DEMAND for cosmetic surgery is soaring in a “Zoom boom” after months of people scrutinising themselves on video calls.
We can reveal there has been a 150 per cent spike in enquiries about nose jobs and 600 per cent in weight-loss surgery.
Top clinics have also revealed that bookings have sky-rocketed leading up to Christmas as people choose to give cosmetic procedures as a gift to themselves or a loved one.
And breast surgery, from augmentation and lifts to reductions, remains the most popular procedure.
‘Special gift’
The Transform Hospital Group has seen a 70 per cent rise in enquiries since lockdown.
David Shirra, head of commercial operations, said: “There’s no doubt the Zoom boom has had an effect. Patients say video calls have made them more self-conscious about problem areas.
“Half of our top ten procedures this year were breast operations.
“We’re seeing patients finally booking in for the procedures they’ve always wanted, with some treating themselves for Christmas, or asking their partner to get them their dream surgery or treatment as a special gift”
The number of people using video calls doubled to 70 per cent of the population as a result of the pandemic, according to Ofcom.
Expert Dr Asher Siddiqi said: “With cameras being the main way we’re communicating with loved ones and work colleagues, people are looking at their own faces now more than ever before.
“It can be very disconcerting particularly when we’re seeing our faces up close and know there may be a virtual meeting room full of people also looking at us. Many people are saying that during meetings they can’t stop looking at their face on the screen, that they ‘look so tired’, that they ‘had so many wrinkles around the eyes’ and they ‘didn’t realise their nose was so big’.”
The Karidis Clinic confirmed there has been a surge in bookings for procedures either as a Christmas present for themselves or a loved one. Mr Alex Karidis said: “This year we are being forced to recognise self-care is what will keep us positive.
“A big influence has been more time spent seeing ourselves on screens and on social media.
“We’ve also had less distractions — holidays, important events and socialising, which means the urgency for surgery increased as patients have more time available to recover.”
Almost half of us put on weight during the first lockdown which could explain the increase in enquiries for weight-loss surgery.
Tony Veverka, CEO of Transform Hospital Group, has another theory.
He said: “Being overweight can increase the risk of complications for those who contract Covid-19, so perhaps the pandemic has caused people living with obesity to take action.”
Above, we reveal the Top Ten most-wanted procedures.
