Cosmetic Injections in Young Adults—Ethical? Legal?

Recent years have seen a surge in the number of younger patients who are seeking cosmetic injections such as Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA). This trend is likely due to several factors, including the increasing availability of these procedures, the growing popularity of social media, and the pressure to look young.

Social media has had a significant impact on the way we view beauty. With platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, we are constantly bombarded with images of perfect-looking people, which can lead to feelings of insecurity and inadequacy, especially in young people. As a result, some young people may turn to cosmetic injections in an attempt to achieve the perfect aesthetic.

Age Restrictions and the Law Regarding Botox

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Botox for the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet in patients aged 18 years and older. However, some doctors may choose to treat patients younger than 18, depending on the individual’s needs and medical history.

For example, the FDA recently approved the use of Botox for children aged 2 years and older for spasticity. Overall, though, it is generally recommended that patients seeking cosmetic use for Botox wait until they are at least 18 years old, when physical development is complete and they have a better understanding of the risks and benefits of cosmetic procedures.

Even though the FDA recommends a specific age, there are no federal laws in the United States that specifically regulate the use of Botox in minors, although some states have their own laws that govern the use of cosmetic procedures for minors. In Florida, for example, individuals younger than age 18 require parental consent for any cosmetic procedure.

The Ethics of Working on Younger Patients

The ethics regarding providing younger patients with Botox are complex. On the one hand, Botox can be a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. On the other hand, there is a concern that Botox may be used to promote unrealistic beauty standards and that it may be harmful to young people’s self-esteem.

The potential for addiction or overuse is one ethical concern about providing neuromodulators to younger patients, as it is possible to become addicted to the way it alters appearance. The potential for psychological harm is another concern in younger patients. Inexpert use can lead to a frozen, unnatural appearance. Conversely, neuromodulators can be used to mask signs of aging, which can lead to unrealistic expectations about what it means to be young and beautiful.

As with any procedure, the potential for physical harm is a major concern when providing younger patients with injections. If it is a voluntary procedure, sometimes the risk of complications outweighs the procedure itself, especially for a younger patient. Injections are a medical procedure, and are associated with risks such as bruising, swelling, and allergic reactions. In rare cases, neuromodulators can even lead to serious side effects, such as paralysis.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to work on younger patients with Botox is a personal one for each individual doctor. Doctors should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of these procedures before deciding and ensure that younger patients’ parents are fully informed before proceeding.

The Typical Profile of a Young Person Seeking Botox

There is no one-size-fits-all profile for a young person who pursues Botox treatment. However, there are some common characteristics that many young people who seek out these procedures share, which can include:

• A desire to improve their appearance
• Concerns about aging
• A high level of self-consciousness
• A willingness to take risks
• The financial resources to afford these procedures

It is important to note that not all young people who seek out treatment fit this profile. Some young people may simply want to make a minor improvement to their appearance, and others may struggle with body image issues. It is important for doctors to understand a patient’s individual needs and concerns before deciding to administer.