The Beauty Standard with Dr. Roy Kim
"The Beauty Standard with Dr. Roy Kim" is your ultimate guide to exploring the world of beauty, aesthetics, and both non-invasive and invasive procedures. Join renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Roy Kim as he shares his expertise, delves into the latest advancements, and engages in insightful discussions with industry experts, bringing you a wealth of knowledge to enhance your confidence and empower your aesthetic journey.
The Beauty Standard with Dr. Roy Kim
Gen Z and the Prejuvenation Movement
Imagine a world where enhancing your beauty starts before the signs of aging even appear. Join us as we uncover Gen Z's growing fascination with "prejuvenation" and how curated social media feeds are setting new beauty benchmarks. Through personal stories, like those of Ali Perilous and Emma McCormack, we explore the social pressures and motivations behind early cosmetic interventions and the shift from traditional anti-aging methods to the pursuit of specific looks through facial balancing. We also engage in crucial ethical discussions about this trend and the often-unattainable beauty ideals it promotes.
We don't stop there. This episode also tackles the rising use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, such as Ozempic, and the unexpected effect of sagging skin that follows rapid weight loss. We emphasize the importance of patient education, informed decision-making, and the financial implications of subsequent cosmetic procedures. Let's talk about the societal pressure to maintain a youthful appearance and the emerging "Pro-Aging" movement that encourages embracing the natural aging process. With a focus on redefining beauty standards and fostering personal confidence, we challenge the status quo, urging you to question how social media shapes our understanding of beauty and self-worth.
Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode of "The Beauty Standard" with Dr. Roy Kim! If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you the latest insights in aesthetic medicine and beauty trends.
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Join us next week as we explore another fascinating topic in the world of beauty, and remember: your body, your choice, your standard!
Welcome to the Beauty Standard with Dr Roy Kim. Hey, everyone Ready for another deep dive?
Speaker 2:Always ready.
Speaker 1:Awesome. So today we're going to be talking about something that's been generating a lot of buzz lately.
Speaker 2:Interesting.
Speaker 1:It's all about Gen Z and their growing interest in cosmetic procedures.
Speaker 2:Ah, like Botox and plastic surgery.
Speaker 1:Exactly. We'll be dissecting a fascinating article from Women's Health magazine called Inside the Prejuvenation Movement why Gen Z is Saying yes to Botox and Plastic Surgery.
Speaker 2:That sounds like a juicy one.
Speaker 1:It definitely is, and it really gets into all the complexities of this trend.
Speaker 2:Well, I'm definitely intrigued.
Speaker 1:I think you'll find this really interesting because it touches on everything from social media's influence to the rise of prejuvenation.
Speaker 2:Yeah, prejuvenation, that's a term I've been hearing more and more lately.
Speaker 1:Right, like preventing wrinkles before they even appear.
Speaker 2:It's a pretty big shift from the traditional approach to anti-aging right.
Speaker 1:Huge. So are you ready to dive in and explore what's driving this trend?
Speaker 2:Let's do it.
Speaker 1:Awesome. Now the article starts by highlighting this concept of prejuvenation.
Speaker 2:Which basically means using treatments like Botox before wrinkles become a major concern right, exactly, it's almost like preventative maintenance for your face. Like getting an oil change before your engine blows up.
Speaker 1:That's a great analogy and it really highlights the shift in perspective, right.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it used to be all about correcting signs of aging, but now it's about preventing them altogether.
Speaker 1:And the stats are pretty mind-blowing.
Speaker 2:Yeah, tell me about it.
Speaker 1:The article says that Botox used in people under 20 actually increased by 9% in just one year.
Speaker 2:Wow, 9%. That's a significant jump.
Speaker 1:Right, so we obviously have to ask.
Speaker 2:What's fueling this surge Exactly?
Speaker 1:And the article doesn't shy away from pointing to the biggest influencer.
Speaker 2:Let me guess Social media.
Speaker 1:Yeah, you got it.
Speaker 2:Makes sense. Gen Z has practically grown up online.
Speaker 1:Right. They're constantly bombarded with these perfectly curated images. And it's not just celebrities anymore, it's their friends, influencers, everyone seems to be on this quest for perfection, and that's where skin influencers come in.
Speaker 2:Yes, the ones who openly talk about their procedures on TikTok and Instagram.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and the article makes a really interesting point about them.
Speaker 2:Well, weigh it on me.
Speaker 1:On the one hand they kind of destigmatize these procedures right.
Speaker 2:Yeah, they make it seem more accessible, almost like a normal part of your beauty routine.
Speaker 1:But on the other hand it can also warp perceptions of what's normal or even achievable.
Speaker 2:Absolutely Like what even is normal anymore when you're constantly comparing yourself to filtered perfection.
