Did you know that 70% of surveyed plastic surgeons said they have experienced an increase in business during the pandemic?

Restaurateurs and retailers are struggling, but the average plastic surgeon in Toronto has never been busier—mainly because people hate the way they look on video calls.

An astounding 83% of surveyed plastic surgeons have attributed their growth to the so-called Zoom Boom and people wanting to look better on Zoom calls.

The Zoom Effect

Very few people like how they look on video calls. This is why the sale of selfie light rings has skyrocketed, as people are willing to do anything to look better in these virtual meetings.

But these long calls also give people the chance to zoom in on their own faces and find things they don’t like. This could be pre-existing insecurity about something like their nose. A recent study shows that a picture of your face taken from 1 foot away can make your nose look 30% larger than a picture taken from 5 feet away. If you’re a foot away on a webcam, that percentage could seem much higher.

Or someone could feel insecure about newly-formed bags under their eyes, or a double chin. These have been stressful times, full of sleepless nights, compromised diets, binge drinking, and less water. All of these things can combine to wreak havoc on your skin and cause you to seemingly age 12 years in 12 months.

The Quarantine Fifteen

An estimated third of all Canadians have gained weight during the pandemic. We’re doing better than our neighbours to the south (an estimated 61% of Americans have gained weight despite looser restrictions), but it’s still very bothersome for people that have gained a few pounds or the so-called Quarantine 15.

It has been particularly difficult in the GTA. Gyms were closed during the initial lockdown, and then re-opened with tough restrictions in place (Lunchtime appointments? Good luck), and then opened and closed at a maddening rate after that.

At the same time, people living in 400-600 square foot condos likely don’t have the space or the money to realistically add a home gym. Even finding room for the new compact Peloton could be asking a lot.

This is why liposuction and tummy tuck appointments are in high demand around the city right now.

Recover From Home

Most people in the GTA are still working from home these days. This actually provides people with a unique opportunity to get plastic surgery. They can wear masks when walking around town and blend right in during their post-op recovery.

At the same time, there is no need to book off vacation days to recover at home. They can discreetly heal up and dial in without anyone knowing the difference.

The city is doing its best to vaccinate people in The GTA as quickly as possible, in the hopes that we can return to living normally as quickly as possible—even if that just means patio dinners over the summer.

But don’t be surprised if you meet friends for drinks this summer and notice that they’ve lost weight or they look 10 years younger.