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File on 4: Undue Influence

Undue Influence

BBC Radio 4 - File on 4, Undue Influence

The relationship between social media influencers and clinics promoting cosmetic surgery.

Inside the world of the social media influencers who promote an idealized body image, and make money from persuading others to go under the knife to attain it.

In the age of social media and the selfie, the perfect look is everything. 

That's what influencers tell their followers. Some are also happy to provide a 'how-to guide' to obtaining the perfect body. What they don't mention though, is that they are cashing in, being paid by clinics to promote procedures, some of which are risky and dangerous. 

It’s a story that begins on social media. Young women posting online about their experiences of plastic surgery. The online videos, posted to their followers, show their surgeon smile and wave for the camera.

But a big part of their stories is missing. They’re not normal patients. Because these influencers have access to a market of thousands of other young women, they get their surgery for free in exchange for the promotions. Offline the situation is less than picture perfect. File on 4 hears from the women whose lives were changed by the pursuit of the perfect body.


Producer: Kate West
Reporter: Joice Etutu
Editor: Gail Champion

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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