While plastic surgery has traditionally been linked to older patients, new research suggests that is not always the case. While many patients in their later years continue to look for ways to turn back the clock on their appearance, younger patients are also tuning into the benefits of both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. What is driving the trend? It appears a combination of factors, according to the latest study.

AAFPRS Survey Identifies New Trend

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery publishes a survey annually to document the latest plastic surgery trends. In 2015, AAFPRS found that more young adults and teenagers were seeking cosmetic procedures, with 64 percent of plastic surgeons across the country treating more patients under the age of 30. The surgeons that conducted the survey attributed the trend to a number of different factors, from outside influence to the larger number of options in effective non-surgical procedures today.

Trend Drivers

Social media and celebrities getting “work done” both appeared to be driving the trend of younger patients at plastic surgeon’s offices. Whether the increase can be attributed to the “Kardashian effect” or simple social media is somewhat debatable. More celebrities opening up about their procedures make the field of plastic surgery more acceptable overall, while photos of these men and women give other young people an ideal to strive for. The selfie craze may also be driving younger patients to seek cosmetic procedures, as those photos may highlight a certain imperfection or feature the individual wants to enhance or change. The exhibitionist lifestyle many millennials and gen-Xers live today can make them more self-conscious about their appearance and more willing to shell out the time and money to get the look they want.

Common Procedures

Some of the most common surgical procedures requested by younger patients include:

  • Rhinoplasty or nose reshaping
  • Breast augmentation (women)
  • Breast reduction (men and women)
  • Otoplasty or ear surgery

It was also noted that more young patients are seeking liposuction and lip fillers. However, the surgeons involved with the survey were quick to point out that not every treatment is appropriate for all ages. In some cases, younger patients would be better off to wait a few years for certain treatments to offer the best possible results.

Better Options, Effective Maintenance

Another factor driving the youthful trend is the availability of more effective non-surgical options in skin rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments. Laser procedures effectively smooth the skin and produce a more even texture and tone, while injectable treatments are specifically designed to smooth away wrinkles and restore youthful volume to areas like the cheeks and jawline. The ability to indulge in non-surgical treatments earlier may even ward off signs of aging for longer than if no treatments are performed.

Top Concerns of Plastic Surgery Patients

The survey found that the number one concern for patients seeking cosmetic treatments today is to find a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon for their procedure. The cost and results of the procedure were also commonly listed concerns for patients, although these concerns fell significantly below the worry over getting the right surgeon. Pain during and after the procedure was even less of a concern, possibly due in part to advanced techniques that make procedures more tolerable than ever before.

No matter what the age of the patient, the decision to have plastic surgery or a non-surgical treatment is a personal choice that should be made between a patient and plastic surgeon. To find out if you are ready for a cosmetic treatment, contact Ocean Plastic Surgery today at (732) 255-7155.