matters—turning social media attention into high-quality leads and real growth for your plastic surgery practice.

Why Do Influencers Get Plastic Surgery?

One post from a famous influencer or celebrity showing off their latest plastic or cosmetic procedure can go viral in hours, reaching millions. 

With every like, comment, and share, the message spreads—this is the beauty standard, and plastic and cosmetic surgery are a natural step toward achieving it. 

As a result, more people feel inspired to get procedures themselves to match the picture-perfect looks they see online.

Did you know that 90.4% of participants believe cosmetic procedures are widely popular among social media influencers? 

Plus, 37.9% of participants admitted that seeing before and after photos influences their desire to get a procedure themselves.

That said, influencers have a huge impact on the rise of aesthetic procedures. Their personal stories and endorsements posted on social networking sites like TikTok make cosmetic surgery feel more accessible and more desirable, affecting followers’ interests and decision-making. 

Many influencers even partner with plastic surgeons, offering exclusive discounts and promotions to their followers, which only increases the demand for cosmetic enhancements even further.

What does this mean for you? Imagine utilizing the same data-driven strategies that fuel social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram to grow your plastic surgery practice. That’s where we come in.

We leverage advanced analytics to fine-tune your ads, ensuring you get a steady flow of high-quality leads, consults, and booked procedures—all at the lowest cost per acquisition.

What Role Do Social Media Trends Play in the Rise of Plastic Surgery Procedures?

Do you believe social media is just a trend? Think again. 

Social media has become an essential tool for plastic surgeons, helping them engage with patients, share knowledge and expertise with peers, and reach a wider audience. 

Here’s a stat you shouldn’t miss: According to a survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 81% of ASPS surgeons and plastic surgery trainees are already using social media.

The takeaway? If you’re not leveraging social media, you’re leaving potential patients (and revenue) on the table.

That’s where we step in. Our cutting-edge social media marketing helps you tap into this massive audience and turn engagement into actual high-value leads by:

• Showcasing your latest plastic surgery content 
• Promoting special offers 
• Growing your email list

We make sure your ads work for you so you can focus on what you do best.

Here’s proof that our strategies work:

Dr. Jordan Rihani of the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute saw incredible growth after partnering with us. Check out the numbers:

• Leads skyrocketed from 4 to 41 (a massive 925% increase), meaning more engagement and conversions.
• The click-through rate (CTR) jumped from 4.01% to 16.64% (a 314.96% boost), proving stronger ad relevance and appeal.
• The conversion rate surged from 1.63% to 9.09% (a 456.82% increase), showing that not only were people clicking—they were taking action.

These results speak for themselves. A well-executed paid ads strategy delivers serious growth and higher engagement and maximizes return on investment (ROI).

In today’s digital world and competitive healthcare landscape, plastic surgeons are using social media platforms for online marketing more than ever to improve visibility and engage with past, current, and future patients. 

The question is—are you making the most of them?

Is Social Media Pressure Linked to the Plastic and Cosmetic Procedure Boom?

These days, it’s typical for plastic surgery practices to have their own social media pages and accounts. This trend lines up with how social media use has exploded across audiences of all ages.

Facebook still leads as the most widely used platform overall. 

Instagram is especially popular with users under 35. Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) prefer Snapchat and Instagram, while Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) are more likely to use Facebook.

Here’s another interesting statistic: A 2021 study found that the US had the most Instagram posts tagged with #PlasticSurgery— over 2 million posts, 369 million likes, and a massive 6 billion views globally in just 21 months.

On top of that, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat flood feeds with picture-perfect and filtered images, which influence how people view beauty and spark interest in aesthetic surgery.

And the numbers back it up. 

A 2023 survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) stated that 72% of facial plastic surgeons noticed patients requesting procedures to enhance their appearance in selfies and social media photos. 

That’s a big jump compared to recent years.

Why should this matter to you as a plastic surgeon? 

The data reveals how massive your potential patient base could be. Don’t miss your chance to attract more patients with social media marketing.

Wondering about where the plastic surgery trend is heading next? Let’s dive into details you won’t want to miss.

