Since the global pandemic began, we’ve found ourselves using video conferencing apps more than ever, with frontrunner Zoom reporting an increase of more than double its revenue year on year in the first quarter of 2020. But, aside from the positives of helping us stay connected and in many cases, employed, the rise of video calls has had a marked impact on our self-perception, with many cosmetic professionals citing the “Zoom effect” as an explanation for an increase in post-lockdown treatment enquiries.
Interest in procedures “is at least three times [higher than] the normal demand for July, August and September,” says Mr Naveen Cavale, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in London. “I’ve seen a sharp increase in consultations, as well as patients deciding to go ahead and book in for procedures. I’m having to open up extra operating lists and days, which is something I’ve not done in years.”