It’s almost impossible for today’s younger generation not to get into the cosmetic procedures game, considering its constant promotion on social media has led to immense popularity. These procedures emerged as a trend, so the reasons behind young people’s decision to use them to change their looks are questioned more than ever. There are many opinions revolving around this topic, from appreciation and support to disapproval and complete disgust, as some adults are skeptical of any procedure that betrays natural beauty. However, that doesn’t stop Gen Z from saying YES, YES, YES.
Surgical vs Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures
Over time, the ways in which you can beautify yourself have drastically evolved, so you can benefit from both surgical and non-surgical procedures, depending on the level of enhancement you desire. Let’s take a look at the differences between these two types of procedures:
Surgical Cosmetic Procedures: These procedures often alter or reshape body and face parts, changing the appearance entirely if that is what you wish. They involve cutting and making incisions in the skin, so the recovery time can vary from 10-14 days to even more, and you can usually resume your normal activities after 4 weeks. These procedures typically encompass facelifts, rhinoplasty, liposuctions, breast augmentation, and eyelid surgery. Scars are a common consequence of surgical cosmetic procedures, but fortunately, the advancement of technology makes them less prominent in most cases.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures: These enhancements are non-invasive, as they do not involve cuts, incisions, or the use of general anesthesia. The recovery usually requires little to no downtime because these procedures are just subtle improvements, not transformative changes. However, keep in mind that you’ll feel a minimum of pain despite the numbing cream you’ll be given or the injection you’re going to get. These procedures typically involve dermal fillers, Botox injections, skin peels, and microneedling. Indeed, they require follow-up treatments to maintain the effects, but people are more likely to choose these procedures over surgical ones, as they imply fewer risks and complications.
Most common cosmetic procedures among young people
The younger generation embraces both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, as they live in a world where appearance seems to be the key to success and social acceptance. They are not likely to accept anything beyond perfection, so let’s see what procedures are trending among their generation:
Rhinoplasty – Young people embrace this surgical cosmetic procedure because they think it defines their overall facial beauty. The traditional rhinoplasty is almost wholly overshadowed, as the Barbie Nose Trend is creating a buzz within the field of cosmetic surgery.
Botox: In an era when everyone is wearing SPF 50 even in winter due to the fear of premature aging, injecting Botox is Gen Z’s first choice.
Lip Augmentation – A popular choice among young patients, as big lips are associated with youthfulness, sexiness, and passion.
Breast Augmentation – The popularity of this procedure comes from the imposed stereotype that says women’s attractiveness is strongly related to their breast size.
Key considerations when choosing the ideal surgeon
One of the most detrimental decisions you can make is selecting an inexperienced surgeon for your cosmetic procedures, as it is a choice you live with for years. Look for licensed and certified professionals who are properly trained to perform cosmetic procedures, and remember that previous experience counts. Always consider consulting at least three doctors, thoroughly reviewing their websites and analysing before and after pictures of their work, as medical negligence is the last thing you’d wish for.
Medical Negligence: What It Is and How It Occurs. Unfortunately, you can find yourself among those who require a procedure to be performed with precision, only to face a completely unexpected outcome due to surgical errors. Any type of surgery implies the risk of medical negligence, which can cause emotional and physical suffering. Keep in mind it doesn’t make you an unreasonable person if you’re not satisfied with the final result and decide to sue for cosmetic surgery medical negligence.
Why do young people do that?
The young generation may see a cosmetic procedure as their own choice without thinking too much about the consumer industry that survives by constantly pumping up false beauty standards. The mainstreaming of plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments has the sole purpose of implanting the idea that beauty has a price (a very expensive one).
Social media is a subtle yet powerful influence that steers the young generation toward this path. Being young and not using Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat is not very likely to happen, and the dilemma stems from this. Scrolling on social media and seeing a lot of beautiful people leads to comparison, and we all know comparison is what destroys personality. The reality is most celebrities and influencers are using filters and a plethora of editing apps to look like that, so the beauty standards redefined by them are almost entirely fake.
Bullying is also directly linked to the increased desire for cosmetic surgeries nowadays, as some people were born with physical imperfections and are very sensitive to comments made by others. That leads to low self-esteem and confidence issues, which are difficult to overcome once settled in. The truth is everyone feeds with external validation sometimes, so being constantly criticized for your physical appearance becomes a compelling reason for considering cosmetic procedures.
At the same time, people that are totally convinced a cosmetic procedure is what they genuinely desire, without being forced by the culture of perfectionism where flaws are inacceptable, can peacefully follow this path.
Final Thoughts
Cosmetic procedures are a controversial subject that should be approached cautiously, ensuring the decision to have them isn’t stemmed from external purposes that promote fake ideals of perfection. If you are young and want to make a change like that, the first thing you should do is educate yourself about realistic beauty standards and reflect on the motivation driving you towards this decision.
This is a submitted article
