Today, the pressure to conform to beauty standards has reached alarming levels, especially for young women. 

Teenagers growing up in Generation Z are particularly vulnerable to developing appearance dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. This is exacerbated by the constant exposure to media portrayals of artificial beauty ideals and the influence of social media influencers. As a result, many young women are turning to cosmetic surgery as a means to achieve these unattainable beauty standards, regardless of the potential risks and negative effects on their physical and psychological well-being.

In the last few years, the age of young women undergoing some form of cosmetic enhancement has reduced, with teenagers represented in these statistics now more than ever. In 2020, Government estimates showed that up to 41,000 Botox-style procedures were carried out on under-18s in England. This has led to legal intervention by the Government in 2021, banning the practice of Botox-style injections and lip fillers for under-18s in England. The law intends to prevent young people from harm after many efforts to regulate the non-surgical beauty industry. However, despite these, young teens are finding loopholes to access these procedures. This year, many UK teens have reportedly been traveling to Wales for Botox and lip-fillers as there is no law preventing it. 

The pursuit of beauty through surgical means has become normalized within Western cultures, turning cosmetic surgery into a profitable industry. However, it is essential to acknowledge the dangers that come with undergoing cosmetic surgery at a young age. Research has shown that psychosocial factors play a significant role in young women’s interest in cosmetic procedures. (Nugraha, 2021). The growth in the number of teens having cosmetic surgery has now sparked the concern of Save Face, a body of practitioners in the UK. Ashton Collins, the director at Save Face, has said these popularised beauty treatments among young women was a “crisis waiting to happen with young people.” Furthermore, the group has cited the serious health risks and side effects, including blindness and permanent tissue death, as major warning factors supporting their campaign for an age limit. 

Furthermore, Peer influence, body dissatisfaction, and social comparisons all contribute to their desire for cosmetic surgery. Exposure to media coverage of cosmetic surgery and the influence of social media create a dangerous environment for young women. Risks such as physical complications, such as infection, scarring, and anesthesia-related issues, can cause permanent, lifelong damage. A developing teen would likely suffer the shorter end of the stick in recovery.

In addition to the physical risks, there is also a significant impact on young women’s mental health. Underage cosmetic surgery can lead to increased body dissatisfaction, poor self-esteem, and even the development of body dysmorphic disorder. The negative effects of cosmetic surgery on the psychological well-being of young women cannot be ignored. It is crucial for parents, clinicians, and policymakers to address this issue and find ways to curb young women’s need to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. Moreover, it is important to educate young women about the diversity and natural variation of beauty, emphasizing that true beauty comes from within rather than through surgical interventions. By promoting self-acceptance, embracing diversity, and redefining beauty standards, we can create a healthier and more inclusive society for young women.

This was written by our contributing writer, Julia Cawele.