TikTok filters drive cosmetic surgery interest, says doctor

Speaking on DAILY TRIBUNE's Spotlight on Tuesday, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rich Albano shared insights on how beauty filters from camera apps and social media can influence people to consider cosmetic enhancements or surgery.

“Especially on TikTok, there are filters, like rhinoplasty filters — that give you an idea of how you might look after undergoing a rhinoplasty,” Albano explained.

While such tools can be helpful for potential patients to visualize their desired appearance before consulting a surgeon, Albano emphasized the importance of setting realistic expectations.

“In my practice, when patients come in with filtered photos, I make it a point to set their expectations. Because those filters, those types of rhinoplasty results, are not applicable to everyone,” he said. “Your nose’s original structure plays a big role in what can be achieved through surgery.”

Albano said he manages patient expectations through transparency.

"When I know it's not possible, I tell them. We cannot do it this way. I will say, 'There's just so much that we can do with the surgery' and i also tell then that even when you go to other doctors, they will tell you the same thing," he shared.

Aside from filtered versions of themselves, Albano said patients commonly cite celebrity nose inspirations. Most notably, the noses of actresses Kathryn Bernardo and Liza Soberano.

He also revealed that one of the biggest challenges in his profession is managing expectations, especially when patients come in with a specific image in mind.

“When they walk out of the clinic and the result doesn’t match what they imagined—even after spending a lot of money and going through recovery, they can end up dissatisfied,” Albano said.

He stressed the importance of long, detailed consultations, especially for patients who may still have second thoughts.

“I always tell my patients that cosmetic surgery is a personal choice. If a patient is not 100 percent committed to going under the knife, I won’t proceed with the surgery,” he said.

Albano also noted that many people have limited or inaccurate knowledge about cosmetic surgery due to a load of information availble online.

"The information right now is haphazard, you get information on Tiktok, on Google. There is full of information, and patient will come to you, 80-90 percent of the time, are slightly confused," he said