The millennial generation is making their mark in history with just a pouty look in their front-facing camera phone lenses. In a world where the perfect selfie can make you famous, it’s easy to see why the aesthetic industry is exploding and more are experimenting with cosmetic treatments at a younger age than ever before.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ statistics, botulinum toxin (Botox and Dysport) injection procedures increased by 6 million from the year 2000 to 2015 and dermal filler injections increased by about 180,000 procedures. By the year 2015, millennials were taking up nearly 30% of the cosmetic injectable market.
So, why are 20-40 year olds so concerned with looking younger when they are still young? There may be a few reasons:
Media
We live in the age of Photoshop. Perfectly sculpted figures appear on magazine covers and all over the internet, enticing us to look the same in real life. In a twist of life-reflecting-art, we aim to mimic these “ideal” looks that we weren’t given naturally. With modern science and technology we can shave, curve, smooth and plump whatever our hearts desire.
Celebrities
In the past, many celebrities kept quiet about any “work” they had had done. Now, it seems a lot harder to hide the truth, and less necessary. We are more accepting of cosmetic nips and tucks, as a society. Reality and YouTube Stars have especially impacted our thoughts about these procedures, like when Kim Kardashian (36 years old) was filmed getting Botox and Kylie Jenner (19 years old) admitted to having lip filler injections.
Instant Gratification
With online ordering offering whatever we want, delivered to our front door within 1-2 business days, it’s no wonder that millennials are not a patient bunch. The same goes for beauty treatments. Botox can be done in a matter of minutes during a lunch break, and the results begin to show within a week. Dermal fillers, even more satisfying, can be injected within half an hour and results are immediate with little-to-no downtime.
Advancements
The aesthetic industry is ever-changing and always advancing. As technology increases, procedure results get better and easier to achieve. Nearly gone are the days of “bad Botox” and overdone looks. The younger generation has learned that if they start now with minimal and natural injections and regular medical aesthetic treatments, the less they will need as they age gracefully.
Gone are the days of over-priced and painful surgical procedures with lengthy downtime to achieve age-defying results. Non-invasive aesthetic treatments are more comfortable and inexpensive than ever. Celebrity-looking skin for the perfect selfie is the obvious 2017 trend for the millennial generation.
