Source: Sergii Kolesnikov / Getty
Social Media’s favorite cosmetic surgery page ‘The Cosmetic Lane’ talks about botched surgeries, educational tips, and more.
Social Media has changed the world forever and unfortunately we know more about each other than we probably should. With the influx of information it has changed the views on luxuries such as cosmetic surgery. Additionally, Instagram has had an impact on how we view ourselves regardless if people will admit it. Everyone has changed their opinion and many that said they would never have surgery have done a 180 on their stance.
Unfortunately, what gets lost in the mix is education surrounding surgery but thats where pages like @TheCosmeticLane come in to help.
What better day than Halloween to sit with The Cosmetic Lane and talk botched surgery, social media’s impact on the industry and more.
BOSSIP Exclusive Interview With Harmony and Justin from The Cosmetic Lane
BOSSIP: So obviously the first question is how did you both connect and what made you want to start The Cosmetic Lane?
Justin: I’ve been working with plastic surgeons since 2018 after transitioning from the music business to cosmetic surgery because I saw an opening. But I didn’t think it would become as big as it as right now. It really started during the pandemic on Clubhouse with the Tyga’s and Joe Budden. Nobody from our industry was on Clubhouse, we started with a group hosting weekly conversations about different proceedures in the industry.
Harmony: I think in December we both got let go from our jobs and decided why don’t we both team up? So we started to get into marketing and had a ton of meetings then covid locked everything up and we transitioned to Clubhouse. Those weekly talks helped us understand there aren’t a lot of people as educated as we are on surgery. There was a huge gap between people who understand the industry and patients. Especially people of color, which had the biggest gap. You have the suburban mom who get their kids hip on botox. For people of color that isn’t what our parents are doing so we just don’t know. We just started posting and it kinda blew up.
BOSSIP: We’ve noticed that too and personally I have seen people in their close friends crying after surgery because they didn’t realize what they were getting into.
Harmony: I think the issue with that is people see it so much on social, you kind of forget it’s a surgery with real recovery. That’s why we try to educate them on that a little bit.
BOSSIP: When did you guys realize you had something special and knew The Cosmetic Lane would work? The ahh ha moment if you will.
Justin: We took a leap of faith and went to Cali in September of 2021 for a few months just to get our faces out there to meet the surgeons. Then when Cardi B interacted with our page going back and forth with our page. You just never know who is watching.
BOSSIP: What’s the most shocking thing you’ve learned on this journey?
Harmony: For me it’s that for some people there is no limit of what they will do. You see cases of people losing their life and think why would they do this. Then you’re in it and see they go to doctor after doctor until someone says ok. Someone people think “it won’t happen to me ill be fine” and they keep pushing the envelope. So really how little people understand how dangerous surgery really can be.
BOSSIP: Have you guys received any pushback in the industry?
Justin: I wouldn’t say like any pushback, we work with some of the top doctors and small clinics. Just me being black covered in tattoo when we walk in some people are hesitant. Because originally this industry is very white and asian so even with the knowledge some people were heistant.
Harmony: The pushback would have been the Soulja Boy situation where we see this trending and we did I research. We knew it was him we posted him and the surgery says “hey I never said it was him please take it down”. Do I take it down? Do I want to risk getting sued or my reputation?
We get attacked a lot with people saying were pushing insecurities on people. It’s like no we are educating people this just might be new to you. People think we are pushing surgery but we’re giving education so you know it’s there.
BOSSIP: How has running the brand influenced you guys, have you thought about getting surgery or had any done after being educated? Or is there anything you thought was harmless you wouldn’t recommend now?
Justin: On my end, hormone replacement therapy to keep up as you age. I’ve definitely changed my stance on it even just on an energy level stand point. As far a surgery I don’t think my perspective has changed.
Harmony: For me even something as simple as lip filler and thought I would never do that after seeing girls with duck lips. Here I am I’ve done it twice now. Being in the industry I’ve learned the good work in undetectable. We interviewed a limb lengthening doctor in Vegas and originally I thought it was insane to go through all the work and it’s expensive for three inches. After meeting him I was like it’s bad but not as bad.
