More Millennials Seeking Plastic Surgery

by April Maguire

In decades past, plastic surgery carried a certain stigma. The practice was thought to be the purview of people in their 50's, 60's and beyond trying to recapture some semblance of their youth. No doubt this stereotype was exaggerated at the time, and it is certainly no longer relevant today, as statistics show that an increasing number of millennials are choosing to undergo cosmetic enhancement. In fact, some plastic surgeons report that people in their 20's and 30's now make up roughly a third of their patients.

Media Influence

Most plastic surgeons claim that media influence is at least partly to blame for this increase in millennial patients. Without question, the benefits of cosmetic enhancement are in the news more than ever before, with celebrities constantly extolling the virtues of procedures in magazines and on television. Additionally, the prevalence of technology, digital cameras and the Internet has only served to increase our cultural obsession with beauty, prompting many young women to want to change their appearance.

But is it bad that media is contributing to cosmetic surgery? Not necessarily. Many young women who have decided to undergo plastic surgery in their teens and 20's say that they find it liberating in a sense. With cosmetic enhancement more socially acceptable, young women increasingly feel it is a viable option to correct perceived imperfections. After all, why should you be forced to live with something that makes you uncomfortable and self-conscious in public? In this sense, the media influence is positive, empowering young women to take charge and be proactive about their appearance.

Preventative Measures

By and large, the millennials seeking cosmetic enhancement are undergoing noninvasive procedures. These types of treatments include Botox, fillers, chemical peels and laser hair removal. For the most part, millennials are using these procedures as a way to stave off the signs of aging. Botox injections, for example, prevent the muscles from contracting and creating lines in the face. As such, these procedures aren’t being used to help people look younger now, but rather as a way to help them hold on to their youth for as long as possible.

Still, there are obviously a fair number of young women who come in for surgical operations, such as rhinoplasty procedures or breast augmentations. While many plastic surgeons advise against young women undergoing these types of procedures, the women who have these operations often claim that correcting imperfections can serve as a self-esteem boost during a particularly formative and vulnerable time in a young woman’s life.

Ultimately, this boost of confidence may be the greatest benefit of cosmetic enhancement. Yes, we all want to look our best, but more than that we deserve to be comfortable in our own skin. Cost-effective non-invasive procedures have given everyone, even cash-strapped millennials, the chance to do just that.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about plastic surgery, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!