In 2016, baby boomers are still identified as being the largest group seeking cosmetic procedures. However, millennials are growing in numbers in pursuit of plastic surgery and non-surgical enhancements. Gilbert Lee, M.D., FACS of Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa in San Diego, sees this in his practice with an increase in 20-somethings looking for Brazilian Butt Augmentation, Rhinoplasty, and under-eye treatments.
In examining why there is an increase in millennials interested in plastic surgery and aesthetic corrections, Dr. Lee refers to the 2006 book Generation Me. The author identifies millennials, by definition 18-35-year-olds, as showing an increasing sense of entitlement and narcissism based on personality surveys (compared to preceding generations when they were teens and in their twenties). Dr. Lee muses that this may, in part, be responsible for the interest in plastic surgery and aesthetic treatments among millennials.
At Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa, Dr. Lee has seen the greatest increase in Brazilian Buttock Lifts among patients in the 25-35 age range. He attributes this to the popularity of T.V. personalities like the Kardashians and the singer Beyonce and millennials wanting to mirror their curvy figures. The Brazilian Buttock Lift (BBL) involves harvesting body fat through liposuction, purifying the fat and then injecting the fat into the buttocks. Just as large breasts are falling out of vogue, large rear ends may be a passing trend. Time has yet to tell.
Rhinoplasty or nose surgery is also a favorite, particularly for the 21-30-year-old set. Millennials generally seek rhinoplasty out of dissatisfaction for a feature they view as overpowering or masculine looking. Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa offers 3D computer imaging which allows Dr. Lee to show how the new nose will look prior to actually performing surgery. Millennial patients have a definite idea of the nose they wish to have and easily voice the changes they want. Rhinoplasty can be one of the most rewarding plastic surgery procedures for an individual’s self-esteem.
Millennials have an obsession with taking selfies and with that comes close scrutiny of perceived facial flaws. Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa is seeing younger and younger patients looking to reduce under-eye dark circles and bags. Rarely do millennials have under-eye bags, but rather a condition called tear trough deformity where the eyeball sits forward of the natural cheekbone projection. This condition is easily treated with non-surgically with the injection of dermal fillers. Since there is no surgery involved and correction is immediate, Dr. Lee predicts the numbers will grow even more for under eye correction.
As baby boomers hope to reverse the signs of aging by seeking plastic surgery, millennials are embracing the chance to look like the stars they admire and to look better on social media and gain more followers. Time, however, catches up. As the 18-35 set age, plastic surgeons like Dr. Lee will be around to help them look like their old selfies.
If you are motivated to make some cosmetic changes of your own, contact Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa in San Diego.