BOSSIP: How Do you feel your brand has shifted the stigma, any success stories? Even familywise?
Justin: All the time we get thanks you Twitter and people saying “I didn’t know about this, I’ll see if it’s available” and now we do consults online. People who follow us have been opened their mind to a different world. Our (friends and family) come on a day to day basis we have people debating procedures. One of my friend just got married and was debating botox because he didn’t want to have wrinkles on his forehead and I was like damn this is crazy and amazing were able to change peoples perspective.
Harmony: Even just posting before and afters I think we’ve done a good job removing the stigma botox will freeze your forehead. People say they would never get botox but now they will consider it. We’re trying our best, it’s hard but I think the stigma will always be there but we’re trying to shift that.
BOSSIP: What’s the best part of running the brand for each of you?
Justin: The industry is pretty nice, the aesthetic industry. I was in the music industry before and now being around surgeons and doctors everywhere we go is super nice. The whole energy we are surrounded with me is the best thing for me.
Harmony: For me, it’s the minimal things you can do to help somebody kinda feel better about themself. A self confidence boost can make such a difference. A 20-minute treatment for this person made their whole day/month.
BOSSIP: Ok now before we go we need the BEST and the WORST testimonials you’ve received and you don’t have to say any names. I know you’ve probably had people ask for you advice on where to go then go elsewhere and come back with a horror story?
Harmony: Can I say [redacted] in Atlanta? Or any of them? People will ask our opinion then go there and be like “oh it was the price” but like they aren’t happy with the work. You’re just like why would you do that to yourself. For great testominals even just Justin’s friend on his wedding day excited he didn’t have any wrinkles. He was just so happy he was beaming he couldn’t believe it took 15 minutes.
BOSSIP: Have you ever posted anyone and they claim they didn’t have surgery?
Harmony: There are a few celebrities and we play it off like Sofia Vergara. If we know they have work done we say “do you see what I see” and let our educated followers comment”.
Justin: Yea thats the best way because we don’t want to be sued and things can go left fast.
BOSSIP: What check-list should people have for surgery? Things people should always keep in mind because it seems most just have price in mind like Veeners By Keisha for example.
Harmony: The maint hing is research because a lot of the bad places now are using celebrities and influencers for marketing. A lot of people don’t think of the fact celebrities get a different level of care. You’re gonna go there and get a bad experience if you didn’t research and look at review. Those are the two main things I tell people cyberstalking the surgeon. You can check their following and reach out to people who’ve went. Talk to people and get their experience. A price is great you can pay $5,000 for a BBL but what you end paying to maintain or fix it could be way more.
BOSSIP: Ok last few questions, what’s the future of The Cosmetic Lane? What’s the next few years look like?
Justin: Man just keep growing because our company is two sides one we have the marketing23 deal with patients and surgeons. Then our social media community and try to make it as mainstream as we possible can and bridge the gap. We want to be the biggest outlet for cosmetic surgery and do more events and pop ups.
Harmony: We also want to try and put together a Cosmetic-Con style event. We have to bridge the gap between patient and provider.
BOSSIP: Last question I have is what do you think has made men more comfortable with getting surgery?
Justin: In my personal opinion it was and still is a slow grind. People started getting botox but started calling it “Brotox” and getting facials. You got veneers, everything in the face men are starting to take care of themselves. Then you have influencers like Bandman Kevo. He was one of the first guys to really come out like I have lipo and etching. It’s still frowned upon and will be a slow grind, it’s going to take a few more influencers. It’s a shame as well because surgery is more frowned upon than steroids.
Harmony: We have some doctors and the majority of their clientele is men. What mainstream doesn’t see is men aren’t open to getting their procedures documented and showing the before and afters. Even if more men are getting work you won’ see it. I find that men are (more comfortable) because of the pretty privilege. I think men can’t escape the pressure either. The more men that come out it will change. Funk Flex was pretty open and was online during his. With men there are signs you can pick up they had work but no confirmation.
You can follow The Cosmetic Lane on Instagram and Twitter for all your cosmetic surgery needs and questions.
Source link
