Recently an article lit up the cyberspace headlines highlighting how millennials are making appointments with their plastic surgeons. Born between the early 1980s to early 2000s, many millennials are incorporating cosmetic procedures into their daily culture.
While the story covers the demand for Botox and fillers, it gives one pause as to better understand the growing need for this generation to find an aesthetic balance.
Once the article broke out in the New York Daily News entitled “Record number plastic surgeons working on millennials,” its author, Jacqueline Cutler, raised exceptional awareness.
The article cited a fairly recent survey championed by The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The most glaring information was how plastic surgeons tallied their own office numbers indicating that 64 percent of their patients were below the age of thirty.
So what’s causing this ripple effect? The answer seems to be the ongoing craze of selfies and it’s not expected to end anytime soon.
Another clear cut reason many might have already suspected are celebrity triggers. High profile people have the type of clout to sway their followers either with their own selfies or photos in online and/or print publications. In the survey, it was estimated that 82 percent of plastic surgeons agreed that celebrities impact cosmetic surgery trends.
With that said, the article pinpointed how millennials are seeking fuller lips and line-free foreheads to ensure picture perfect selfies.
Cutler interviewed Dr. Edwin Williams III who told her, “Younger patients should be advised to be careful not to go overboard too soon with injections. In fact, some procedures like overly plumped lips and a frozen forehead can actually age you beyond your years.”
Nicole Dowler RN, an aesthetic nurse who specializes in cosmetic injections and works with San Diego plastic surgeon, Dr. D. Glynn Bolitho, offered her viewpoints on cosmetic injections among millennials.
It’s Dowler’s belief that beginning Botox in one’s late twenties is a good idea because these injections are considered preventative measures.
“It is easier to maintain a line-free face than it is to try and correct deep lines that are already there,” she said. Dowler continued, “So if you start doing Botox prior to getting wrinkles then you won’t get the deep wrinkles that no one wants.”
While Dowler is a proponent of Botox is this age range, she is also pragmatic in her approach. According to Dowler, her philosophy regarding injections is the “less is more” theory.
“Being conservative is key and a proper consultation with a trained medical professional is always important before deciding where to use Botox and fillers, including how often it should be used,” she said, noting her concern that individuals are overdoing cosmetic injections these days.
Dowler’s recommendation is simple. Abide by the manufacturer’s recommendation for the amount and frequency of treatment. Discussing these issues with a nurse or doctor will help ensure an individualized treatment plan.
At the end of the day, it’s critical for those in the medical profession to educate their millennial patients about aesthetic treatments ranging from cosmetic injections, to chemical peels, to a skin care regimen. A conservative approach is always the best pathway to take.
