But despite the happiness and security that comes with finding a life partner, this new visual platform for engagement announcements is also stirring up some major insecurities. Hands are one of the first places on the body to age, and apparently, Instagram filters that smooth out our skin while simultaneously making the scenery look like a 1970s French film are just not cutting it. “Hand lifts” have been gaining in popularity of late, especially for brides-to-be. Yes, hand lifts. NYC dermatologist Dr. Ariel Ostad says the procedure is not new, but he estimates that he’s had a 40 percent increase since the rise of social media and selfies.
“As we age, the skin on the hands can lose fat, becoming more thin and bony with prominent veins and wrinkles,” says Ostad. “Social media has certainly led people to be more concerned about their appearance and how they present themselves, so if women can receive a quick procedure to make themselves feel better and younger, it’s something that they are willing to do.”