What rules the world? Selfies do! Let’s face it, social media is everywhere, and it is not going away anytime soon. We live in a time that is ruled by image and how you look now is as important as who you are. The stigma of “having work done” no longer exists and in some social circles enhancing your beauty through invasive and noninvasive procedures can improve your social status. Currently, the selfie generation has instant gratification, so it is no surprise that younger people are opting for invasive and noninvasive procedures in hopes of achieving the perfect look. In fact, the average millennial takes 28,000 selfies annually. It is no wonder that constantly viewing themselves through a camera lens leads to truly seeing themselves in a different light. To keep up with filters, facial modification apps and Photoshop apps, more millennials are rushing to get Botox and dermal fillers than ever before. In a recent survey, 64% of members stated they had seen a dramatic increase in patients under the age of 30 requesting facial cosmetic surgery or injectable treatments. Annual statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons confirm this trend, as reported Botox procedures have seen a 28% increase since 2010 and dermal fillers have seen a 32% increase since 2010 among the age group 20-29. So, what is Botox? Botox is a brand name that is commonly used to refer to any number of neuromodulators whose sole purpose is to selectively weaken certain facial muscles to reduce crow’s feet wrinkles, elevate the brows, help turn up the lips and soften your chin pad. When used correctly Botox can dramatically reduce early and moderate signs of aging by minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles or reshaping the eyebrows. A skilled board-certified plastic surgeon has the intimate anatomic knowledge of these muscle groups and can accurately determine the placement and quantity needed to achieve the desired result. These FDA-approved neuromodulators will typically last 3 to 4 months. A common trend emerging is the use of Botox for preventative aging rather than correcting the aging process. More and more millennials are requesting Botox to prevent wrinkle formation as opposed to correcting the wrinkles once they appear. It is thought that perhaps this preemptive use will negate the need for surgical aging correction for a long time. Time will tell whether this is indeed true. Fillers, on the other hand, are used primarily to plump and fill areas of the face. Examples include fuller lips, fuller cheeks, enhancing sunken eyes and reducing the appearance of more prominent wrinkles. Fillers are an excellent tool for fighting off the aging process and enhancing your appearance. Currently, there are several FDA-approved fillers and not all fillers are created equally. Thus, if you are interested in fillers, you should seek consultation with a true board-certified cosmetic physician such as a board-certified plastic surgeon who has both the experience and expertise in the use of all the new and innovative FDA-approved fillers. Newly approved HA fillers have specific uses and advantages for specific areas of the face. It is important to remember that with constant changes to the types of filler used and the different approved uses that a board-certified plastic surgeon should be consulted. Undergoing nonsurgical cosmetic enhancement is always best done at the doctor’s office. Spas and strip malls should be avoided for your safety. If you are in your twenties, should you rush to your plastic surgeon for the latest and greatest procedure so you can keep up appearances? The answer is no. Having a cosmetic procedure is a personal choice and should be made for the right reasons, not to achieve a social status.

This article originally appeared on ASPS.com by Rod Rohrich, MD, FACS | Dallas, TX