The rise of reality TV has shown to link to an increase in the number of people opting for cosmetic treatments. This does not really come as a surprise. TV shows such as Love Island have shone a light on the cosmetic industry, with almost all of the contestants having undergone treatments, possibly even in preparation for appearing on the show.

Love Island is ITV2’s most successful show, and it is clear it, and other shows like it, have begun to influence the British public. During Love Island’s latest broadcast, the public was treated to a new ‘before’ image of a contestant every day online, showing the stark differences between their appearance before undergoing cosmetic treatments.

Everything from rhinoplasty to breast augmentation has been observed on the contestants of some of the country’s most popular reality shows. Reality TV is undoubtedly making an impact in the cosmetic world, but what does this mean for the industry?

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Cosmetic Surgery Becoming More Mainstream

The average age of a woman going under the knife has dropped from 42 in 2012 to 37 in 2018, the lowest it has ever been. Research has shown that watching just a couple of episodes of Love Island increases the likelihood of 18- to 34-year-olds considering lip fillers. Breast augmentation is also on the rise, as is rhinoplasty.

While cosmetic procedures used to be considered a significant bodily change that most people would not consider, a poll by VICE UK found that 59% of respondents now believe lip fillers are comparable to getting a haircut or a manicure. Many clinics have been capitalising on the uptake of anti-wrinkle injections and fillers, using slogans from reality TV shows to entice fans in, possibly even promising that they can get the same look as their favourite reality star.

It is a worrying time, as people are seemingly rushing into procedures without fully doing their research. Any cosmetic work should be thoroughly researched and discussed with a clinician before going under the knife or having any injections.

Is the Increase a Good Thing?

It would be easy to criticise the rise in cosmetic procedures from a purely negative perspective. But the prominence of cosmetic treatments on such mainstream shows has brought the conversation into the public’s consciousness, allowing people to perhaps feel that they can be more open about work they have had done.

For people who are unhappy with their appearance, cosmetic treatments becoming more normalised can help them have the confidence to seek cosmetic solutions. But no cosmetic treatment should be taken lightly. You should always think carefully about what you want to achieve from your cosmetic treatment and do your research and consider if it is right for you.

At ASC, you can book a consultation with us to discuss any of our treatments. Let us know what your problem areas are, and we would be more than happy to recommend both surgical and non-surgical treatments that will give you the best possible results. For a cosmetic clinic in Guernsey, Jersey and Belfast, contact ASC today.