AI, Social Media & self-image: A growing concern among young people

From filter to filler: where do we draw the line?

At SkinSurgery Clinics, we believe in honest and medically responsible advice. Yet we’re increasingly confronted with a worrying trend: young people whose self-image is being influenced by social media or AI, leading them to consider cosmetic procedures—often without a valid medical or cosmetic reason. How do we at SkinSurgery approach this?

The dangers of online advice when it comes to cosmetic procedures

Recently, we received a request from a 19-year-old boy who wanted eyelid surgery. His reason? An AI program, based on a photo he uploaded, advised him that his eyelids were “correctable” and that surgery would make him look “fresher.”

This is deeply concerning. Not only because AI tools (such as ChatGPT) cannot provide medical judgments, but also because they lack important context—such as a person’s overall health, age, emotional state, or the natural variation in human appearance.

“ChatGPT told me I need eyelid surgery…”

The impact of social media on young people's self-image

Social media plays a major role in shaping how young people see themselves. Every day, they’re exposed to ‘perfect’ faces on Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat—faces of influencers and celebrities they admire. These role models don’t just use makeup and styling, but also filters, editing apps, and cosmetic procedures like botox and fillers. Many of these enhancements are normalized or even promoted, without any transparency about what’s truly natural and what isn’t. The danger is that young people start to view these manipulated images as the standard and begin comparing their own appearance to something that doesn’t really exist. This can lead to insecurity, a distorted self-image, and the belief that there’s something ‘wrong’ with their looks—even when that’s not the case at all. The constant pressure to live up to an artificial ideal can trigger a desire for unnecessary cosmetic procedures and even result in mental health struggles if those desires remain unmet.

AI and social media are no substitute for a doctor

We understand how powerful technology and imagery can be. Young people are bombarded with flawless visuals: smooth skin, extensive skincare routines, symmetrical features, large eyes, and full lips. These images are not only edited and filtered but are also used by smart AI tools to make suggestions based on this so-called ‘perfect’ algorithm. And that’s exactly where the problem lies. The algorithm is fed by everything that circulates online. But AI lacks something essential: human insight and years of clinical experience.

A DOCTOR DOESN’T JUST LOOK AT A FACE, BUT ALSO AT:

• someone’s age and skin condition
• the effect on natural facial expressions
• the psychological motivation behind the request
• whether a treatment is medically or aesthetically appropriate

A poor self-image needs attention, not a filler or surgery

Op jonge leeftijd is het zelfbeeld vaak nog in ontwikkeling. Twijfels en onzekerheid horen erbij. Dat betekent echter niet dat er iets mis is met je uiterlijk wat opgelost moet worden met een ingreep. Een operatie kan soms zelfs averechts werken als het onderliggende probleem dieper ligt, bijvoorbeeld bij onzekerheid of body dysmorfie (een stoornis in de lichaamsbeleving). Schoonheid zit ook van binnen en dat straal je uit wanneer je zelfverzekerd in het leven staat.
Daarom nemen we bij SkinSurgery altijd de tijd voor een consultgesprek. We luisteren, kijken, stellen vragen en geven eerlijk advies. Soms betekent dat ook: nee zeggen. Wij zullen nooit een behandeling of operatie uitvoeren wanneer wij hier niet achter staan. Daarnaast zijn er bepaalde behandelingen die pas geadviseerd worden vanaf een bepaalde leeftijd. Denk aan een ooglidcorrectie, maar ook botox of fillers.

Need advice? Talk to a doctor, not an algorithm

Do you have questions about your appearance, skin, or aging? Or are you looking for advice about botox, fillers, or another cosmetic treatment? Then speak with an experienced cosmetic doctor or skin professional. Only a human being can offer empathy, knowledge, and nuanced advice tailored to your health and well-being. A cosmetic treatment is still a medical procedure, no matter how small or ‘simple’ it may seem. That’s why it’s so important to be critical when choosing a clinic and physician.

What should you look for when considering a cosmetic treatment?

Always check whether the doctor is registered as a KNMG-certified cosmetic physician (in the Netherlands). This official title guarantees that the doctor has met strict training standards and undergoes continuous professional education. It ensures you're in good, capable hands and that your treatment is carried out safely. Doctors who perform treatments regularly are more likely to achieve natural and predictable results. Don’t hesitate to ask how much experience the doctor has with the specific treatment you’re considering. View before-and-after photos, read independent reviews, and pay attention to how transparent and honest the consultation is.

At SkinSurgery Clinics, we only work with KNMG-registered cosmetic physicians with many years of experience in botox, skin improvement, and cosmetic surgery. We combine medical expertise with realistic and honest advice.

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