Young people in Japan are using artificial intelligence (AI) to make before-and-after cosmetic surgery photographs which look like they are two “different” versions of themselves in a single setting.

Data suggests the country is relatively relaxed about cosmetic procedures, but the latest trend is raising concerns about the effect it might have on youngsters.

A cosmetic surgery clinic in Japan, a country which is relatively relaxed about such procedures. Photo: Baidu
A cosmetic surgery clinic in Japan, a country which is relatively relaxed about such procedures. Photo: Baidu

According to the Japan Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the country logged about 3.3 million aesthetic medical procedures in 2022, making it one of the world’s biggest markets.

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Compared with South Korea, known for cutting-edge, trend-led treatments, Japan’s industry is often associated with precision and subtle, natural-looking results.

This month, a Japanese online user called @rori_bb went viral after posting an AI-made “two-shot” that placed her current face beside her pre-surgery self. She captioned that she compared the two and ended up crying.

The above image shows an artificial intelligence-generated image of the same person before and after cosmetic surgery. Photo: Baidu
The above image shows an artificial intelligence-generated image of the same person before and after cosmetic surgery. Photo: Baidu

The post racked up 15.8 million views and sparked a wave of copycat images across social media.