What Is the Ideal Instagram Filter?

BACKGROUND: Social media, particularly Instagram, is becoming a prominent part of the plastic surgeon-patient relationship. Recent surveys are revealing a trend toward patients bringing filtered selfies to their plastic surgery consultation as a way to communicate expectations to their doctors. But which Instagram filters create a more flattering or youthful appearance, and why? OBJECTIVES: This study set out to determine which Instagram filters create the “Most Flattering,” “Most Youthful,” “Least Flattering,” and “Least Youthful” appearances. METHODS: Standardized anterior view photos were taken of three Caucasian women: aged 38, 48, and 58 years. These photos were then altered using the color Instagram filters, randomly arranged and printed on photo paper. A questionnaire was created, asking respondents to determine which of the photos made each subject look “Most Flattering,” “Most Youthful,” “Least Flattering,” and “Least Youthful.” RESULTS: A total of 78 respondents participated in the study. The filters determined to be “Most Flattering” were, in order, Juno, Lark, and Sierra. The filters determined to be “Most Youthful” were Reyes, Rise, and Gingham. The filters voted “Least Flattering” were Hefe, X-Pro, and Slumber. “Least Youthful” filters were Perpetua, Crema, and Aden. CONCLUSIONS: Instagram filters can be a very valuable way for patients to communicate their expectations with plastic surgeons. By studying why these filters are chosen by patients, we can better understand what results our patients are looking for.