What rules the world? Selfies do! Let’s face it, social media is everywhere, and it is not going away anytime soon. We live in a time that is ruled by image and how you look now is as important as who you are. The stigma of “having work done” no longer exists and in some social circles enhancing your beauty through invasive and non-invasive procedures is viewed as a visible social status. Currently, the selfie generation has instant gratification, so it is no surprise that younger people are opting for invasive and non-invasive procedures in hopes to achieve the perfect look. In fact, the average Millennial takes 28,000 selfies annually! It is no wonder that while constantly viewing themselves through a camera lense leads to truly seeing themselves in a different light!
To keep up with filters, facial modification apps and Photoshop apps, more and more millennials are rushing to get Botox and facial fillers than ever before. In a recent survey 64% of members stated they had seen a dramatic increase in patients under the age of 30 requesting facial cosmetic surgery or injectable treatments. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Plastic Surgery Report confirms this trend, as reported Botox procedures have seen a 28% increase since 2010 and facial fillers have seen a 32% increase since 2010 among the age group 20-29.
So, what is Botox? Botox is a brand name that is commonly used to refer to any number of neuromodulators whose sole purpose is to selectively weaken certain facial muscles to reduce crow’s feet wrinkles, elevate the brows, help turn up the lips and soften your chin pad. When used correctly Botox can dramatically reduce early and moderate signs of aging by minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, or reshaping the eyebrows. The skilled board-certified plastic surgeon has the intimate anatomic knowledge of these muscle groups as as such they can accurately determine the placement and quantity needed to achieve the desired result. These FDA approved neuromodulators will typically last 3 to 4 months. A common trend emerging is the use of Botox for preventative aging rather than correcting the aging process. More and more millennials are requesting Botox to prevent wrinkle formation as opposed to correcting the wrinkles once they appear. It is thought that perhaps this preemptive use will negate the need for surgical aging correction for a long time. Time will tell whether this is indeed true!
Fillers, on the other hand, are used primarily to plump and fill areas of the face. Examples include fuller lips, fuller cheeks, enhancing sunken eyes, and reducing the appearance of more prominent wrinkles. Fillers are an excellent tool for fighting off the aging process and enhancing your appearance. Currently, there are several FDA-approved fillers and not all fillers are created equally. Thus, if you are interested in filler, you should seek consultation with a true board certified cosmetic physician such as a board-certified plastic surgeon who has both the experience and expertise in the use of all the new and innovative FDA approved fillers. Newly approved HA fillers have specific uses and advantages for specific areas of the face. It is important to remember as a patient that with constant changes to the types of filler used and the different approved uses, to remain safe and ensure the enhancement is done well a board certified cosmetic physician such as a board-certified plastic surgeon should be consulted. Undergoing non-surgical cosmetic enhancement is always best to be done at the doctor’s office, spa’s and strip malls should be avoided for your safety.
If you are in your twenties, should you rush to your plastic surgeon for the latest and greatest procedure so you can keep up appearances? The answer is “NO!” Plastic surgery is a beautiful art form and can drastically change someone’s image for the better if performed by a skilled board-certified plastic surgeon. However, plastic surgery is a very personal choice and can profoundly impact your life. That being said, the journey of plastic surgery should be made for the right reason: to look better and feel better about yourself.
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