Speaker 1:Totally, and the article actually gives this crazy example of a TikToker.
Speaker 2:Oh, I love a good TikTok story.
Speaker 1:This person was using filler to make their nose tip look like.
Speaker 2:Wait for it.
Speaker 1:A who from Whoville.
Speaker 2:You're kidding me, right.
Speaker 1:Nope, and it just highlights how social media can fuel these really specific and often unrealistic beauty trends.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's almost like these images and filters are creating problems that didn't even exist before.
Speaker 1:Right, and then they offer these procedures as the solution.
Speaker 2:It's a very clever but kind of messed up marketing cycle, right.
Speaker 1:Totally, but it goes beyond just wanting to look good.
Speaker 2:Oh, I agree. I think there are definitely some deeper psychological and societal forces at play here.
Speaker 1:The article delves into some personal stories to illustrate this oh.
Speaker 2:I'm always up for a good personal story. It helps put things in perspective.
Speaker 1:Right. One of the women they interviewed was Ali Perilous, who started getting lip fillers in her early 20s.
Speaker 2:Interesting. I'm curious to hear her reasoning.
Speaker 1:Well, she talks about how her generation seems to prioritize investing in their appearance.
Speaker 2:Even if it means making some financial sacrifices.
Speaker 1:Exactly Like she said. My generation is spending money on daily coffee runs and lip filler. Maybe our priorities are out of whack, but it's about feeling and looking good.
Speaker 2:It's an interesting perspective. It's like they see it as an investment in themselves.
Speaker 1:Right, but it's not always just a personal choice, is it?
Speaker 2:No, not at all. There's often a social element to it as well.
Speaker 1:The article also features Emma McCormack, who started getting Botox at 25.
Speaker 2:And why did she decide to start?
Speaker 1:Well, she mentioned that a lot of her friends were doing it.
Speaker 2:Ah, so the peer pressure element.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and they all felt more confident afterward.
Speaker 2:So it becomes this kind of collective thing.
Speaker 1:Right, like if everyone's doing it, maybe I should too.
Speaker 2:It's easy to get caught up in that, especially when you're constantly seeing it on social media.
Speaker 1:Totally so. We've got social media, peer pressure, this desire to feel confident. It's all intertwined.
Speaker 2:It's a recipe for a booming industry.
Speaker 1:Right, and it's not just about erasing wrinkles anymore.
Speaker 2:Oh, now it's about something else.
Speaker 1:It's about achieving a very specific look.
Speaker 2:Fill me in.
Speaker 1:It's this trend called facial balancing. Facial balancing I haven't heard that one before. Well, it's all about creating symmetry and specific proportions using fillers and neuromodulators.
Speaker 2:So it's less about anti-aging and more about sculpting your features.
Speaker 1:Exactly. Think like super defined cheekbones and a sculpted jawline.
Speaker 2:Wow, that's a whole different ballgame.
Speaker 1:Right, and this is where the ethical considerations start to get really interesting.
Speaker 2:I was just thinking that like are we just sculpting ourselves to fit into this narrow standard of beauty?
Speaker 1:And is that standard even achievable or healthy in the long run?
Speaker 2:That's a great question.
Speaker 1:Because the article points out that some of these procedures can actually backfire.
Speaker 2:Really In what way?
Speaker 1:Especially if they're done too early or excessively.
Speaker 2:Oh, I see Like you're altering features that are still developing.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and the long-term effects are unknown.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's a bit scary to think about.
Speaker 1:Especially when you're talking about young people who might not fully grasp those long-term consequences.
Speaker 2:Right, they might not see the full picture yet.
Speaker 1:The article brought up one procedure that's become really popular.
Speaker 2:Oh which one.
Speaker 1:Buckle fat removal. It slims down the cheeks.
Speaker 2:Interesting. So they're actually removing fat from their faces to achieve a certain look.
Speaker 1:And this is where trends can get a bit dangerous. According to the article, how so?
Speaker 2:I mean, aren't chubby cheeks something people usually want to get rid of?
Speaker 1:Well, the problem is that as you age, your face naturally loses fat.
Speaker 2:Ah, I see where you're going with this. So if you remove buckle fat too early, you could end up looking older down the line.
Speaker 1:Exactly. It's a bit ironic, isn't it?
Speaker 2:It's like trying to outsmart the aging process but actually speeding it up in the process.
Speaker 1:Totally, and it just shows how important it is to really think about the long-term implications of these procedures.
Speaker 2:To choose procedures that enhance your natural features, not drastically alter them.
Speaker 1:Right. So we've seen that social media is a major driver.
Speaker 2:But I bet there are other factors at play too.
Speaker 1:Absolutely, and some of them are pretty surprising, like have you heard of Ozempic face?
Speaker 2:Ozempic face. That sounds kind of intense, a little scary.
