- A new poll reveals that most parents are hesitant about their teens getting nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. While some support it for mental health reasons, many worry about social media’s role in shaping unrealistic beauty standards.
- The most supported reason for teens getting these procedures is to improve mental health or prepare for a special occasion. The least supported reason is wanting to look like people on social media.
- Experts warn that nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, though considered low-risk, can cause burns, scarring, infections and allergic reactions, especially when performed by less experienced practitioners.
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A new poll reveals that most parents are hesitant about their teens getting nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. While some support it for mental health reasons, many worry about social media’s role in shaping unrealistic beauty standards.
As first reported by a local Fox affiliate, The C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll from the University of Michigan highlights the debate over teens undergoing nonsurgical cosmetic procedures like Botox, laser facials and dermal fillers.
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It found that one in six parents with children ages 13 to 17 believe teens should be allowed to undergo these procedures for any reason, as long as they have parental approval. However, most parents feel differently.
Why parents do and do not support procedures
The most supported reason for teens getting these procedures was to improve their mental health or prepare for a special occasion. On the other hand, the least supported reason was wanting to look like people on social media.
The role of social media in teen self-image
Social media’s impact on teen self-esteem has been a growing concern. Platforms like Instagram have faced backlash for face-altering filters, which critics say promote unrealistic beauty standards. In 2019, Instagram banned filters associated with plastic surgery in response to mental health concerns.
Studies show that reducing social media use may help improve self-image. A 2023 study from the American Psychological Association found that teens and young adults who cut social media use by 50% for just a few weeks saw significant improvements in how they perceived their weight and overall appearance.
Despite the influence of social media and the rise of cosmetic treatments, the poll found very few teens are actually requesting these procedures.
Only 7% of parents say their teen daughter has asked about a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure. Just 1% say their teen son expressed interest.
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Experts warn of potential risks
Dr. Susan Woolford, who led the poll, told Fox 2 Detroit that nonsurgical cosmetic procedures are considered low-risk but not risk-free.
“Burns, scarring, infections, and allergic reactions are possible,” Woolford said. “These risks are more likely to occur when procedures are performed by someone less experienced.”
[KENNEDY FELTON]
From Botox to laser facials, non-surgical cosmetic procedures have become more popular than ever—but should teenagers be getting them?
As first reported by a local Fox affiliate, a new poll from University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital finds that many parents are hesitant to approve of any such procedure for their kids. While one in six parents of teens ages 13 to 17 believe these procedures should be allowed for any reason without parental approval, the majority remain cautious. In addition to Botox and laser facials, other examples of these procedures include chemical peels and skin tightening.
The top reasons parents found acceptable for teens undergoing non-surgical cosmetic procedures? Improving mental health or prepping for a special occasion. But the least supported? Wanting to look like people on social media.
The role of social media in shaping teen self-image has been a growing concern. Platforms like Instagram faced backlash for their face-altering filters, which critics say promote unrealistic beauty standards. Back in 2019, the platform even banned filters associated with plastic surgeries in response. And the effects are clear—a 2023 study from the American Psychological Association found that teens and young adults who cut their social media use by just 50 percent for a few weeks saw significant improvement in how they perceived their weight and overall appearance.
Still, despite social media pressures and the rise of skin treatments online, the C.S. Mott poll found that very few teens are actually asking for these procedures. Only seven percent of parents say their teen daughter had asked about a non-surgical cosmetic procedure, while just one percent say their teen son showed interest.
Doctor Susan Woolford led the poll. She tells Fox 2 Detroit, even though these procedures are generally low risk, that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. Potential complications include burning, scarring, and allergic reactions—especially when performed by untrained or unlicensed providers.
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