Dr Michael Acton is a leading psychologist, author, and relationship expert whose work focuses on the complex links between mental health, self-perception, and emotional wellbeing. With extensive experience supporting people who experience internal and external pressures – including those shaped by social media and appearance-based ideals – Dr Acton offers valuable insight into how modern culture influences body image and self-worth, particularly among younger generations.

Dr Acton describes the cultural shift in how cosmetic surgery is viewed among younger adults as a significant psychological turning point. He explains that what was once considered a major medical decision is now frequently seen as part of personal development or self-optimisation. This change, he notes, has important implications for mental health, informed decision-making, and the way young people assess risk in pursuit of aesthetic goals. “The answer is yes,” he explains, when asked whether aesthetic treatments are becoming a rite of passage.

“It’s usually only certain people who can afford this and for them, there’s peer pressure. More education is needed because some of the procedures are irreversible and are dangerous or can lead to scarring.”

Of the 1,468 respondents aged between 18 and 39 who took part in Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors’ Body Perception Survey, 43% reported feeling unsatisfied with their appearance. As public attitudes towards cosmetic enhancement continue to shift, growing numbers of young people are turning to aesthetic procedures as a way to manage body image concerns - often shaped by their environment and how they engage with others, both online and offline.

For some, these treatments can offer a sense of control or reassurance. However, others may not fully consider the potential emotional or physical risks involved. At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we support individuals who have experienced avoidable harm resulting from cosmetic procedures. With both surgical and non-surgical enhancements becoming increasingly popular among younger generations, it is more important than ever to examine the psychological, social and legal dimensions of this growing trend.

The link between social media and body image disorders

The rise in cosmetic procedures among young people reflects more than a shift in personal preference - it points to broader cultural and psychological trends. In today’s digital-first world, the relationship between social media and body image plays a significant role in shaping how individuals view themselves, their worth, and their place in society. Platforms that were once used to share moments from everyday life now serve as curated spaces where everyday appearance is filtered, edited, and carefully presented.

In our Body Perception Survey, 66% of Gen Z and Millennials reported that they feel social media influences their body image, with 77% stating that image-focused platforms like Instagram affect how they feel about themselves. Additionally, 31% said that the combination of social media and AI technology would make them more likely to consider undergoing cosmetic surgery.

Social media algorithms are central to this transformation. These systems amplify appearance-focused content, prioritising posts that conform to narrow, idealised beauty standards. The result is constant exposure to imagery that promotes a specific version of attractiveness - often one that is unattainable without digital enhancement or aesthetic intervention. Over time, this environment contributes to a distorted sense of self, encouraging comparison and reinforcing insecurities.

Unlike mainstream media, which may operate under editorial regulation, social media platforms enable unfiltered and highly personalised content to dominate users’ feeds. Research suggests that high levels of social media use - particularly on platforms such as Instagram, where Instagram images often feature heavily edited appearances - are linked to increased body dissatisfaction, reduced self-esteem, and a growing interest in cosmetic procedures. The use of photo editing tools further blurs the line between reality and aspiration, encouraging people to treat their digital selves as a standard to live up to offline.

This pattern is closely connected to the rise in body image disorders. The question of “how does social media affect body image?” is increasingly being explored in academic and clinical settings, with growing evidence pointing to its influence on mental wellbeing. The pressure to maintain a flawless appearance online can lead individuals - particularly those still forming their identities - to seek surgical or non-surgical procedures as a means of gaining control or social acceptance.

Dr Acton identifies a complex web of social and psychological pressures contributing to this trend:

“Competition, peer pressure, the requirement to look good, Hollywood, mass media, advertising and influencers; influencers are probably the most dangerous (and also the most helpful) of these. Unlike advertising, there’s no filter, so influencers can actually tell people how they should look.”

This lack of filtering contributes to a fast-moving culture of aesthetic comparison, where trends can spread rapidly and often without context. For many young women, whose appearances are frequently subject to judgment in online spaces, this can result in increasing levels of body dissatisfaction and a persistent sense of inadequacy.

In some circles, undergoing cosmetic procedures is no longer just about enhancing appearance - it has also become a form of social signalling. In global cities such as Los Angeles, Sydney and Singapore, Acton notes that aesthetic work is sometimes used to display status or wealth:

 “It’s almost as if people are demonstrating their financial status through having a lot of work done.”

This perception - that value is tied to how one looks, and what one can afford to change - places additional pressure on individuals navigating everyday appearance expectations. It reinforces the belief that success and belonging are linked to external transformation, and that the body must be constantly managed or improved to stay relevant.

