The world of plastic surgery has changed dramatically over the past decade. Gone are the days when only celebrities set the trends—today, social media influencers, TikTok filters, and viral beauty hacks dictate what’s hot and what’s not.
But is this a good thing, a dangerous fad, or the future of beauty?
From “snatched noses” to TrapTox, fox eyes, and Whoville noses, social media has propelled some bizarre and risky trends. While some procedures have legitimate benefits, others can lead to serious complications, unrealistic expectations, and even permanent disfigurement.
Let’s break down the most viral plastic surgery trends and separate the hype from reality.
Plastic surgery trends used to be dictated by Hollywood icons. Now, 70% of Gen Z patients say social media influenced their decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure.
Filters, Facetune, and influencers have redefined beauty standards, pushing some people toward unnecessary—and sometimes dangerous—alterations. This phenomenon has even led to “social media dysphoria”, where people feel inadequate based on how they look online versus real life.
But are these trends actually beneficial, or are they just fleeting fads with serious consequences? Let’s take a closer look.
TrapTox, or trapezius Botox, is one of the hottest new cosmetic treatments. It involves injecting Botox into the trapezius muscles (shoulders) to relax them, giving the illusion of a longer, more elegant neck.
Pros:
✅ Can slim the upper body by reducing muscle bulk
✅ Helps relieve tension headaches, migraines, and neck pain
✅ Minimally invasive with no downtime
Cons:
🚩 Must be repeated every 3-6 months for lasting results
🚩 Incorrect placement can weaken shoulder function
🚩 Results vary depending on muscle mass
Final Verdict: TrapTox can be useful for both aesthetic and medical reasons, but it must be done by an experienced injector who understands muscle anatomy.
A “snatched nose” refers to the use of fillers to reshape the nose without surgery. By adding filler along the nasal bridge and tip, the nose can appear sharper, straighter, and more defined.
Pros:
✅ Quick, non-surgical alternative to a traditional nose job
✅ No downtime, minimal discomfort
✅ Temporary (lasts 12-18 months), allowing for adjustments
Cons:
🚩 Filler can block blood flow, leading to skin death or blindness
🚩 Results are temporary and may require frequent touch-ups
🚩 Overfilling can make the nose look bigger, not smaller
If filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, it can cut off circulation, causing skin tissue to die. This can lead to permanent scarring or deformity.
Final Verdict: While a snatched nose can look amazing in photos, the risks are high. This procedure must be performed by an expert in facial anatomy, preferably a board-certified plastic surgeon.
The fox eye trend originated from makeup techniques to create an elongated, almond-shaped eye. Now, some people are opting for surgical and non-surgical methods to achieve this permanently.
Methods Used:
🔹 PDO Threads – Temporary dissolvable sutures to lift the outer corners of the eyes
🔹 Blepharoplasty & Canthoplasty – Surgical eyelid lifts to reshape the eye permanently
Pros:
✅ Creates a lifted, youthful eye shape
✅ Can be subtle or dramatic, depending on preference
Cons:
🚩 PDO Threads only last a few months and can cause dimpling or asymmetry
🚩 Surgical fox eye lifts are permanent and difficult to reverse
🚩 Can lead to dry eyes, irritation, and unnatural results
Final Verdict: If you want a fox eye, stick to makeup. Surgical changes to the eye are difficult to reverse and can lead to permanent complications.
Inspired by “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, this viral trend involves surgically shortening and lifting the nose to look like a Whoville character.
Yes, this is a real thing, and people are even traveling to Turkey for the procedure.
Pros:
❌ None.
Cons:
🚩 Permanent alteration that cannot be easily reversed
🚩 Requires major reconstructive surgery to fix if results are botched
🚩 Will look extremely unnatural as you age
Final Verdict: This is one of the worst trends in plastic surgery. Do not do this. Period.
Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that removes fat from the cheeks to create a slimmer, more sculpted face. It’s popular among influencers who want a hollowed, high-cheekbone look.
Pros:
✅ Can enhance cheekbone definition
✅ Permanent results
Cons:
🚩 Results are unpredictable—some patients look great, while others look older
🚩 Fat loss naturally occurs with aging—removing it too soon can lead to a gaunt, sunken face in your 40s-50s
🚩 The facial nerve runs through the buccal fat, meaning damage can cause long-term complications
Final Verdict: Buccal fat removal may seem like a quick fix, but it can age you prematurely. Instead of removal, consider non-surgical contouring techniques like filler or skin tightening
While some social media-driven trends have real benefits, others can be dangerous, unnecessary, or even irreversible.
Golden Rules for Cosmetic Surgery Decisions:
✅ Never base your surgery on a trend—what’s “in” today may be outdated tomorrow
✅ Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon before committing to any procedure
✅ Think long-term—how will this procedure look in 10, 20, or 30 years?
✅ Understand the risks—if a procedure sounds too good to be true, it probably is
The bottom line? Social media should be a place for inspiration, not medical advice. Always research, ask questions, and make informed decisions before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.
If you’re curious about a procedure or want a professional opinion, book a consultation with Dr. Earl Stephenson, Jr., a board-certified plastic surgeon in Atlanta.
📞 Call: 770-466-4700
📧 Email: concierge@esjaesthetics.com
🌍 Website: www.esjaesthetics.com
Beauty is personal—make sure your choices are safe, informed, and designed to last a lifetime.
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