What Are the Statistics on Social Media’s Impact on Plastic Surgery Trends?

Take a look at the demographic insights from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ 2023 Plastic Surgery Statistics.

Here’s how different younger age groups are jumping on the cosmetic surgery trends:

• Teens (Ages 13 to 19): For this age group, it’s all about self-esteem and self-expression. Nose reshaping and ear surgery are especially popular, as both features play a huge role in overall appearance and confidence. 
• Young adults (Ages 20 to 29):  Gen Z and young Millennials are all about enhancing their looks as they build their personal and professional identities. 

Body procedures like breast augmentation and liposuction are top choices, along with minimally invasive, nonsurgical treatments like BOTOX® and fillers.

In fact, in a cross-sectional study, nearly half—48.5%—of 816 respondents say that social media has influenced them to consider getting a cosmetic procedure. 

The more time young generations spend on these visual social media platforms, the more likely they are to consider cosmetic treatments. 

With social media fueling beauty trends, the demand for plastic and aesthetic procedures is only growing. Is your practice ready to meet it?

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. 

If you’re looking to boost brand awareness among younger generations, drive more traffic to your website, and grow your revenue, we offer a social media marketing strategy to make it happen.

Multiple plastic surgery trends have gone viral on social media and are shaping the demand for several procedures. 

We take the guesswork out of marketing these high-demand treatments. 

With precision keyword research, we’ll pinpoint the most effective search terms, craft compelling ad copy, and create a high-converting landing page. So your visitors don’t just browse; they book.

By targeting the right audience—those actively searching for terms like “liposuction,” “breast implants,” “scar revision,” or “tummy tuck”—we’ll bring in qualified patients who are ready to take action. Let’s make it happen.

Read on to uncover the latest opportunities in the plastic surgery market.

What Percentage of People Seek Plastic Surgery Due to Social Media Influence?

Surgeons agree that having a social media presence can have a big impact on patients’ decisions to pursue plastic surgery. 

Many of them believe that seeing plastic surgery’s social media content makes patients more likely to choose to undergo procedures.

Here are some crucial statistics: Social media plays a major role in influencing up to 40% of patients when it comes to choosing a plastic surgeon. 

Plus, social media has influenced 80% of people to consider getting cosmetic procedures.

Want to reach the right patients with the right message? Here’s what you need to know.

According to The Aesthetic Society, an organization of board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeons, different age groups gravitate toward specific procedures—and specific social platforms:

• Ages 17 to 35: Breast augmentation is the most common procedure, and this generation spends most of their time on Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.
• Ages 36 to 70: Liposuction leads the way, with patients in this age group more engaged on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 
• Ages 70 and above: Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is the top choice for this generation. While they may not be scrolling through TikTok and Instagram, they’re actively using Facebook. 

Don’t worry; we’ll help you connect with any of these generations. 

For 15+ years, we’ve mastered creating comprehensive digital marketing strategies specifically for surgeons—leveraging Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok ads to attract and convert the right patients.

How do we do it? Using various engaging ad formats that stop the scroll and drive action. 

For example, Facebook Ads offers a range of creative options—like image and video ads—to showcase your plastic surgery services.

Continue reading to learn more about the impact of social media on your plastic surgery practice.

How Has Social Media Affected Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Practices?

When thinking about the effect of the use of social media on the plastic surgery industry, it’s clear that there are both advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• More acceptance: Plastic surgery has become way more mainstream. People see it as a way to boost confidence and tackle things they’ve always wanted to change.
• Easier access to information: Patients can research before consultations and learn from real patient stories shared online.

Cons:

• Trends and misconceptions: Many people chase trends without fully understanding the risks or if a plastic surgery procedure is right for them.
• Misinformation everywhere: Not all social media information comes from certified plastic surgeons. Many sources lack medical expertise, resulting in misleading or inaccurate details.
• Image manipulation: From heavily edited pictures and staged before and after photos, social media can create unattainable beauty standards.
• Unrealistic expectations: Social media platforms can also set beauty standards by editing before and after results. Filters and photo edits dominate social media apps, showcasing flawless features that aren’t always achievable.

