Almost 40 percent of millennials are thinking about having a cosmetic procedure done in the next 12 months or have already undergone one, according to a ZALEA study.
When this age group was asked which type of provider they preferred to perform their procedures, 75 percent of the respondents said plastic surgeon.
Factors that influenced their decision to undergo a procedure were:
- Doctor credentials (90 percent)
- Ratings or reviews (84 percent)
- Price (78 percent)
More than ever, this younger Millennial generation seem to express a greater willingness and acceptance to consider undergoing a cosmetic procedure than older generations. The survey shows these types of procedures are becoming significantly more socially acceptable. These days, millennials have distinct expectations and are more savvy particularly around non-invasive techniques, meaning providers of procedures and technology should all take notice.
Millennials Are Connected Today More Than Ever
From an endless source of commentary and internet news to unlimited social media channels, millennials are more connected to today’s world as a whole than past generations with limited technology and resources.
Younger individuals carry smartphones at all times and any concern over small breasts or flabby stomachs can easily become a full-blown obsession.
Years ago, cosmetic procedures were a thing only elites of Park Avenue and Hollywood had access to, however, millennials are now tuned in enough to understand how mainstream non-surgical cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery have gone. In many large cities, you enjoy a venti latte without coming across a spa offering Botox. And, financing for cosmetic surgery has made it simpler to undergo the desired procedure at a price that’s affordable.
Millennials want instant gratification. When you’re not happy with your thin lips and you jump on Instagram only to see Kylie Jenner’s plumped-up lips, you immediately go online and schedule an appointment with a local plastic surgeon for lip augmentation. Because many cosmetic procedures like dermal fillers and Botox require little to no downtime and are relatively affordable, makes them far more attractive to people in their 20s and 30s.
Cosmetic Procedures Have Shown an Increase
Since 2013, cosmetic procedures have shown a 47 percent increase. And, of all surveyed plastic surgeons, 72 percent reported they’ve seen an increase in patients who are under the age of 30.
According to the study, millennials between 23 and 38 years of age, have increased the plastic surgery procedures demand because of their growing up with social media and their fixation with self-care.
Millennials are now increasingly communicating through social media apps, like Snapchat, YouTube, and Instagram, where appearance is super important. According to the Pew Research Center, in 2018, around 88 percent of 18 to 29 year old individuals said they actively used social media. Social media has also made it less taboo to professionally tweak your body, but it’s also motivated individuals to even undergo non-surgical cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery.
The study showed that four-fifths of the procedures in 2018 were non-surgical like fillers, Botox, non-surgical rhinoplasty and microneedling and doctors claim among the biggest motivators for individuals to undergo a procedure was because they wanted their “selfies” to look better.
Top Cosmetic Procedures in Demand
1. Botox
Botox is a neurotoxin that comes from an organism known as Clostridium botulinum, found in the natural environment where it’s largely non-toxic and inactive. Plastic surgeons use Botulinum toxin to reduce wrinkles and fine lines by paralyzing the underlying muscles.
In a time that’s ruled by image, non-invasive procedures like dermal fillers and injectables appeal to individuals across multiple demographics. And, the most popular non-surgical treatment, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, is Botulinum toxin neurotoxic injections such as Dysport, Xeomin and Botox with over 4.5 million procedures performed in 2016.
Clinics are now seeing unheard of numbers of millennials chasing treatments, and not because they’re “getting older.” There’s been an 87 percent increase of Botulinum toxin use within just five years by individuals aged 19 through 34.
2. Fillers
Dermal fillers are substances plastic surgeons inject under the skin’s surface to add fullness and volume. Dermal fillers use substances like:
- Hyaluronic acid, found in some tissues and fluids in your body that plump up your skin
- Calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral-like compound in bones
- Polylactic acid, which stimulates your skin into making more collagen
- Polyalkylimide, a transparent gel that’s compatible with your body
- Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA) which is a semi-permanent filler
Each one of these substances is made for treating different cosmetic problems and signs of aging.
3. Microneedling
Microneedling is a dermaroller technique that pricks the skin with small needles. It’s an all-natural treatment millennials are opting for an anti-aging solution and to treat acne scarring they developed during their teenage years.
The treatment helps generate new skin tissue and collagen for firmer, smoother and more toned skin. It’s mainly used on the face and could help treat various wrinkles, scars, and large pores.
4. Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
This is a medical technique where the doctor uses injectable fillers, typically hyaluronic acid ones like calcium hydroxyapatite, Juvederm or Restylane, to shape and alter your nose without invasive surgery. It is a quick, and virtually painless way to see visible improvements in your nose.
The Takeaway
In the social media age, beauty has turned into a lucrative tradable commodity. After launching her 2015 Selfish photo book, Kim Kardashian made “managing personal appearance” a contemporary art form. The cosmetics and plastic surgery spending in the U.S. alone had reached the $15 billion mark in 2016.
And, the cosmetic procedure industry, in the last decade, has undergone its own makeover. What was once thought of as risky and radical has now become commonplace. Today, “getting work done” has become socially accepted, especially among millennials. And, this shift is because of the ever-growing arsenal of non-invasive procedures that yield great results with very little to no downtime.
Preventative care has risen in popularity too as health tech advances power accessible and safe treatments. This is particularly true among millennials thinking towards the future about negative effects of aging. Radio frequency treatments and light-based therapies to chemical peels and micro-needling offer long-term value.
Everybody wants to look great, but many individuals in the past were reluctant to “go under the knife.” Their choices were severely limited. That’s not the case today. Keep in mind, however, while cosmetic procedures are a great way to fight the signs of aging and transform your appearance, preventative care occurs outside the office. Not smoking cigarettes, limiting sun exposure, not abusing your body and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are all things you can also do to keep your appearance looking younger.
Book Your Cosmetic Consultation Today
Consult with Bay Area double-board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sieber, to learn more about the cosmetic procedures he performs. Schedule a consultation here or call 415-915-9000 today.