While some individuals may experience significant improvements in confidence following cosmetic procedures, others are left chasing an ever-shifting ideal. When changes are driven by comparison and not personal need, aesthetic interventions risk becoming a response to social pressure rather than a considered choice.

The language of ‘tweakments’: how terminology shapes perception

In recent years, cosmetic procedures - particularly non-surgical ones - have been repackaged using softer, more casual language. Terms like “tweakments” and “maintenance” are now widely used on social media and in beauty marketing, contributing to the idea that aesthetic enhancements are no more significant than a haircut or skincare routine.

This shift in language plays a subtle but powerful role in how young people perceive cosmetic work. By downplaying the seriousness of these procedures, the terminology encourages a sense of normality and ease, often masking the emotional, physical and financial implications involved.

Dr Acton notes that while modern aesthetic procedures are more accessible than ever before, the language surrounding them can obscure their true impact.

“Surgeons look after their pocketbooks a bit too much, rather than helping someone understand where they’re at.”

This casual framing also risks reinforcing the belief that any perceived imperfection must be corrected - and that failing to do so is a form of neglect. The result is a subtle but persistent pressure to keep up, particularly in an environment where social media and body image are so closely connected.

At the same time, the normalisation of tweakments blurs the boundary between self-care and self-scrutiny. While looking after oneself can be empowering, constant exposure to idealised content and language can tip the scale towards body dissatisfaction and negative body image - particularly when treatments are pursued not for confidence, but to avoid criticism or social comparison.

In this context, even minor procedures can carry emotional weight. When appearance becomes a form of currency - traded for confidence, validation or social acceptance - the language we use to describe cosmetic enhancement can shape how individuals assess their own worth.

Redefining self-care: is it really ‘self-improvement’?

Cosmetic treatments are often promoted under the banner of self-care, presented as a way to feel better, look healthier, and take control of one’s identity. But as the line between genuine wellbeing and aesthetic correction becomes increasingly blurred, the question arises: when does self-care become self-correction?

For young people, this distinction can be difficult to navigate - especially within a digital landscape that prioritises appearance over authenticity. In this context, self-esteem is often measured against curated images and idealised beauty standards. As a result, procedures intended to boost confidence may instead reinforce a cycle of dissatisfaction, particularly if the outcomes are temporary, underwhelming, or not aligned with a person’s natural features.

Acton is critical of this trend, pointing out that non-surgical procedures - often sold as low-risk solutions - may offer only short-lived results.

“A lot of them don’t work. Or they provide temporary adjustments that need to be repeated, taking more and more of people’s money.”

Without meaningful lifestyle changes or support, individuals may be left chasing improvements that never deliver lasting confidence or improved mental health.

This cycle can also have a destabilising effect on body image. As individuals return for repeated treatments, the perception of their appearance may become more distorted - particularly if they begin to associate positive self-worth solely with visual changes. Over time, this can contribute to increased body dissatisfaction, particularly when expectations are shaped by filtered images and carefully edited posts on social media platforms.

For some, aesthetic procedures can provide a genuine sense of empowerment - particularly when used to address features that cause long-term discomfort or have been affected by medical or life events. But without adequate support or reflective decision-making, cosmetic work can become a coping mechanism for deeper insecurities, rather than a step towards authentic self-care.

When enhancement becomes harmful - the role of body image and low self-esteem

While cosmetic procedures can be a positive choice for some, they also carry the risk of deepening existing insecurities - particularly when influenced by internalised pressure or a distorted sense of self-image. For individuals who place significant emphasis on their physical appearance, this can lead to self-objectification, where personal worth becomes closely tied to how they believe others perceive them.

In such cases, what begins as a desire for self-improvement can evolve into a more harmful pattern, especially among those living with body image disorders, low self-esteem, or wider mental illness. These issues are often accompanied by emotional distress, which may manifest in various ways, including disordered eating behaviours.

When cosmetic surgery is sought without addressing the underlying psychological challenges, the results can worsen rather than resolve feelings of dissatisfaction, reinforcing a cycle that is difficult to break.

Dr Acton draws a clear distinction between healthy aesthetic choices and those rooted in psychological distress.

“Some people never think they’re going to be enough. So they will continue going on and on making ‘improvements’. Unless someone has therapy and sorts out the underlying issues, they could be in for a rough ride trying to change things about themselves that don’t need changing.”

This compulsive cycle of enhancement often reflects more than dissatisfaction with a single feature. For some individuals, particularly those experiencing body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), the drive to alter their appearance is part of a deeper belief that they are fundamentally flawed. In these cases, no procedure - however successful - is likely to bring lasting satisfaction.

