Why are younger people seeking out
plastic surgery these days?
With the surge of social media and the selfie culture, more and more younger people are seeking out plastic surgery in hopes of changing their appearance. HEALTH meets with Dr. Faisal Ameer, Consultant & Head, Division of Plastic Surgery and Clinical Assistant Professor who reveals the facts about this growing phenomena.
THE UNDERLYING REASONS AND THE ROLE OF PARENTS In an age of selfies and constant social media sharing, a growing number of teenagers are undergoing plastic surgery to alter their appearance, says Dr. Ameer. “Currently, teenagers account for about four percent of all cosmetic surgery procedures, with the most common procedures among teens being nose reshaping, male breast reduction and ear surgery,” he says, adding that adolescents also account for a small percentage of total non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as laser hair removal, skin resurfacing, and Botox injections. Regarding the role of the parents, he strongly suggests that it is never advisable for a parent to suggest plastic
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surgery. “The idea has to come from the teen,” he explains, as the parents may project their own experiences and want to protect their children from emotional harm. Also, parents must not openly reject a child’s request for a procedure as the child might be a subject of bullying and ridicule.
THE LINK TO SOCIAL MEDIA According to Dr. Ameer, today’s social media-obsessed culture has contributed dramatically to a rise in plastic surgery. “That being said, teenagers seek plastic surgery for a variety of reasons, ranging from addressing a health need to fixing a feature that has made them susceptible to bullying,” he says. “Teens tend to have plastic surgery to fit in with peers and
to look similar. Adults, he adds, on the other hand, tend to have plastic surgery to standout from others. “One reason many teens cite is that young people can be cruel, whether intentionally or not,” he explains, and a constant barrage of cruel remarks often drives teens to take surgical action.
