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2026, Number 2

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Cir Plast 2026; 36 (2)

Is viral plastic surgery real plastic surgery? A descriptive analysis of content and perception of the specialty in Mexican social media

Reyes-Montero CF, Pérez-Antillón SH, Almeida-Muñoz DE, González-Chaparro K, Favela-Campos RM, Baeza-Ramos JH, Paz-Murga ER, Olivas-Borunda MR, Lacombe-Bringas D

Language: Spanish
References: 16
Page: 112-119
PDF size: 1145.23 Kb.


ABSTRACT

The use of social media to disseminate plastic surgery content has increased; however, doubts remain regarding its impact on patients and adherence to ethical and legal standards. Currently, there are no local studies with adequate design addressing this issue. The objective of this study was to describe trends in plastic surgery content on Instagram, as well as to analyze user perception and preferences. A descriptive, ambispective and analytical study was conducted in two phases: analysis of Instagram posts using hashtags and surveys of 105 users to evaluate perception, preferred formats and decision-making criteria in plastic surgery. More than 41,000 posts were analyzed, with images predominating (96.6%) and procedure-related content accounting for 45.7%. Only 25.7% displayed complete certifications. In the survey, 54.3% expressed interest in aesthetic surgery, and Instagram was the most used platform (85.7%). Users preferred video formats and demanded more information about costs, care, and risks. Plastic surgery content on social media favors virality and commercial appeal, disregarding legality and professional training. In the absence of control and regulation, the question arises: how to change the perception and demand for content about plastic surgery in social media?


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