The Negative Effects of Plastic Surgery on Society
Cosmetic surgery remains a popular choice in the UK, with 25,972 procedures performed in 2023, reflecting a continued demand despite a slight decline in recent years. From breast augmentation and rhinoplasty to lip fillers and facelifts, plastic surgery is no longer just for celebrities - it is now widely accessible to the public.
Despite this popularity, the negative effects of plastic surgery on society are becoming increasingly apparent. While many view these procedures as a way to improve self-confidence, the rise in cosmetic surgical procedures has also led to concerns about body image issues, unrealistic beauty standards and long-term health risks. The pressure to achieve ‘perfection’ is now higher than ever, particularly due to the influence of social media, celebrity culture and digital filters that distort reality.
How does plastic surgery affect society? What does the increased exposure to cosmetic procedures mean for young people? And is this having a negative impact on body image among different age groups?
The role of social media
With TikTok, X, Instagram and more available at the touch of a screen, fans now have a new level of 24-hour access to their favourite celebrities and influencers in a way that wasn't possible even a decade ago.
The impact of this exposure to social media on body image and self-esteem is profound, particularly among young people. Research from the Dove Self-Esteem Project reveals that 52% of girls say toxic beauty advice on social media lowers their self-esteem, while over half feel they cannot live up to the beauty standards projected online.
Few high-profile social media personalities, such as Bella Hadid, openly discuss their cosmetic procedures with millions of followers, further normalising the idea that plastic or cosmetic surgery is the best way to enhance your appearance.
This constant exposure to curated beauty ideals fuels unrealistic expectations, leading many young people to become increasingly self-critical and more likely to consider cosmetic surgery as a way to conform to these artificial standards.
Indeed, in our recent survey - which questioned 1,212 people about their perceptions of cosmetic surgery - 88% of respondents either ‘strongly agreed’ or ‘agreed’ that social media was partly to blame for the rising popularity of cosmetic surgery.
The impact on younger generations
Body image campaigners and cosmetic surgeons alike are especially worried about the consequences of this increased visibility on young people. The rising demand for injectable facial fillers and Botox among ever-younger patients has been directly attributed to celebrities on social media.
Yet the impact of social media does not limit itself to non-surgical procedures – young people are also requesting invasive operations, such as liposuction, breast implants and buttock augmentation.
Our survey revealed that 91% of respondents ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ that people are increasingly undergoing surgery when they are too young.
Plastic surgeon Michael Salzhauer said: “Ten years ago, women in their late teens and early twenties rarely sought plastic surgery, but now young people are doing it because they are seeing themselves on social media from different angles next to models like Kylie Jenner with curvaceous bodies.”
A word of caution
Young people are advised to reduce the amount of time they spend on social media. A recent report by mental health charity stem4 found that Instagram and TikTok are responsible for harming the mental health of young people. The constant comparison with online images can contribute to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a mental health condition where individuals develop an obsessive focus on perceived flaws in their appearance.
Dr Nihara Krause, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and founder of stem4 said, "It's little wonder that young people... start focusing more on their bodies as a way of self-control and to feel better about themselves. When they use social media apps to look for much-needed information and advice, they find themselves presented with a supposed reality that is distorted and harmful."
In addition, BAAPS former president of British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons Michael Cadier warned of the dangers of people undergoing surgery too young. He told BBC Radio One’s Newsbeat, “[Young people are] still immature, vulnerable and it’s too big an operation with too many potential life-long implications”. Mr Cadier advised teenagers to investigate other avenues before resorting to permanent cosmetic procedures.
Making the right choice
While the risks of undergoing cosmetic surgery at a young age are well-documented, many individuals believe the benefits outweigh the concerns. At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we advise anyone considering a procedure to conduct thorough research, choose a fully qualified practitioner, and always prioritise safety over cost.
If possible, seek recommendations from friends or family members who have undergone a similar procedure. Additionally, valuable information can be found through trusted sources such as your GP, the General Medical Council’s specialist register, the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), and the Royal College of Surgeons. Find out more about selecting a safe cosmetic surgeon in our online guide.
Contact us today
If you've experienced complications and believe it was because your surgeon acted negligently, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help you make a claim for compensation.
We can gather evidence and pursue financial reimbursement for your suffering. Get in touch by calling us on 0161 877 1066 or filling out our
