Why AI is Fuelling Body Dysmorphia

AI is undoubtably reshaping industries, but one area where its impact may be less than positive is the aesthetics industry. While AI has enhanced efficiency and precision in many sectors, it also creates an unrealistic and dangerous perception of beauty, fuelling a rise in body dysmorphia.

The UK’s aesthetics industry is projected to be worth over £3.6 billion by the end of 2025, with demand for treatments continuing to surge. But what role does AI play in this growing demand, and what are its potential consequences?

AI-generated images of women display smooth skin, a perfectly symmetrical face and no imperfections, a stark contrast with reality. These photos are stating that women should look a certain way, spreading an idealised view of beauty to which women feel compelled to conform. The growing pressure to look ‘perfect’ has many turning to aesthetic treatments in search of unattainable ideals.

Current Trends in the Aesthetics Industry

As an aesthetics doctor, I have witnessed a surge in patients bringing in photos of heavily filtered versions of themselves as a guide for what they would like to look like. Although social media filters and airbrushing have been around for some time now, editing apps have developed to add an AI feature which auto- filters the face. This AI technology applies filters and adjustments to make faces look more conventionally attractive by modern standards.

The problem lies in the fact that these AI-enhanced images are far from realistic. AI, in its attempt to create beauty, prioritises symmetry over individuality, ignoring the natural beauty that exists in imperfections. This distortion of reality encourages people to seek out various treatments in an attempt to mirror these unrealistic beauty standards, leading them down a dangerous, never-ending path of procedures.

Alongside creating a perfectly symmetrical face with exaggerated features, AI tools filter out any pores on the skin. This trend has led many towards skin rejuvenation treatments, with a focus on achieving ‘glass skin’. Everyone has pores, but AI-driven images present an unrealistic beauty standard that equates perfection with poreless skin, encouraging individuals to use abrasive treatments or even purchase prescription-only medication on TikTok shop. These products can damage the skin barrier and cause more harm than good.

This growing obsession with unattainable perfection, fuelled by AI, contributes to a dangerous cycle of body dysmorphia and heightened insecurities, pushing individuals to resort to extreme measures to alter their appearance.

How Aesthetic Clinics Use AI

Many aesthetics clinics are now using AI techniques to improve precision and personalisation of treatments. The machines scan patients’ faces from all angles, recommending treatments tailored to their individual anatomy. They can also highlight skin concerns which may have been overlooked by the human eye. Essentially, the self-proclaimed benefits of these AI technologies include helping patients visualise potential outcomes, as well as offering increased precision in diagnoses, treatments areas, and the necessity of certain procedures.

However, the main danger of AI in aesthetics, is that the system is not always accurate. Some of the suggested treatments are not necessary, leading to a surge in insecurities for patients. Not only does this expose them to the potential threats of undergoing unnecessary several aesthetic procedures, it also gravely contributes to a worsening mental health and sense of body dysmorphia. AI tools are highlighting ‘problematic’ areas which patients were not originally insecure about.

Consequently, AI is encouraging more individuals to seek aesthetic treatments. It is important for all practitioners to screen any patients for signs of body dysmorphia and not carry out unnecessary treatments. However, more business-driven clinics are

certainly profiting from this trend and these AI technological advancements.

Benefits of AI in the Aesthetics Industry

Conversely, one positive way which AI is impacting aesthetics is increased safety. For example, medical devices, which are becoming increasingly popular as dermal fillers see a reduced demand, have become safer.

Sciton for example has new AI-driven technology (BBL HEROic) which allows an accurate mapping of facial structures to more easily deliver laser treatments. This minimises practitioner error and reduces the risk of injury to the patient from over-treating certain areas by accident.

What to Consider

While AI can be helpful for showing patients potential outcomes and increasing safety, I firmly believe it should not be relied upon when it comes to aesthetic treatments. I understand the importance of embracing technological advancements but not at the expense of a patient’s mental health.

The notion that multiple facial features can be improved through AI-generated suggestions is damaging, both physically and psychologically. Undergoing numerous treatments, based on an unrealistic AI model, exposes patients to unnecessary risks while also trapping them in a cycle of dissatisfaction. Ultimately, this exacerbates the issue of body dysmorphia.

For anyone considering aesthetic treatments, I urge you to seek the expertise of a medically trained professional who can assess your unique anatomy and recommend treatments that are tailored to address specific concerns. These treatments should aim for realistic and natural results, rather than chasing an unattainable AI-generated ideal.