The cosmetic surgery landscape has evolved enormously in recent years. No longer are such surgeries turned to simply to look younger. Today, it’s common for younger men and women to turn to surgery in an attempt to achieve a desired look which begs the question, is surgery anti-ageing or pro-beauty?
This article will attempt to answer that very question, providing reasonable explanations for why so many younger people are turning to surgeries that were initially designed to reverse the effects of ageing.
Younger People Don’t See Surgery as an Anti-Ageing Solution
Gen Z has disrupted many an industry. Their rebellious, individualistic nature means businesses are industries must target them very differently from other consumers. In the surgery world, under 30s have repositioned aesthetic surgery from an anti-ageing solution to a beauty-enhancing procedure.
This age group are using surgery to perfect features or at least bring them closer to modern trends. Surgical procedures that are common with younger demographics include things like rhinoplasty, liposuction and face lifts.
There’s No Right Age for Surgery
Nowadays, young people’s tendency to turn to aesthetic surgery has led to the belief that there is no right age for surgery. Previous generations may have looked unfavourably at young people who choose surgery. Nowadays, it’s seen more as a way to regain confidence or express oneself.
Whether the motivation is anti-ageing or beauty enhancement, those who turn to surgery no longer have to fear judgment from others relating to their age. The rising number of celebrities and influencers who turn to surgery has also helped to normalise surgical enhancements.
Why Are People Turning to Surgery Before 30?
If young people aren’t turning to surgery to look younger, it begs the question why are so many people turning to surgery before they reach their 30s? The reason may vary from one individual to another, but the most common reason is to enhance certain features.
While a face lift will ultimately lead to a more youthful look, it will do so by smoothing skin and enhancing facial contours which aren’t desired only by those who are in their 40s and 50s.
It’s also worth considering that patients may turn to cosmetic surgery in their 30s and earlier to achieve better results due to their strong skin health. As skin loses elasticity as we age, younger skin is more primed for tightening and can help achieve a more natural look.
When it comes to the reasons why younger people are turning to surgery, the impact of social media cannot be underestimated. What young people see online is one of the main driving forces of trends in the health and beauty sector and seeing influential personalities promoting surgery in their 20s and 30s will undoubtedly cause a spike in demand.
Are the Risks Worth It?
It’s important to consider the risks of cosmetic surgery too. While most aesthetic surgery is performed using minimally invasive methods, no procedure comes without some form of risk. With that in mind, some may argue that non-medical surgery is never a good idea, regardless of age.
Seeing as younger people are less in need of surgical enhancements, this would only strengthen the argument that aesthetic surgery is not worth the risk. If an individual is motivated by replicating social trends, it’s also worth considering that there will always be another trend around the corner which could lead to a dangerous snowball effect where aesthetic surgery becomes addictive.
Final Thoughts
While surgery has historically been viewed as an anti-ageing procedure, turning to surgery for aesthetic enhancements is now viewed as a beauty enhancer. There’s no denying that there are benefits to this including improved confidence and reduced anxiety amongst young people.
However, if you are considering cosmetic surgery, it’s important to consider the dangers. While the risks are minimal, it may be better to only consider minimally invasive surgeries such as a mini neck lift or a mini face lift.