Young Australians increasingly seek cosmetic surgery procedures

A young Australian woman recently shared her facelift journey on TikTok, highlighting a trend of increasing interest in plastic surgery among younger people, especially Millennials. Traditionally, facelifts were associated with older individuals, but young people are now exploring these options earlier. A facelift is a major surgery that tightens and removes skin on the face and neck. In Australia, this procedure is becoming more popular, with reports showing more than $1 billion spent on cosmetic surgeries last year. Millennials are particularly keen on exploring these options. Plastic surgeons have noticed more inquiries from younger patients about facelifts. However, many surgeons advise caution. They stress that this surgery carries significant risks and may not provide noticeable benefits for younger individuals, whose skin is often still tight and elastic. Experts believe that undergoing surgery early might lead to unnecessary procedures later in life. Many young people claim to seek facelifts for "preventative aging," but experts argue this concept is misleading. There are no proven methods to stop the aging process. Instead, maintaining healthy habits, like using sunscreen and avoiding smoking, is recommended. Some studies suggest that those who have cosmetic surgery might feel better about their appearance. However, experts warn more research is needed, especially regarding younger patients. The beauty standards people hold often continue throughout life, which may lead to recurrent desires for surgical procedures. The trend of traveling overseas for cosmetic surgery is also rising among Australians, with around 15,000 individuals seeking treatments abroad each year. While some may be attracted by lower costs, experts advise careful consideration due to potential complications and lack of familiarity with overseas healthcare systems. As our understanding of beauty and aging evolves, cosmetic procedures are gaining acceptance, especially among younger generations. Experts suggest that people are looking for more permanent solutions, such as facelifts, instead of temporary treatments. This shift reflects a societal change where the focus is on simply looking good, regardless of age.