The Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia (CPCA) has welcomed Instagram’s decision to ban augmented reality (AR) filters that promote cosmetic enhancements.
The CPCA also applauds the introduction of the platform’s decision to restrict under-18s from viewing posts which promote weight-loss products or cosmetic procedures that are incentivised or have a price attached.
The CPCA, the leading representative body for medical practitioners practicing non- or minimally invasive cosmetic medical treatments in Australasia, first flagged its concerns about the impact of social media and the growing trivialisation of cosmetic procedures earlier this year with the launch of its ‘Get Real’ campaign.
Designed to provide education and accurate information to the general public about cosmetic medical procedures”, the campaign focuses on “the growing number of patients who have unrealistic expectations in terms of procedural results”.
CPCA president Dr Michael Molton said it is “of utmost significance that patients seek appropriate professional medical advice to make informed decisions in consultation with trained doctors who maintain the highest ethical standards” before undergoing any cosmetic procedures.
“Non-surgical cosmetic enhancements are cosmetic medical procedures and carry a degree of risk, so it’s not a decision that should be influenced by social media filters and/or price incentives,” he said.
“We launched the ‘Get Real’ campaign to stress the importance of engaging with a cosmetic physician who will help patients focus on looking better, not different, and most importantly maintain realistic outcomes.
‘It’s important to remember that cosmetic medical procedures, such as injectables, are prescription-only products which can only be prescribed by a doctor and must be listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).”
He said patients should avoid health practitioners who “implement high-pressure sales techniques, cut-price offers or promote sales through financial incentives such as pay-later schemes and who may use altered imagery to promote their services”.
He also stressed that CPCA members follow a strict code of conduct and uphold ethical standards and always put patient safety first.
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