Harley Street doctor Dirk Kremer says while it is illegal for under-18s to be tattooed or use sun beds, there are no such rules when it comes to the cosmetic procedures.
He blames social media for kids wanting plump lips, chiselled jaws and raised eyebrows to look like billionaire influencer Kylie Jenner or US President’s daughter Ivanka.
And he says the consequences of underqualified practitioners carrying out the treatment are grave — with strokes and sight loss among potential results of a misplaced jab.
He said: “More young people come to me asking for a certain look which gets more ‘likes’ and ‘followers’.” If his petition gets 100,000 signatures it will be debated in parliament.
Last month, a plastic surgeon warned women are getting Botox and fillers to cure their “resting bitch face” in a bizarre new surgery trend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Currently, there are no specific legal restrictions preventing under-18s from receiving cosmetic procedures such as Botox and fillers, unlike tattoos or sunbed use which are regulated. This lack of regulation raises concerns about young people accessing these treatments without proper oversight.
Social media influences, especially the desire to emulate celebrities and influencers like Kylie Jenner and Ivanka Trump, drive young people to seek cosmetic enhancements. They often want features that gain more social media 'likes' and followers, leading to increased demand for treatments like plump lips and chiselled jaws.
When cosmetic treatments like Botox and fillers are administered by underqualified practitioners, there can be serious health risks including strokes and loss of sight due to misplaced injections. Proper training and expertise are crucial to minimize these dangers.
Dr. Dirk Kremer advocates for stricter regulations on cosmetic procedures for young people, highlighting the dangers of unregulated treatments and the influence of social media. He has launched a petition aiming to have this issue debated in parliament to protect minors.
The petition seeks to raise awareness and prompt parliamentary debate on the need for regulation of cosmetic procedures for minors. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be formally discussed in parliament, potentially leading to new laws or guidelines.
Yes, a recent trend involves women getting Botox and fillers to alter their 'resting bitch face,' a term describing a naturally stern or unapproachable facial expression. This trend reflects a growing desire to modify facial expressions through cosmetic procedures.
Social media platforms showcase idealized beauty standards and celebrity looks, encouraging young people to seek similar appearances. The pursuit of social validation through 'likes' and followers motivates many to undergo cosmetic treatments at a young age.
Celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Ivanka Trump have popularized features such as plump lips and sculpted jaws, inspiring many young people to pursue similar cosmetic enhancements. Their public disclosures about treatments also normalize these procedures.
