Whether it’s due to the rise in social media posts about fillers or the popularity of pouty-lipped young celebrities like Kylie Jenner, cosmetic injections are experiencing increasing popularity among young people. While studies have shown that most people who seek out non-surgical cosmetic procedures are over the age of 40, plenty of people in their late teens to mid-twenties are starting to clamor for the look and benefits of cosmetic surgery injections.
The question this increased demand poses regards safety and efficacy. Much has been written about how social media filters are causing a level of dysphoria among younger people, who seek ways to get that plump-lipped, smooth skin look permanent.
While it may seem that it is likely always a bad idea to dive into the world of cosmetic injections early, some pros exist alongside the cons. First, we should look at what cosmetic injections are and what they provide to people seeking them out — no matter their age.
Cosmetic injections, or dermal fillers, are injected under the skin and can add volume and fullness to lips, cheeks, jawlines, and more. Often, people seek out fillers to erase the signs of aging and return their faces to a more youthful appearance. So, one may wonder why those who are already young would turn to cosmetic injections? Reasons vary, but the popularity of non-surgical cosmetic procedures for the under-thirty set shows no signs of slowing. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of this wildly popular beauty regimen:
Pro (or Con): most injectables are temporary
Injectables will wear off if you don’t return to your provider for regular touch-ups. Depending on who you ask, this temporary status could be seen as a negative or a positive. If we’re talking about an 18-year-old who decided to go for an overly plump lip because they liked what they saw on an Instagram post, the temporary nature of dermal fillers could viewed as a silver lining.
Pro: non-surgical procedure
Because most injectables are not permanent, young people are not running the risk of permanently altering their faces when they dabble in fillers. It is a non-surgical procedure and safe for all intents and purposes. People who want to dip their toes in the waters of cosmetic procedures without a huge buy-in can do so with cosmetic injections.
Con: Side-Effects
Some patients can experience bruising at the injection site and, in some rare cases, rashes or potential infections. It is very important for people to carefully research their chosen injectable provider and the filler they are choosing to use before going forward with a procedure. A skin test can be conducted to determine whether you may be allergic to your chosen injectable in an attempt to avoid any significant issues.
Con: Cost
There’s a litany of reasons why cosmetic injectables are more popular among the over-40 age bracket, and one of those reasons is likely cost. Depending on the injectable used, prices can range from $300 to $900 a session. If one is seeking out injectables and finding a “too good to be true” inexpensive price, that may be a red flag that the fillers are not up to standards.
Pro: Collagen and Elastin Production
Though our skin holds far more collagen and elastin when we are young, there still may be part of our appearance that we feel could use a boost. Even at a young age, lips can be thin, skin can look less than youthful, and premature signs of aging can appear. Cosmetic injections can increase collagen and elastin production to increase your skin’s youthful appearance for longer.
Because cosmetic injections are readily available and attainable for younger people, their popularity has not waned. However, some have cautioned that developing an early addiction to fillers could be a gateway to cosmetic surgery addiction. In a 2019 Buzzfeed piece, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Kevin Benner even said that fillers were “great for patient retention”, meaning those who begin with fillers often use them as a bridge to more extensive surgical procedures.
Currently, there is an age limit of 21 years old for cosmetic injections outside of Botox, which is 18. Concerns about young people becoming increasingly unhappy with their appearance and being influenced by social media have prompted providers, spas, and doctors to tread lightly on providing services to that population. Every person is different, and if a young person sees value in cosmetic injections, they should seek a reputable and safe place to receive services. At the end of the day, comfort with one’s cosmetic procedure provider and an understanding of the services is integral to a positive experience.
Alex Medieros
Alex Medeiros carries over 15 years of experience growing aesthetic practices, and is the current Manager at LightTouch Med Spa Orlando location. Through utilizing his knowledge of marketing, management, and operations, he has been quickly able to help the brand grow to one of the top performing injectable med spas in the Orlando area within 2 years. LightTouch Med Spa features a stunning 14 treatment rooms with over 12 full time staff just within the first 4 months of operations. Using in-depth data-driven analytics, he is helping drive LightTouch forward into 2023.