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