Cosmetic procedures: a cause for concern

Abstract

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics has called for stricter controls over the provision of non-reconstructive cosmetic procedures, citing ethical concerns about their promotion and regulation in the UK and suggesting that they be made available only to people aged 18 years or older. Social media, advertising, and apps are being used to convey the message that these procedures are not only accessible but desirable, meaning that people could feel pressured to conform to a society's ideal of beauty at susceptible points in their development. The desire to change one's appearance is not new, but factors such as celebrity culture, use of unrealistic images in advertising, and the stratospheric rise of social media have helped cultivate an environment that can be toxic to self-esteem and body image. Although social media can have a positive influence on wellbeing, they have also been associated with increased anxiety and feelings of inadequacy in some young people. Social media policies on health-related advertising range from fairly stringent to non-existent, and cosmetic surgery apps are easily accessible and marketed as games for children as young as 9 years old. The very media that contribute to body dissatisfaction are not only stimulating demand but promoting so-called solutions. Demand for cosmetic procedures has increased the value of the UK cosmetic sector from £720 million in 2005 to an estimated £3·6 billion in 2015. Despite this growth, and in spite of previous safety recommendations from reviews of the industry, the UK Government has failed to introduce consistent regulation of cosmetic products and non-surgical procedures. Because of this vacuum, few data are available on how many young people have cosmetic procedures, but in theory, a 16-year-old could have certain procedures involving use of an unregulated product, done by an unskilled and unregulated practitioner, without the involvement of a parent or medical professional. Campaigns such as Be Real, which is aimed at changing attitudes to body image in young people, are a step in the right direction, and educating children about body image is crucial. Nevertheless, more must be done to moderate the exposure of young people to the irresponsible marketing of potentially life-changing procedures.