Virtual reality: Zoom meetings causing an upsurge in cosmetic surgeries

It’s been months we have been quarantining. The lockdown taught me to bake banana bread, brew the perfect Dalgona coffee, gorge on healthy food to boost immunity, get back to my workout routine, amongst many other things. But, it still hasn’t helped me get over the anxiety I feel every time I attend zoom meetings. I am constantly thinking about how wonky my teeth are or how oily my skin looks or if my double chin is visible or if my acne is getting worse. And, this has resulted in me spending a lot on cosmetics as well as on dermatologist appointments,” says Neha (name changed), who works in a multi-national company in Mumbai.A recent study in the journal Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine says the lockdown has seen a significant increase in the number of plastic surgeries in the US. Are virtual meetings taking a toll on our faces and minds too? Or are these meetings leading to body dysmorphic disorder? Is it the same in Indian? We try to find out with the help of experts.Change in self-imageIndividuals who earlier used to find it difficult to visit a dermatologist or spend on skincare products are now not reluctant to spend money. “I don’t know if it is just the virtual meetings, but since now people get a lot of time at home, they are critically analysing their features,” says Dr Nirupama Parwanda, a Dermatologist associated with myUpchar and Zolie Skin Clinic.Dr Apratim Goel, Cosmetic Dermatologist, Cutis Skin Studio, believes individuals are more conscious about their features when they are attending virtual meetings. She says, “There is a different set of problems that have come up post lockdown. People are spending more on the treatment on areas more visible such as face, neck, etc. For instance, a lot…
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