Yet within an online culture that rewards aesthetic transformation and treats cosmetic work as routine, the warning signs can be easily overlooked. Individuals may continue pursuing procedures not because they want them, but because they feel they must - to fit in, to avoid criticism, or to keep up with filtered versions of themselves and others. This is particularly damaging in the context of social media and body image, where edited photos and algorithm-driven feeds constantly reinforce unrealistic beauty standards.

Acton highlights the need for a more ethical approach from practitioners as well.

“A surgeon should be looking at somebody’s aesthetics and saying: ‘Do you need this?’ But they don’t: they take the cheque and do the surgery.”

Without safeguards in place, cosmetic enhancement risks becoming a tool for avoidance rather than empowerment - one that delays rather than resolves underlying mental health challenges. A more protective approach would begin not with a consultation room, but with reflection, education and, where appropriate, psychological support.

Supporting young adults - what can be done?

Our data reveals that cosmetic procedures are becoming increasingly normalised, especially among young people. Because of this, it’s vital to consider what can be done to support healthier decision-making and promote a more balanced relationship with appearance. While not all aesthetic enhancements are harmful, the cultural pressure to alter one’s looks can contribute to poor mental health, particularly when it stems from persistent body dissatisfaction or distorted self-perception. For many, this pressure is tied to poor body image - a factor closely linked with low self-esteem and emotional distress.

“It would be nice to be able to control influencers. It would be nice to control how the media portrays women and men. There needs to be a balance, and if a person is always needing to achieve more and more to feel good about themselves, that’s clearly dysfunctional and needs to be addressed.”

Developing this balance begins with education - both in homes and online. Encouraging social media literacy can help young people recognise the artificial nature of much of the content they consume, reducing the impact of unrealistic beauty standards. Promoting body-positive social media accounts and encouraging the sharing of body-positive content can act as a counterweight to harmful messaging. Body-positive images that celebrate diversity in physical appearance, body shapes, and abilities can help to reframe ideas around attractiveness and support more inclusive representations. These steps form part of a wider body-positive movement, which seeks to shift the focus away from perfection and towards body appreciation, acceptance and respect.

A powerful tool in this process is the practice of positive self-talk. Teaching individuals to speak kindly to themselves, to challenge negative thoughts, and to place less value on external appearance fosters greater psychological benefits in the long term. When people are encouraged to see themselves through a lens of body neutrality - focusing on what their bodies can do rather than how they look - it can reduce pressure and support healthier, more sustainable self-image development.

Parental attitudes also play a critical role. A home environment that promotes body positivity, values individuality, and avoids appearance-based judgment can act as a protective factor against harmful messaging online. Positive reinforcement and conversations about self-esteem, identity and personal worth can help to build emotional resilience - especially during adolescence, when body image concerns tend to be at their peak.

Promoting access to support, including the ability to access therapy when needed, is equally important. For those who experience persistent distress about their appearance, professional psychological input can provide essential tools to address underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, or disordered eating behaviours. Pre-procedure psychological screening is one example of a safeguard that could be strengthened. Acton suggests this should be mandatory, particularly for major surgical interventions:

“If there is dysfunction, we need to ‘tweak’ that out first. There needs to be a safe and reasonable way forward and a definite stop point.”

Ultimately, supporting young adults is not about discouraging all cosmetic interventions - but about ensuring they are made thoughtfully, for the right reasons, and with the right support. This requires a shift in both the cultural conversation and the systems that guide individuals through these decisions. Promoting body-positive social media accounts, championing positive self-talk, and increasing access to therapy can empower young people to develop a healthier relationship with their self-image, and to navigate appearance-related choices with confidence, awareness and care.

What are the real risks of cosmetic ‘tweakments’?

While often marketed as safe, quick, and low-commitment, non-invasive procedures - sometimes called tweakments - are not without risks. From injectable fillers to laser treatments and thread lifts, many of these interventions carry the potential for complications that go far beyond bruising or swelling.

Dr Acton is candid about the dangers.

“There are huge amounts of risk: infection, sepsis and even death. The perception that non-surgical procedures are harmless can lead individuals - especially young people - to underestimate the seriousness of the decision. This is compounded by a lack of regulation in some areas of the aesthetic industry, where treatments may be offered by individuals without appropriate training or oversight.”

Beyond the physical dangers, these procedures can also contribute to body image concerns and fluctuating self-esteem. Many non-surgical treatments are temporary by design, requiring repeated visits to maintain results. While this business model benefits providers, it can lead to a cycle in which individuals feel dependent on aesthetic maintenance - both financially and emotionally.

