The survey reveals parents' views on teenagers receiving cosmetic treatments

The survey reveals parents' views on teenagers receiving cosmetic treatments

For teens who may be experiencing issues like acne scars or discolored teeth, non-surgical cosmetic procedures are an increasingly popular way to address their concerns.

And some parents support that decision, according to a national poll, with one in six saying teenagers should be allowed to receive these types of aesthetic treatments for any reason as long as they have parental consent.

But half of parents only support teens receiving non-surgical cosmetic procedures if there is a valid reason—and their beliefs about what reasons count as valid—according to the University of Michigan Health CS Mott Children's Hospital National Survey of Children's Health.

Bullying over appearance doesn't justify getting this type of procedure, and half of those parents say less than 40% think improving mental health is a good reason.

However, a third of parents support teens pursuing such enhancements as laser hair removal, chemical peels, teeth whitening and dermal fillers to look good for a special occasion.

Parents were conflicted about the circumstances in which non-surgical cosmetic procedures were appropriate for adolescents.

Interestingly, similar proportions of parents rated the validity of teens wanting to look good for a special occasion to wanting the procedures due to mental health or bullying. “

Susan Woolford, MD, co-director of the Mott Poll and Mott pediatrician

The nationally representative survey is based on responses from 989 parents of children ages 13 to 17 in August 2024.

External pressure can influence the desire to change

The increasing popularity of these procedures can be linked to social media content that exposes teens to idealized images of faces and bodies, Woolford says.

“Teenagers are vulnerable to feeling insecure about their appearance compared to digitally altered images that portray a look that is naturally unattainable,” she said. “This problem is compounded by the pressure to post images of oneself to garner validation.”

She said it is important for parents to find ways to help teenagers understand the distortions portrayed in the media while examining their reasons for changing their appearance.

“If a teenager asks about a non-surgical cosmetic procedure, parents should consider the emotional and mental health implications,” she said.

"It is helpful to understand teens' perceptions of how a procedure will change their appearance and how they hope it will affect other aspects of their lives," she added. "Some teens may view these procedures as a quick fix to help them, for example, become more popular or make friends. However, changing your appearance does not guarantee desired results or that it will change your life."

Parents' opinions about the age at which adolescents should receive such services also varied. More than half chose at least 18, 27% said 16 to 17 was old enough and 17% said 15 or younger was fine.

Almost a third of parents believe that teenagers should be banned from these procedures under all circumstances.

Consider risks versus benefits of cosmetic treatments

While four in ten parents, and more mothers than fathers, say they know someone who has had a non-surgical cosmetic procedure, only 7% of parents of teen girls compared to 1% of parents of teen boys say their teen has had one.

Many parents expressed concerns about the health and safety of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, fearing that their child would either regret them or want more in the future.

Woolford recommends that parents thoroughly research the risks and benefits when considering whether to seek cosmetic procedures. Important steps include consulting with a medical professional and understanding a cosmetic provider's level of experience and their health and safety protocols.

However, families with teenagers should discuss health-related implications of cosmetic procedures, such as the risk of scarring, burning, discoloration, infection or an allergic reaction.

"Non-surgical procedures may have fewer risks than surgery, but that doesn't mean they are risk-free," she said.

“When considering cosmetic procedures, it is important that parents and teens are well informed so they can have realistic expectations about what the procedure will actually achieve and whether it is worth the risk.”

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