Speaker 1:It is pretty wild and it's actually tied to the world of weight loss drugs.
Speaker 2:Weight loss drugs. Now, this I have to hear more about.
Speaker 1:Oh, you're not going to believe this. Okay, so spill the tea on this Ozempic face thing All right.
Speaker 2:So you know how Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs have become super popular for weight loss.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it seems like everyone's talking about them.
Speaker 2:Well, it turns out there's this unexpected side effect.
Speaker 1:Uh-oh, this doesn't sound good.
Speaker 2:It's not the drug itself, but rather it's the rapid weight loss that it can cause, even in younger people, and basically you lose weight so quickly that your skin doesn't have time to adjust.
Speaker 1:Oh, like when you lose weight too fast and end up with loose skin.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And it can be really noticeable on the face, especially around the neck.
Speaker 1:So you're saying people are losing weight, but then ending up with sagging skin?
Speaker 2:It's kind of ironic right.
Speaker 1:Totally so. What can people do about it?
Speaker 2:Well, some people are turning to procedures like neck lifts A neck lift.
Speaker 1:That's a pretty big decision, right, and it brings up all these ethical questions.
Speaker 2:Like is it okay to promote a drug that could lead to people needing more procedures?
Speaker 1:Well, the article doesn't really take a stance on that, but it does quote a plastic surgeon.
Speaker 2:What did they say?
Speaker 1:He emphasized the importance of patient education.
Speaker 2:So making sure people understand the potential risks and benefits.
Speaker 1:Exactly. It's not just about performing a procedure. It's about helping patients make informed decisions.
Speaker 2:I like that. So it's about having a real conversation, not just offering a quick fix. Right, because these procedures could have a big impact on someone's mental and emotional well-being too. But what about the financial side of things? Right, because these procedures could have a big impact on someone's mental and emotional well-being too.
Speaker 1:But what about the financial side of things? I mean, these procedures aren't exactly cheap.
Speaker 2:That's a huge factor and the article really highlights that.
Speaker 1:Especially for younger people who might not have a lot of disposable income.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and it's not just the initial cost.
Speaker 1:Right, because a lot of these procedures require touch-ups and maintenance over time.
Speaker 2:They can really add up.
Speaker 1:It's almost like signing up for an expensive subscription service.
Speaker 2:Ah, a subscription for your face.
Speaker 1:And those can be hard to cancel.
Speaker 2:Right, and the article even mentions that some younger patients are willing to go into debt for these treatments.
Speaker 1:That's pretty concerning. It makes you wonder if we're setting up a whole generation for financial trouble.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it raises some red flags about the pressure they're facing.
Speaker 1:It's like they're being told that their worth is tied to their appearance, and that can be a dangerous message.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And it can have real financial consequences.
Speaker 1:So we've talked a lot about the risks and potential downsides, but—.
Speaker 2:But there are some positive aspects too, right.
Speaker 1:Like are there. Fill me in.
Speaker 2:Well downsides, but there are some positive aspects too. Like are there? Fill me in. Well, I think it's important to acknowledge that there's nothing inherently wrong with wanting to look your best Okay, and for some people, these procedures can be a way to achieve that.
Speaker 1:So it's not always a bad thing.
Speaker 2:Not necessarily. The key is to approach it with a healthy mindset.
Speaker 1:And realistic expectations.
Speaker 2:Exactly, it's about finding that balance between self-improvement and self-acceptance.
Speaker 1:But with all the pressure from social media that can be a tough balance to strike.
Speaker 2:It definitely takes some work. You have to be really self-aware and critical of the messages you're being bombarded with.
Speaker 1:So how do we navigate this minefield of information and expectations?
Speaker 2:Well, the article offers some good advice.
Speaker 1:I'm all yours.
Speaker 2:First and foremost, do your research.
Speaker 1:Makes sense. Don't just go to the first place you see on Instagram.
Speaker 2:Right, Look for board certifications, read reviews and ask lots of questions.
Speaker 1:Like you would with any major decision.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Treat your face with the same level of care and consideration you would your health or your finances.
Speaker 1:Okay, good advice, and it reminds me of something. What's that it's like how cars need regular maintenance to run smoothly.
Speaker 2:Interesting analogy. Our faces change over time, too right they do, and it's important to be mindful of that.
Speaker 1:So are you saying we should be scheduling regular tune-ups for our faces?
Speaker 2:Not necessarily, but it's about being aware of how our faces age and making choices that support healthy aging.
Speaker 1:So not fighting against it but embracing the process.
Speaker 2:Exactly, but I get it. We live in a youth-obsessed culture.
Speaker 1:It's hard to escape that pressure to look young and perfect.
Speaker 2:It is, but the article highlights this growing movement Tell me more. It's called Pro-Aging.
