Factors Associated with Likelihood to Undergo Cosmetic Surgical Procedures Among Young Adults in the United States: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Introduction/Goals Over the past decade, cosmetic surgical procedures have become increasingly popular. This trend has been driven by procedural innovations as well as access to Internet and social media. Consequently, patients have been seeking cosmetic surgical procedures at younger ages. In this narrative review, studies assessing attitudes towards cosmetic surgical procedures among college-aged young adults were evaluated. Methods A search identified 20 studies published from 2002 to 2021 that focused on cosmetic surgical procedures among young adults. Each study used survey-based data to determine attitudes, acceptance, interests, perceptions, and beliefs about cosmetic surgical procedures among college-aged students in the United States. Results The proportion of college-aged participants who had undergone cosmetic surgical procedures ranged from 1.3% to 6.4% with surveys reporting that between 21 and 43% were interested in procedures in the future. In general, young women were more likely to express interest in cosmetic surgical procedures than young men. Studies consistently demonstrated an inverse relationship between body satisfaction and use of aesthetic procedures among this patient population. Other factors associated with acceptance and approval of cosmetic surgical procedures included importance of appearance to self-worth, concern with social standing and attractiveness, investment in appearance, media influence on body image, and positive attitudes towards celebrities. Exposure to cosmetic surgery advertising was correlated with increased approval of cosmetic surgical procedures, especially the perception that advertising influences “others” more than survey respondents themselves. Conclusion Interest in cosmetic surgical procedures continues to grow among young adults in the United States. In the future, this cohort is likely to become an increasingly important demographic to target for education, advertising, and research regarding cosmetic surgical procedures.

Cosmetic Surgery and the Diversity of Cultural and Ethnic Perceptions of Facial, Breast, and Gluteal Aesthetics in Women: A Comprehensive Review

“… 67 , 68 The demand for cosmetic operations is increasing worldwide, particularly in East Asian countries and among ethnic minorities. 9 Women are likelier to undertake cosmetic surgery than men, 6 and lower self-ratings of physical beauty indicate a higher prevalence of cosmetic surgery being undertaken. 69 , 70 …”

“…1,2 People around the world value symmetry, harmony, and equilibrium as qualities of beauty and appeal; however, no two people from different ethnic or cultural backgrounds are likely to have the same aesthetic goals or perceptions of beauty. 3 As cosmetic surgery has become increasingly popular, and patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds seek interventions to maintain the balance and harmony of their natural features, beauty standards have become more diverse and vary according to cultural and ethnic norms [4][5][6][7][8] A survey of people from China, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea showed that each nation had its own expectations and preferences in terms of aesthetic results. 9 Traditional aesthetic criteria such as symmetry, averageness, youth, and sexual dimorphism may not be applicable to different ethnic groups.…”

Direct and Indirect Roles of Men in Determining Women Decision to Use Laser Procedures for Skin Care

“…56 There are also articles in the form of content analysis in brochures or literature reviews. 61,67,68,70 There are no studies that focus entirely on laser procedures. The motivation for following a laser procedure is the same as for any other dermatological procedure.…”

Introduction to soft tissue fillers

“…The novel influence of social media cannot be overstated as multiple studies have demonstrated the power of social media in motivating patients' decisions related to cosmetic procedures, whether through influencers or advertising. [15][16][17] Popular culture, including the actions of celebrities, is an additional significant influence shifting the preferences and decisions of patients interested in fillers. For example, media coverage of reality television star Kylie Jenner led to a dramatic increase in the usage of the search engine term "fillers" at the height of her media scrutiny with a sustained general increase in the following years.…”

“…Furthermore, 40% of patients reported they were strongly influenced by social media when choosing their providers. The novel influence of social media cannot be overstated as multiple studies have demonstrated the power of social media in motivating patients’ decisions related to cosmetic procedures, whether through influencers or advertising 15–17 . Popular culture, including the actions of celebrities, is an additional significant influence shifting the preferences and decisions of patients interested in fillers.…”