While cosmetic surgery was once only a fad among people in their fifties and sixties, they may no longer be the only demographic taking advantage of these anti-aging operations.
According to CBS Philadelphia, a growing number of people in their twenties are delving into the world of plastic surgery.
Back in 2013 only about 5% of patients participating in cosmetic operations were in this age group, while it is now up to 10%. This makes Millennials the fastest growing demographic in plastic surgery. But why is this?
It would seem that watching those around them age is a driving force in Millennials’ desire to prevent their own aging.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Norman Rowe explains that all of his younger patients seem to give the same reasoning.
“’While I do love my mother and grandmother, what can I do to maybe not age the same way they did?’” Rowe told CBS, repeating the words of his patients.
The top requests Dr. Rowe receives from his younger clients are first and foremost Botox treatments, followed by acid peels to remove sun damage, fillers for plumping lips, and non-surgical laser fat reduction.
As strange as it may sound, this could be good news for those who are out of Christmas gift ideas. As USA Today reports, plastic surgeons are seeing more people come to purchase their services with gift cards. Yes, gift cards.
For example, Massachusetts resident Cynthia Murphy bought around $1,500 worth of cosmetic operation gift cards for her friends this year. And she is far from alone.
President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) Edwin Williams has seen the use of gift cards for his services grow from 10% to 15% over the last few years. Non-surgical Botox treatments alone increased by 30% to 35% just from November to December.
Scot Glasberg, a plastic surgeon in New York, explains how this growth in plastic surgery gift cards is a result of the lessening stigma associated with these operations. Everyday people are more open to discussing minor alterations, skin treatments, and tucks they’ve had.
“The millennials hope to alter the way they age while clients in their 40s and 50s want to prevent further changes,” said Dr. Janis P. Campbell, Dermatologist at Laser Rejuvenation Clinic & Spa of Calgary. “The majority of clients are interested in the best skin care options and non surgical interventions such as botox, fillers, skin tightening and fraxel laser. Dermatologists have been the pioneers in these techniques to make you look younger.”
Barbie Cecil, a registered nurse, explains how if people know the risks and do their research about the procedures, then these gift cards can be a great present.
“I don’t really see anything wrong with it. At the end of the year we always struggle with what we buy each other,” she said. “For my sisters, I think that would be a great idea.”
It’s definitely a unique way to spread Christmas cheer.