Speaker 1:Pro-Aging. What's that all about?
Speaker 2:It's about embracing the natural aging process and focusing on feeling confident and healthy at any age.
Speaker 1:I love that. It sounds so much more empowering than anti-aging.
Speaker 2:Right, it's about celebrating the wisdom and experience that comes with age.
Speaker 1:Instead of trying to hide it.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and it's resonating with a lot of people, especially those who are tired of feeling like they need to conform to these unrealistic beauty standards.
Speaker 1:So it's like a rebellion against a pressure to look eternally young.
Speaker 2:You could say that, and it's interesting to see this kind of generational divide.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it seems like Gen Z is embracing procedures at a younger age, while older generations are more into natural aging.
Speaker 2:It reflects the different cultural contexts each generation has faced.
Speaker 1:Right, and it's not about saying one approach is better than the other.
Speaker 2:It's about recognizing that there are diverse perspectives on aging and beauty.
Speaker 1:And those perspectives are constantly evolving right.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It makes the whole topic so fascinating because it really reflects our cultural anxieties.
Speaker 1:And our evolving relationship with technology and social media.
Speaker 2:It's all part of this ongoing quest to define what it means to be beautiful, which is a pretty complicated question.
Speaker 1:How do we even begin to unpack all of this?
Speaker 2:It's a big question, but I think the first step is to have open and honest conversations about these topics.
Speaker 1:Like we're doing right now.
Speaker 2:Exactly. We need to critically examine the messages we're consuming and the pressures we're internalizing.
Speaker 1:And support each other in finding a path that feels authentic and empowering.
Speaker 2:Because ultimately, it's about feeling good in your own skin.
Speaker 1:Regardless of age or appearance.
Speaker 2:Couldn't have said it better myself.
Speaker 1:It's wild to think just one article sparked such a long conversation.
Speaker 2:I know right. It's amazing how much there is to unpack when it comes to beauty standards.
Speaker 1:And especially how those standards are evolving with Gen Z.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, and this whole idea of prejuvenation is a perfect example of that.
Speaker 1:Like it makes you wonder if it's even possible to just age naturally anymore.
Speaker 2:Right Like are we all supposed to be chasing this youthful ideal forever?
Speaker 1:Well, the article did bring up that pro-aging movement, remember?
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, the one that's all about embracing the aging process.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's interesting to think about how those two movements relate to each other.
Speaker 2:Like are they totally opposite or are they both just different ways of trying to feel good about ourselves?
Speaker 1:That's a great question. I'm not sure there's an easy answer.
Speaker 2:Probably not, but I think it's less about picking aside and more about finding what feels right for you personally, I like that doing what makes you feel comfortable and confident, regardless of what trends are out there. Exactly. It's your face, your body, your choice.
Speaker 1:Totally. It's about defining beauty for yourself on your own terms.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, and recognizing that beauty comes in so many different forms.
Speaker 1:It's not just about how young you look, right.
Speaker 2:Right, it's about vitality, confidence, character, all those things that make us unique.
Speaker 1:I love that. It's like prejuvenation is trying to erase the signs of time.
Speaker 2:While pro-aging is embracing the story that time has written on your face.
Speaker 1:And everyone's story is different and beautiful in its own way.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And those wrinkles and lines tell a story. They show you've lived a life.
Speaker 1:They add character like a well-worn book.
Speaker 2:Exactly who wants to read a book with blank pages?
Speaker 1:All right, but it's so easy to forget that when you're scrolling through Instagram.
Speaker 2:I know it's like everyone's trying to look airbrushed and perfect.
Speaker 1:Which is totally unrealistic most of the time Totally.
Speaker 2:So, totally so. It's all about finding ways to stay grounded in reality.
Speaker 1:And not letting those images and messages distort your self-perception.
Speaker 2:Which is easier said than done.
Speaker 1:For sure, but I think these conversations are a good place to start.
Speaker 2:I agree. The more we talk about these things, the more we can challenge those unrealistic beauty standards.
Speaker 1:And create a more inclusive and accepting definition of beauty.
Speaker 2:One that celebrates all ages and all types of beauty.
Speaker 1:Beautifully said, so for everyone listening out there.
Speaker 2:What's the one thing you want them to take away from this deep dive?
Speaker 1:That's a good question. I think it's to really think critically about these procedures.
Speaker 2:Do your research. Choose a qualified provider.
Speaker 1:And make sure it's something you truly want.
Speaker 2:Not something you feel pressured into.
Speaker 1:Because, at the end of the day, it's your face, your story, your choice.
Speaker 2:Couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks for joining us on this deep dive.
Speaker 1:It was my pleasure. Thank you for listening to the Beauty Standard with Dr Roy Kim. Make sure to follow for future topics and episodes.