More young people considering surgery

Four in ten under 25s are already considering cosmetic surgery and 28 per cent of those have even gone as far as speaking to surgeons about going ahead with a procedure, a new study has revealed.

Researchers found worryingly large number of young people are already considering going under the knife for procedures such as breast enlargements, nose jobs and even liposuction.

Figures also show that one in three Brits of all ages would consider having cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance with one in twenty saying they have already had some work done.

But of those, 52 per cent wish they did more to find out everything they could about the surgery and the doctor who would be carrying it out and forty-three per cent even went as far as to say they regret having the surgery altogether.

It also emerged one in twenty under 25s have already had some kind of cosmetic surgery, with another one in twenty having a procedure booked to take place in the near future.

But while most simply want to change something about their body they aren’t happy with, some admitted to considering surgery because they want to look like their favourite celebrity or they believe it will help them find a partner.

Mandy Luckman, a specialist cosmetic surgery lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, which commissioned the research, to mark the launch of their new app, ‘BeautyTracker’, said: “Most people consider those in their early twenties to be in their prime when it comes to their appearance, so it’s worrying to see so many are already considering making what could be drastic changes to their body.

“While you might not be happy, or lack in confidence, with a certain aspect of your appearance, you don’t want to end up disappointed after the surgery if the result isn’t as you had hoped.

“From speaking to our clients, we have seen first-hand the devastating impact it can have on people’s lives when cosmetic surgery or procedures go horribly wrong.

“Any type of cosmetic surgery, no matter how minor, is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly regardless of your age.

“If you decide you want to consider going ahead with a procedure, it’s important to properly research everything about what you would like to have done – from the procedure itself through to the surgery and surgeon who be carrying it out.

“It’s very difficult to undo or correct a procedure which has gone wrong, and you could end up with far less confidence than you had before, especially if you haven’t done thorough research into the cosmetic procedure.”

The study of 2,000 Brits, found 40 per cent of 18-24-year-olds have either already had some kind of cosmetic surgery, or are seriously considering going through with it in the near future.

Breast enlargements are the most popular procedures among the younger age group, followed by nose jobs, cosmetic dentistry, a breast uplift and liposuction.

Laser treatments, tummy tucks and fillers are also among the most wanted procedures.

But while more than half want to have some form of surgery to change something about their appearance they don’t like, 39 per cent are considering it because they want to look more attractive while one in ten hope it will help them get a boyfriend or girlfriend.

Other reasons include health concerns, wanting to feel more confident in their own skin or believing it will make them more popular.

Worryingly, 28 per cent of under 25s considering surgery haven’t done any kind of research, while another 49 per cent have only done a little.

A quarter also admitted their parents wouldn’t be supportive of them going through with the procedure, while another 20 per cent reckon their partner would rather they didn’t go ahead with their plans.

Mandy Luckman, added: “As a firm we have been calling for government intervention and greater regulation of the cosmetic surgery industry to protect patient safety for years, after seeing an increasing number of potential claims involving practitioners that are not medically qualified and exposing patients to harm.

“We regularly receive enquiries from individuals that have sustained significant and sometime permanent damage, following cosmetic procedures and there seems to be a pattern that they have not been properly warned of the risks to their health.

“We would like to see a fundamental shift in regulation that will not only provide improved support for people whose lives have been turned upside down by complications during surgery, and ensures lessons are learnt, but also reassures those considering treatments in the future that they will not suffer in the same way as so many have before.

“There needs to be clear and accessible information for patients about what to look for when finding a surgeon, so people can make more informed choices about the treatment they receive.”

Irwin Mitchell has recently launched a new app, ‘BeautyTracker’ which has been designed to help people going through cosmetic procedures to track their journey with practitioners and clinics to improve safety in the industry after a rise in the number of people affected by negligent treatments.

The app also provides expert advice and tips from specialist lawyers, industry experts and Antonia Mariconda who founded the ‘Safety in Beauty’ campaign.

For more information about the BeautyTracker app, please visit www.irwinmitchell.com or https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/beautytracker/id995644516?mt=8. It can be now be downloaded for free in the App Store (IOS).

Top twenty most wanted cosmetic procedures for under 25s

Breast enlargement
Nose job
Cosmetic dentistry
Breast uplift
Liposuction
Laser treatments
Arm lift
Breast reduction
Brow lift
Tummy tuck
Eyelid surgery
Treatment for excessive sweating
Fillers
Ear pinning
Gastric band
Vaser Liposuction
Eyebag surgery
Treatment for hair thinning
Treatment for baldness
Face lift
Five top tips for people considering cosmetic surgery

Research your practitioner thoroughly
Ask your practitioner as many questions as you need
Check that your practitioner has adequate professional insurance
Thoroughly consider the emotional aspect of a cosmetic procedure
Only agree to a cosmetic procedure once you’re comfortable you’re fully informed