And that’s not all. The rise of selfies and video calls—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic has made people more aware of their faces. 

This drives demand for facial cosmetic procedures among those wanting to change and improve their appearance.

Given the prevalence of idealized faces and bodies online and the availability of photo editing tools, many people are often motivated to seek plastic and cosmetic surgery to look more like their digitally enhanced versions.

Are you eager to reach prospective patients seeking plastic surgery? We’re here to make it happen. 

We create relevant ad copy and ensure that images resonate best with your ideal audience. Then, we test multiple variations to uncover what drives the most clicks, engagement, and, ultimately, booked consultations.

Is TikTok the New Instagram for Plastic Surgery Trends?

TikTok has rapidly become a major influence in plastic surgery, serving as both a top source of information and misinformation for those curious about plastic and cosmetic procedures.

Social media is reshaping the conversation around plastic surgery, making it more accepted and less stigmatized while also driving interest among younger patients, especially in nonsurgical procedures. 

Trends on TikTok are directly influencing the treatments people seek in clinics.

Plus, social media has also fueled one of the biggest cosmetic surgery trends: the “Instagram Face.” 

This highly sought-after look features sculpted cheekbones, plump lips, and a stunning contoured nose—all achievable through cosmetic procedures. 

Here are some of the most in-demand treatments that supercharge the “Instagram Face” trend:

• Lip fillers: Plump, voluminous lips are a signature of this look. Injecting hyaluronic acid-based fillers enhances lip shape and fullness for that perfect pout. 
• Rhinoplasty: An impressively contoured nose is central to the “Instagram Face.” Whether it’s a nose job (rhinoplasty) or nonsurgical tweaks, refining the nose creates a more balanced, camera-ready profile.
• Cheek implants and fillers: High, defined cheekbones are a game-changer. This feature can be achieved through cheek implants (for a permanent lift) or dermal fillers (for a nonsurgical, natural-looking volume boost).
• Jawline Contouring: Options range from surgical procedures like genioplasty (chin surgery) to nonsurgical treatments like injectible fillers and BOTOX® for contouring and definition.
• Brow Lifts and BOTOX®: Lifted, arched eyebrows help frame the face and create a more youthful, expressive look. Whether through a surgical brow lift or BOTOX® injections, this treatment enhances the eye area for a refreshed, alert appearance.

Do you want to be the first choice when potential patients search for these services? We’ve got you covered. 

Social media platforms like Meta’s Instagram or Facebook and TikTok aren’t just social hubs; they’re powered by data and algorithms designed by mathematicians. 

And guess what? We’re mathematicians, too. 

Understanding how these systems work allows us to craft highly strategic, targeted social media campaigns that put your plastic surgery practice right in front of the patients who matter most.

Now that you’ve learned social media marketing tactics, let’s dive into something just as important—how to use social media responsibly in the plastic surgery industry.

How Can Surgeons Use Social Media Responsibly?

Social media is a powerful asset for plastic surgeons—but with great power comes great responsibility. The way you present yourself online matters more than ever.

That’s why plastic surgeons must follow strict ethical and legal guidelines. It’s about protecting your reputation and keeping patients safe from the risks of unprofessional social media usage. 

Want to ensure your online presence stays credible and compliant? You’re in the right place.

With social media playing a significant role in the plastic surgery industry, it’s crucial to follow best practices to maintain professionalism. Curious how?

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Always get consent: Use a social media-specific consent form and educate patients about the potential loss of ownership once content goes online.
• Protect privacy: Keep all content fully anonymized, and no personal details are shared—patient confidentiality is key.
• Use professional channels only: Always communicate with patients through a business account, not a personal one.
• Keep it real: Skip digital enhancements or filters and photo editing in marketing to maintain authenticity.
• Stay compliant: Stay sharp by attending social media training courses from professional organizations so you’re always up to date with the latest ethical and legal standards.

Be the surgeon patients trust—not just the one that looks good online.

Plastic surgeons and influencers alike should prioritize ethics —sharing accurate information, setting realistic expectations, and emphasizing patient safety to help maintain trust and integrity in the industry.