This repeated exposure to aesthetic intervention may also be contributing to a wider rise in body dissatisfaction, particularly if expectations are shaped by filtered and idealised images on social media platforms. Rather than enhancing wellbeing, tweakments can in some cases become a source of distress - especially when the results do not align with how the person imagined they would look or feel.

In some instances, non-invasive procedures may also act as a gateway to more invasive interventions. Once individuals begin to address perceived flaws through external alterations, they may find it harder to feel content with their natural appearance - and more likely to undergo further changes in pursuit of an unattainable ideal.

Awareness of these risks is critical, particularly for those who may be influenced by social trends or peer behaviour. Without balanced information, individuals may make decisions based on emotional impulse, social pressure, or misleading marketing - rather than personal need or informed consent.

Balancing aesthetics and mental health for a healthier culture

The desire to feel confident in one’s appearance is not inherently unhealthy. Across history and cultures, people have sought ways to enhance how they look - whether through grooming, fashion, or cosmetic intervention. But in today’s image-driven society, where social media and body image are closely linked, the line between empowerment and emotional strain is becoming harder to define.

“In the 21st century, there is nothing wrong with using enhancements to help us look or feel better. We’ve been doing it with cleft lip for decades, which improves the person's wellbeing and confidence."

But he also stresses that cosmetic intervention must be underpinned by self-awareness:

“If there is dysfunction, we need to ‘tweak’ that out first.”

This idea - that external change should not replace internal healing - is key to creating a healthier culture around aesthetic enhancement. When body concerns are rooted in low self-esteem, unresolved trauma, or the effects of mental health conditions like body dysmorphic disorder, cosmetic treatments alone are unlikely to address the root cause. In some cases, they may even reinforce the belief that a person’s worth is tied to appearance.

Supporting individuals - especially young people - to make informed, confident decisions about their bodies requires more than individual willpower. It requires a wider cultural shift. This means encouraging realistic representation in the media, challenging unrealistic beauty standards, and supporting educational efforts around social media literacy and positive body image.

It also means promoting safe and ethical practices within the cosmetic industry. Establishing clear clinical guidelines, conducting pre-procedure psychological screening, and maintaining strong practitioner accountability are essential steps to ensure that aesthetic procedures support - rather than undermine - a person’s overall wellbeing. Evidence from ongoing research, including findings drawn from systematic reviews, reinforces the need for these safeguards. Such reviews consistently highlight the psychological risks associated with elective cosmetic treatments when underlying emotional or mental health concerns go unaddressed.

A more balanced view of self-care acknowledges that genuine confidence is not achieved through physical change alone. It involves self-acceptance, emotional support and psychological resilience – all of which play a central role in helping individuals feel comfortable and secure in their own skin. Recognising these factors allows for a more holistic approach to cosmetic procedures, one that prioritises long-term mental wellbeing over short-term aesthetic goals.

We encourage individuals to consider reliable sources of guidance when reflecting on body image and self-esteem. Our Good Life Hub provides information on healthy approaches to body perception, including practical steps that support emotional wellbeing, realistic expectations and informed decision-making. By drawing on this resource, individuals can explore strategies that strengthen confidence from within, rather than relying solely on surgical intervention as a solution.

Looking ahead, future directions for the industry must involve a stronger focus on ethical responsibility, mental health integration, and patient-centred care. This includes not only refining surgical practices but also embedding psychological insight into treatment pathways - ensuring that individuals are fully informed, emotionally prepared, and supported throughout their decision-making process.

If you've been affected by negligent plastic surgery, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help

As awareness grows around the pressures shaping cosmetic choices, so too must the systems that protect people when things go wrong. Whether a procedure is undertaken for confidence, correction or enhancement, every person has the right to receive care that meets established clinical and ethical standards.

Unfortunately, not every experience lives up to that expectation. When a cosmetic surgeon fails in their legal duty of care - whether through poor technique, inadequate consent, or a lack of aftercare - the consequences can be life-changing. The risks extend beyond physical results; they affect a person’s emotional wellbeing, confidence, and sense of safety.

At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we specialise in supporting people who have experienced negligent cosmetic surgery to claim the compensation they deserve. As the first legal firm in the UK to focus solely on cosmetic surgery negligence, we have a deep understanding of the complexities involved in these cases.

We approach every case with sensitivity and clarity, helping you understand whether the care you received fell below acceptable medical standards, and guiding you through the process with straightforward legal advice.