Fillers are on the rise, thanks to celebrities getting them done. People are highly intrigued about the procedure, drawn to the fact it doesn’t require surgery and is less costly and painful.
What’s more, since fillers are only injectables, they’re not as risky, and the downtime is minimal. The results may only be temporary, but at least, it gives clients the chance to stop undergoing the procedure if they were unhappy about it.
Aesthetic treatments, including cosmetic surgery, have become almost normalized that you’d barely find anyone ashamed of admitting that they’ve had work done. In YouTube, you’ll find tons of vlogs about plastic surgery, Botox, liposuction, etc., and the vloggers even update their subscribers regularly about their healing, and if they’d recommend the procedures.
This can be a positive development, as it shows that society has grown more accepting of people who choose to change something about their appearances. But how is this affecting teenagers, who tend to be very conscious about their appearances? Are aesthetic enhancements tampering with their self-confidence?
Teenagers and Plastic Surgery
Most teens don’t get plastic surgery, but those who do have reasons different from adults, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Teens see plastic surgery as a way to fit in and look more acceptable to their friends and peers, while adults view it as a way to stand out.
As per the ASPS, over 200,000 teens under 19 had either minor or major plastic surgery in 2013. But not all of them had done them to fit in. Some had physical defects corrected, such as gynecomastia, a condition that causes excessive breast tissue in males. Since weight loss is unable to cure such condition, plastic surgery is necessary.
Meanwhile, the other teens that had surgery either had their birthmarks removed, their protruding ears pinned back, or their acne scars camouflaged. However, it was also reported that breast reduction and nose reshaping are one of the most common procedures chosen by teens.
Are Cosmetic Enhancements Necessary for Increasing Self-Esteem?
Since the pandemic has forced aesthetic centers to close down, those who routinely undergo procedures may experience a decline in their self-esteem. Those who have been looking forward to a specific procedure, meanwhile, have to postpone their appointments and wait until the risks become lower. Hence, they have to put up with their flaws longer.
But though the circumstances are triggering, it can also be a time for reflection. According to Rebecca Sparkes, a psychotherapist specializing in addiction, this forced period of abstinence surely has benefits. Those with more robust self-worth may realize that they’ve actually lived pretty well for 10 weeks or so without treatments.
People with more fragile self-worth, however, may have to seek help from a specialist, because long periods of no treatments can seriously crush their confidence. When they’ve grown too dependent on Botox or any other type of cosmetic enhancement, they’ll find it difficult to feel good about themselves without it.
Things to Consider Before Seeing an Aesthetician
Surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures aren’t bad, of course. But before seeing an aesthetician or a cosmetic surgeon, you have to consider a number of things first, especially if you’re a teen.
Teens have bodies that are still changing, so what is too small now may grow a lot bigger after a few years. Conversely, the body parts that they think are too big may be able to shrink down through diet and exercise.
And for teens and adults alike, ponder your reasons for wanting a procedure. If you’re self-conscious about your bodies, remember that everyone wishes that at least one feature of theirs looks better. Ask yourself whether you want the change for yourself, or to please someone else.
Consider your emotions as well. If you’ve been dealing with poor mental health, seeing a therapist first will be beneficial, as any cosmetic procedure requires emotional preparation. If you haven’t worked out your emotional problems yet, chances are your doctor would refuse to subject you to the procedure.
Questions to Ask Your Aesthetician or Surgeon
Any cosmetic procedure is of a serious nature. If you haven’t done your research well, you’ll never know what to expect, or whether you’ve chosen a legitimate aesthetic center.
Therefore, sit down with your chosen aesthetician or surgeon first, and ask them about the following:
- Their credentials. An aesthetician should’ve undergone the necessary training, such as a PDO thread training course or workshop or other programs from another legitimate and reputable institute.
- Their experience. They should be experienced enough in the procedure you want to be done.
- Their aesthetics. See if the results they’ve designed for you is appealing.
- Safety of their facility. Find out if their premises has the necessary accreditation and certifications.
To conclude this post, there is nothing wrong with cosmetic enhancements, as long as they’re done for the right reasons. Do it on impulse, or you may end with botched results and further ruin your self-worth. Hence, it should be pondered carefully and must be done only for yourself, never for others.