We can help you establish a strong and positive online reputation by sharing research-backed content that builds trust—so your digital presence reflects the expertise and credibility you bring as a plastic surgery provider.

Let’s grow your practice while keeping it ethical, compliant, and engaging. Book a FREE consultation with us to discover your online potential.

Visit us at 2450 Colorado Avenue, Suite 100E, Santa Monica, CA 90404, or give us a call at 310 879 8003. Prefer email? Reach out at contact@digitalspotlight.com.

What Is the Market Size of the Plastic Surgeon Industry in the US?

The US plastic surgery industry is set to hit a massive $19.1 billion in 2025—proving that the demand for plastic and cosmetic enhancements isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

With the competition heating up, we can level up your online marketing with sophisticated tools and resources. 

From social media ads (Facebook or Instagram) to SEO (search engine optimization) and Google Ads—we’ve got you covered.

Contact us today and find out how we can help you become a leading player in the plastic surgery industry.

How Often Do You Find News Articles About Rhinoplasty on Social Media?

A study found that while rhinoplasty news isn’t common on social media (35.55% rarely see it), a solid 33.19% of people come across it weekly. 

Guess where most people are getting their nose job updates? Snapchat—leading the pack at 64.69%!

And here’s the thing—potential patients might view your content, get distracted, and forget to come back. That’s where we come in. 

With strategic remarketing initiatives, we’ll ensure your practice stays top of mind, gently reminding potential patients to book that consultation. Because sometimes, all it takes is a well-placed ad to turn interest into action.

What Is the Most Dangerous Plastic Surgery?

Plastic and reconstructive surgeries are often complex procedures that may involve working near vital organs or delicate tissues.

Here are some of the possible risks to keep in mind:

• Blood clots
• Significant blood loss
• Fluid accumulation
• Infection
• Anesthesia-related issues
• Nerve damage

One of the high-risk reconstructive surgeries is facial reconstruction. It covers a wide variety of procedures, including surgeries needed after trauma. 

A particularly high-risk type is orthognathic surgery, which reshapes the jaw near vital blood vessels, leaving little room for error.

On the other hand, Brazilian butt lift (BBL) surgery has the highest risk of death among cosmetic procedures. The biggest danger is that injected fat can enter the bloodstream and block a blood vessel in the lungs, which can be life-threatening.

The safety of a BBL procedure heavily relies on the surgeon’s expertise, training, and technique. 

Why does this matter? According to the Aesthetic Surgery Journal,  most BBL complications happen when unlicensed surgeons perform the procedure in unregulated settings.

We’ll help you win patients’ trust and confidence in choosing you by showcasing your expertise as a certified plastic surgeon. 

By sharing helpful, expert-backed content on your website, social media, and other platforms, you attract potential leads, build credibility, and keep your audience engaged with your brand.

Here’s Dr. Mark Solomon’s review about how his online presence is stronger than ever with the help of our online marketing expertise:

“I was with another web company that essentially wanted to keep me hostage to their service. Digital Spotlight literally moved my site to their servers in one night. Since then, they’ve consistently raised my rankings on Google, and my practice has continued to grow thanks to those efforts.”

Mark P. Solomon, MD, FACS

Conclusion

Social media is an incredible way to educate and empower patients, guiding them to make informed decisions about their faces and bodies. But it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing up the right way.

Potential patients aren’t just looking for the flashiest social media presence—they want a surgeon who’s genuine, informative, and truly connects with them. We can help you do just that.

Your ideal patients are scrolling on social media—let’s make sure they find you! 

Ready to dive into social media marketing techniques for your plastic surgery practice?

We help plastic surgeons like you navigate social media effectively with our digital marketing expertise and data insights. 

With our innovative social media marketing, we can help position you as a trusted, board-certified plastic surgeon that potential patients are looking for—helping them feel confident in choosing your practice.

We’ve also managed millions of dollars in ad spend, so we know how to create and optimize high-performing social media campaigns.

Contact us today to get started!

We are located at 2450 Colorado Avenue, Suite 100E, Santa Monica, CA 90404. You can call us at 310-879-8003 or email contact@digitalspotlight.com. 

Don’t wait—your next patient is just a click away!