Abstract Listings 2026

Purpose

Social media is increasingly a resource for medical information. The authors characterize periocular aesthetic discussions on r/PlasticSurgery and r/30PlusSkinCare by quantifying mentions of procedures, themes, sentiment, and peer referrals.

Methods

Reddit posts (N=2,934) and comments (N=17,208) from r/PlasticSurgery and r/30PlusSkinCare (Jan 2024–Mar 2026) were abstracted for ≥1 match for periocular lexicon encompassing surgical procedures, injectables, energy-based devices, and periorbital anatomy (posts n=1,381; comments n=6,492). Sentiment, recommendations, and peer referrals were classified using predefined keyword- and phrase-based criteria.

Results

Surgical procedures, especially blepharoplasty, were the most common co-mentions. Nonsurgical alternatives (fillers, RF microneedling, lasers) were often discussed as adjuncts or precursors to surgery. Common themes included recovery, surgeon selection, candidacy, cost, and debate over nonsurgical vs. surgical approaches. Symptom language focused on swelling, bruising, asymmetry, dry eye, and scarring. Post sentiment was largely positive or neutral/mixed, while comments were more often cautionary or negative, highlighting complications and revisions. Hence, posts were generally aspirational, while comments were more grounded in practical realities. Revision and complication language were high despite the overall positive post-sentiment.

Conclusion

Reddit discussions of periocular aesthetics were dominated by blepharoplasty and comparisons with nonsurgical alternatives. Posts were often aspirational, whereas comments more frequently emphasized complications, revision, recovery, and surgeon selection, suggesting possible self-selection of users with adverse or unresolved outcomes. Information shared on the platform was largely anecdotal, highlighting opportunities to improve the quality and reliability of oculoplastic education on social media.

Additional Authors

↑ Back to top