The COVID-19 pandemic pushed videoconferencing into our daily routines, bringing an unexpected side effect: constant self-viewing. This heightened focus on facial appearance has been linked to a growing interest in procedures like rhinoplasty.
At New Face NY, under the expertise of double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Westreich, we’ve seen firsthand how extended camera time can shift how people perceive their noses. In this post, we’ll examine the “Zoom effect” and why our rhinoplasty practice is uniquely suited to help those seeking greater facial harmony and confidence.
What Is the “Zoom Effect”—and Why Does It Matter to Us?
Zoom dysmorphia refers to a growing trend in which constant self-viewing on video platforms heightens scrutiny of facial features, including nose shape.
A study by Harvard Medical School’s dermatologist, Dr. Shadi Kourosh, observed that many patients cited video calls as a trigger for increased dissatisfaction with features like their nose, even reporting anxiety or self-consciousness well after the pandemic subsided.
AAFPRS surveys confirm the broader impact:
- 70% of facial plastic surgeons noted increased bookings during the pandemic, with rhinoplasty among the most requested procedures
- Notably, 41% of surgeons reported a rising number of teens seeking rhinoplasty to “look better on video conferencing”
A Trend Backed by Data
- A Google Trends analysis in The Aesthetic Surgery Journal found a statistically significant uptick in searches for rhinoplasty (as well as other above-the-shoulder procedures) after February 2020 (P < 0.000) (Rush University System for Health, Oxford Academic).
- A 2025 study published in The Laryngoscope confirmed that while interest in some procedures (like fillers and tummy tucks) fluctuated, demand for others—including nose jobs—remained elevated post-pandemic (Discover Magazine).
- According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S.—including rhinoplasty—rose 19% from 2019 to 2022. Among facial plastic surgery categories (which include rhinoplasty), there was an 18% increase (American Society of Plastic Surgeons Reveals 2022's Most Sought-After Procedures | ASPS).
Why New Face NY—and Why Now?
The rise in digital self-scrutiny—from Zoom calls to social media—has undeniably made many reevaluate their noses. But at New Face NY, we believe in an informed, compassionate approach rooted in science and artistry.
With Dr. Westreich’s credentials and depth of experience, we are uniquely equipped to turn virtual insecurities into real-world confidence. You’ll enjoy:
- Expert leadership: Double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Westreich brings extensive training from renowned institutions and innovates techniques like Foundation Rhinoplasty™. His work focuses on achieving facial harmony that complements your natural features.
- Guidance for the digital era: For patients who have become more aware of their nasal proportions due to video calls, Dr. Westreich offers personalized assessments to determine whether rhinoplasty—or a less invasive option—will best support long-term satisfaction.
Ready to take the next step? Contact New Face NY today to explore how rhinoplasty—or strategic alternatives—can bring balance to your appearance and peace to your self-image.
Additional Sources
Zoom Dysmorphia Is Following People Into the Real World | WIRED
Why Facial Plastic Surgery Is Up, But Filler Is Down During the Pandemic
2022 American Society of Plastic Surgeons Statistics
Fan septoplasty for correction of the internally and externally deviated nose - PubMed
The Perfect Nose: Understanding Rhinoplasty | Dr. Westreich's Free E-Book
