Selfie Culture: Botox and Fillers for Today’s Teen Trendsetters!

Welcome to the Instagram era, where “image” holds the key to youth culture!

In a world where sharing every moment online has become a rite of passage, young people are on a relentless quest for “likes” and validation. These days, the old stereotype of the self-absorbed teen has morphed into a wave of “selfie-obsessed” individuals striving for picture-perfect appearances.

With social media skyrocketing in influence, there’s been a noticeable surge in young folks turning to cosmetic procedures. From Botox and dermal fillers to the latest beauty trends, procedures that were once reserved for the older crowd are now being sought after by teens and early twenty-somethings, all in the name of beauty.

As reported by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, social media platforms have become powerful marketing tools, allowing practitioners to target their ideal clients with laser precision.

READ MORE: Teaching your kid to love their body starts with you

It’s unsettling how many brands are now marketing injectables as “preventative” beauty treatments for younger demographics. As someone in my 40s, I often find myself scrutinizing the lines on my face, questioning whether societal norms have shifted so drastically that aging gracefully is now seen as a flaw. The pressure to maintain a youthful appearance is mounting, largely thanks to celebrity culture and the influence of social media.

If I feel the weight of self-esteem issues from these glossy images, I can only imagine the toll on impressionable youth, who are even more susceptible to the whims of celebrity and social trends.

But let’s not forget, there are serious risks involved in the pursuit of beauty—especially for younger individuals navigating an unregulated market.

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What’s permissible and what constitutes solid medical practice can often be two different stories.

This week, Ireland’s Health Minister, Simon Harris, threw down the gauntlet, considering a ban on Botox and fillers for anyone under 18. He emphasized that although regulations exist, there’s a pressing need for more stringent measures.

Dr. Siún Murphy, one of Ireland’s leading plastic surgeons, backs this initiative, citing that many 18-year-olds are still developing, advocating a ban on these treatments for anyone under 25. For Dr. Murphy, such procedures should only be reserved for exceptional circumstances.

Oh Canada, why so lax?

In contrast, Canada currently has no age restrictions or adequate regulations regarding the use of injectables.

“Aesthetic Medicine in Ontario is a wild west,” declares Dr. Pari Oza, founder and medical director of Pari Aesthetics in Etobicoke. She urges consumers to do their homework and ensure they are treated by licensed professionals who genuinely understand facial anatomy.

“Let’s not forget, aesthetic medicine is still medicine; it’s not merely a cosmetic fix,” she adds.

Personally, I would welcome more regulation in this industry. The stakes are high—both financially and health-wise—for young people opting for these treatments.

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Some clinics in Canada, like Face Toronto, have chosen to self-regulate by refusing services to anyone under 18. They recognize the increased interest from young people and the corresponding need for education.

“I see countless young patients in my practice—both guys and gals in their 20s and early 30s—seeking out non-surgical enhancements,” shares Dr. Ashlin Alexander, a facial plastic surgeon at Face Toronto.

He engages in daily conversations about which treatments augment a patient’s features and which ones should be avoided entirely. “We often have young clients walk in with requests based on what they saw online, but we must guide them on what works best for their unique anatomy. Sometimes, that guidance is simply ‘You don’t need any treatment at all,’” he reveals.

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What’s the cost of beauty?

While Kylie Jenner may have gotten her lip injections as a teen, let’s face it; most young folks don’t have the kind of disposable income that celebrities do. More often than not, they are drawn to cheaper options, which can lead to a range of complications—from bruising and swelling to severe consequences like necrosis or even blindness due to improper administration.

“I’m astounded by how many people come to us for follow-ups after getting treatments elsewhere, claiming they were never informed about the associated risks,” Dr. Alexander notes.

Once you start, will it ever be enough?

While I’m all for supporting those who choose cosmetic enhancements, we must tread carefully where our youth are concerned. From experience, I know that once you embark on this journey, there’s often no turning back. I bid farewell to my “uni-brow” at 18, and trust me, it hasn’t made a comeback in over two decades.

Sure, a lip plump might look fabulous now, but what happens when those results start to wane in a few months? It could turn into a lifelong commitment to regular treatments. The earlier you begin, the longer that cycle stretches out. I can’t help but wonder if these products were really intended for long-term use spanning 40+ years, which is a very real possibility for early adopters.

When reflecting on my makeup journey, I might now splurge on a $30 mascara instead of settling for a $5 brand, but starting off cheap with injectables is a risk not worth taking.

Normalizing such enhancements for young minds is dangerous, as the reality is that they are not accessible or affordable for the majority. Opting for “budget” treatments from inexperienced injectors is a gamble that simply isn’t safe.

We must protect our youth until they reach an age where they can make informed decisions. It is crucial to hold brands, marketers, and practitioners accountable for the messages they convey about beauty standards.

Because the true costs of cosmetic procedures extend far beyond the surface.

Meera Estrada is a cultural commentator and co-host of kultur’D! on Global News Radio 640 Toronto.