The ‘Zoom Boom’

Why cosmetic procedures are more popular because of the pandemic

For many of us working from home, countless Zoom meetings have forced us to critically analyze ourselves way more than we probably should. As much as we may now be trained to sit on video calls and stare at our colleagues through a computer screen, many of us find ourselves constantly distracted by the sight of our own faces during our daily huddles and meetings. And the longer that video thumbnail stares back at us, the more we start to notice things.

We are hearing complaints from new and returning patients about what they now notice about themselves while videoconferencing. Were those crow’s feet there before lockdown? Did my nose suddenly get bigger? Is one eyebrow higher than the other?

Cosmetic doctors around the world have reported surges in bookings for aesthetic treatments. It is being called the ‘Zoom Boom’. And the Zoom Boom is not just for women. There is an increased interest from men in hair restoration treatments, due to the time they have spent looking at their hair on video calls.

Among the most popular treatments with my patients right now are non-surgical, minimally invasive procedures. The most popular areas of concern include the lips, jawline, nose and facial lines and wrinkles. Although the most visible part of the face is now around the eyes and forehead because of face masks, it’s also thanks to face masks that patients are increasingly eager to get work done around their nose or lips—precisely because they’ll remain hidden if there is any swelling or bruising.

Like that first haircut after quarantine, there is something therapeutic about taking care of yourself, because it makes you happy!