The Mental Health Impact of Cosmetic Surgery in Young Adults: Pros and Cons

When you think of plastic surgery, you probably imagine middle-aged people going under the knife to turn back the clock. However, cosmetic surgery in young adults is becoming increasingly common. And getting plastic surgery has mental health consequences for Millennials and Gen Z—both good and bad. 

Key Takeaways

• More young adults are getting plastic surgery due to social media and video conferencing, which create mounting pressure to look your best at all times.
• Young people with pre-existing mental health issues like body dysmorphic disorder, anxiety, and depression are more prone to seek out plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures.
• Plastic surgery can sometimes lead young adults to have more self-esteem, better mental health, and a more satisfying quality of life.
• In other young people, plastic surgery can trigger or exacerbate mental health problems.

Why More Young Adults Are Getting Plastic Surgery and Other Cosmetic Procedures

According to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 75 percent of facial plastic surgeons report a rise in the number of patients under the age of 30 who are seeking injections and cosmetic procedures. And up to 40 percent of college-aged young adults express interest in having cosmetic procedures in the future. Even teens are thinking about plastic surgery: 1 in 4 teens say they plan to have cosmetic surgery to reduce the appearance of aging as they get older.

Why are plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures on the rise among young people? The increasing number of available procedures, decreasing costs, and the proliferation of cosmetic procedures marketed on the Internet and social media are some of the reasons. Social media, however, is likely the biggest cause of the trend. The mounting pressure to look your very best comes in large part from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where young adults spend hours each day. Bombarded with images of beautiful faces and bodies, they can’t help but fall prey to the comparison trap. And they’re much more aware of how they look because they snap and post pictures of themselves regularly. 

The Mental Health Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Surgery in Young Adults

Young people looking to alter their appearance do so because they believe looking better will help them feel better. They hope cosmetic surgery will enhance their self-confidence and self-esteem. And it often does.

However, while plastic surgery can enhance mental health, it can also detract from it. In some young people, plastic surgery can trigger mental health issues. In others, it can exacerbate mental health symptoms.

How to Feel Better About Your Body, With or Without Cosmetic Surgery 

Regardless of whether you decide to pursue plastic surgery or not, it’s important to feel good about your body. It can be challenging to accept your imperfections, but it’s worth the effort. Here are some ways to develop a healthier body image.

Stand Up Tall

You’d be surprised by how much your posture can affect how you feel about yourself. If your shoulders are slumped and your chin hangs low, you’re going to feel less confident, less empowered, even less happy. By contrast, more erect posture can positively affect your emotions. One study of 68 female students between 18 and 35 years old found standing front of a mirror with an upright, expansive posture produced more positive emotions than standing with a contractive (slumped) posture. An added benefit of good posture is that you’ll exude an air of confidence that attracts people to you.

Use Sun Protection

Sun protection isn’t just for the middle-aged or people who work outdoors. Sun damage starts when you’re young and the effects accumulate with time. Protecting your skin when you’re young with daily sunscreen means fewer wrinkles when you’re older. Sunscreen blocks UV rays from reaching and penetrating the skin. In general, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Seek the shade or wear sun-protective clothing when the sun is at its brightest between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

Socialize with People Who Love You 

To feel better about yourself, spend time with good friends and family who love you for you. And steer clear of those who focus on your body size or appearance. Hang out with people who value and celebrate your intangible qualities. People who appreciate your warmth, humor, insight, intelligence, and compassion automatically make you feel better yourself—inside and out. Connecting with supportive friends and family is especially important if you suffer from chronic mental health issues.

Move—and Consider Yoga

Regular exercise doesn’t just improve your health. It increases endorphins, which enhance your sense of well-being. One study of 1,491 young people found that those who were physically active three or more times a week were more likely to perceive their well-being as positive compared to those who were less active or inactive. Moreover, a study of more than 16,000 young adults found that those who practiced yoga regularly had higher body satisfaction compared to those who didn’t.

Give Yourself a Makeover

A makeover could involve plastic surgery, but it could also involve trying a different hairstyle, a new hair color, or highlights. You might want to ditch your most worn-out clothes and spice up your wardrobe. Updating your attire, eyewear, jewelry, make-up—maybe even getting a sunless spray tan or a well-placed tattoo—could help you feel better about your appearance.

Compliment Yourself

It may sound silly, but you can improve your self-esteem by praising yourself. One way to do it is to write down what you love about your body. Make a list of everything you appreciate—the texture of your hair, the shape of your eyes, the length of your legs. Read the list aloud to yourself, as in, “I have beautiful, thick hair,” or “I love my almond-shaped eyes.” If you’re feeling especially brave, look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself what you love about your body. Yes, it can feel awkward at first, but many people find it really works.

Treatment for Body Dysmorphia, Low Self-Esteem, and Disordered Eating 

At Newport Institute, we treat the whole person, not just individual symptoms. Whether a young adult is struggling with body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, or disordered eating, we help uncover the root cause of the problem. We realize that true healing can only occur when we understand the unique factors that helped shape us. Some young adults may need to process childhood trauma, address the effects of bullying, or confront family problems.

Our multidisciplinary team of therapists, dietitians, psychiatrists, and experiential therapists creates a tailored treatment plan for each client. Young adult treatment schedules include a wide range of modalities, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based Family Therapy, and mindfulness techniques. 

In our treatment programs, young adults learn healthy coping skills and acquire self-knowledge and self-compassion, which help them forge a greater sense of self-worth. As they develop a healthier relationship with themselves and cultivate healthier relationships with others, they begin to appreciate who they are, just as they are. Contact us to find out more about our specialized approach and schedule a free mental health assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions