A Belfast plastic surgeon says there's an 'increase in interest' in plastic surgery every time there's a new series of reality show Love Island.
However, he has warned that surgery can make conditions such as body dysmorphia - an "unhealthy obsession" where someone can't stop thinking about a perceived flaw in their appearance - even worse.
He was speaking as the latest season of Love Island continues to draw in millions of viewers across the UK and Ireland.
Dr Chris Hoo, a plastic surgeon at Belfast clinic Cosmetech, spoke to Newstalk Breakfast about a trend he has noticed when the show is on.
He said: “Every time Love Island comes on… there’s usually a little blip or increase in interest in surgical or non-surgical interventions.
“This year the increase is maybe not as large - perhaps it’s COVID. But historically it has been an increase.
“I don’t think the show itself causes body dysmorphia - the [condition] usually starts in adolescent years, and slowly develops over time to become an unhealthy and unnatural obsession, usually with one particular part of the body.”
Dr Hoo said up to 10% of patients at plastic surgery clinics may be suffering from body dysmorphia - and that he himself often won't proceed with surgery if he believes the patient has mental health issues.
He said: “We are custodians of these patients - it’s not to be taken lightly. There are long-term effects - we aren’t just technicians putting in botox fillers or implants into patients.
“If I detect something that’s not quite right, I would suggest to the patient they should see a psychologist first - and I have done so in the past.”
He noted that surgery "can make things worse" if someone has an unhealthy obsession with improving their body.
He added: “[Surgery] can be a powerful tool - but it’s a tool if wielded in the wrong way can cause irreparable harm to patients... physically but also mentally."
