Social media makes it easy for us to compare our looks with people across the globe—and, through the use of camera filters, with “younger” and “prettier” versions of ourselves. This has resulted in many people, both young and old, forgetting what real ageing—ageing that is natural, without the use of cosmetic enhancements—looks like.

About prejuvenation

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anne Truitt notes that while Gen Z isn’t necessarily ageing faster than previous generations, the increase of social media skinfluencers, close-up facial examinations made possible during more frequent Zoom meetings, and unrealistic expectations set by filters and AI have amplified appearance dissatisfaction. 

According to a report from the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, "The most notable change in cosmetic dermatology over the past two decades lies in the shift from correction and reversal treatments for millennials to preventive measures for Gen Z.”

Haykal D, Nahai F, Cartier H. Prejuvenation: The Global New Anti-Aging Trend. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2023;5:ojad061.

But it’s not just about staying wrinkle-free. The shift from correction to prevention reflects broader anxiety about ageing. While prejuvenation might seem like an intelligent way to get ahead of the game, it comes with risks, especially without proper guidance.

Risks of early interventions

“Every medical procedure carries risks, and Botox and fillers are no exception," board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Aaron Gilson tells MDLinx. "Younger patients may look for discounted options or may not pursue qualified injectors such as plastic surgeons or dermatologists, which can lead to worse outcomes and increased complications.”

Overusing botulinum toxin, for example, can lead to antibody-induced resistance.

Ho WWS, Albrecht P, Calderon PE, et al. Emerging Trends in Botulinum Neurotoxin A Resistance: An International Multidisciplinary Review and Consensus. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2022;10(6):e4407.

Although this is still rare, the increasing number of young people getting these treatments could make it more common.

Once believed to be temporary, hyaluronic acid fillers can also have lasting effects. As noted in a 2023 review from Cosmetics, these fillers can migrate to unintended areas of the face, leading to an unnatural “pillow face” that can be quite difficult to correct.

Wollina U, Goldman A. Filler Migration after Facial Injection—A Narrative Review. Cosmetics. 2023; 10(4):115.

Surgical tweaks

Similar to non-surgical enhancements, plastic surgery is also no longer a taboo topic. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery noted that 75% of facial plastic surgeons have reported rising demand for procedures for clients under 30.

The Rise of the Tweakment Gen Z is Making #MinimallyInvasive Look Good. Facial Plastic Surgery.

But how do trends like buccal fat removal, lip lifts, or jawline reshaping in their early to mid-twenties impact natural aging? Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Frank Stile advises caution. 

"Changes in body structure, natural aging, and reduced skin elasticity can negatively affect surgical results over time," Dr. Stile tells MDLinx. "With aging comes a natural fat loss in the face and reduced skin elasticity, so what once looked great in early adulthood may appear unnatural and even gaunt in later years."

Self-esteem and body dysmorphia

It’s not just the physical risks that we need to worry about—there’s also the mental health aspect.

Research backs this up; consider the following: 

• In a survey published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, users of photo-editing apps like Snapchat and Instagram were more likely to consider cosmetic surgery and report lower self-esteem.

  Chen J, Ishii M, Bater KL, et al. Association Between the Use of Social Media and Photograph Editing Applications, Self-esteem, and Cosmetic Surgery Acceptance. JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2019;21(5):361-367.

   

• Similarly, in a 2024 study, young men and boys using photo filters had higher levels of muscle dysmorphia.

  Ganson KT, Testa A, Rodgers RF, et al. Use of photo filters is associated with muscle dysmorphia symptomatology among adolescents and young adults. Body Image. 2024;50:101750.

   

• A review from Clinics in Dermatology shows a link between social media use and increased body dissatisfaction as well as worse mental health among young women.

  Laughter MR, Anderson JB, Maymone MBC, et al. Psychology of aesthetics: Beauty, social media, and body dysmorphic disorder. Clin Dermatol. 2023;41(1):28-32.

   

It’s not just about wanting to look good; it’s about an internalized pressure to meet these unrealistic standards.

Bringing it all together

“Proper sunscreen usage and protective clothing can go a long way before any aesthetic procedures are considered,” she says. Patients need to make these decisions for themselves, not because they feel pressured by what they see online.

For young patients seeking aesthetic treatments, Dr. Gilson advises, “The most important thing is to completely understand the risks involved with each treatment modality they wish to pursue. I encourage them to do their own research and also discuss it with their physician.” He also stresses the importance of going to qualified professionals—typically board-certified plastic surgeons or dermatologists.

Lastly, before moving forward with any “anti-aging” treatments in Gen Z patients, assess their mental well-being and consider screening for body dysmorphic disorder. Ensure they’re pursuing these treatments for themselves and not because they feel pressured by society.