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The Rise of Tweakments: Millennials and Cosmetic Procedures

August 13, 2021

Truly the first digital generation, millennials have come of age at a time when selfies, social media, and video calls have brought about a whole new virtual life for many. These ever-present digital mirrors have put faces into closer focus, which has prompted some millennials to seek out cosmetics procedures in order to create a fresh face that “pops” on the screen.

Recent reports have revealed this younger generation prefers non-invasive cosmetic treatments over more invasive options. From services like injections and chemical peels, Millennials are choosing subtle enhancements and techniques to achieve their beauty goals, while often leveraging affordable financing to help cover the costs.

The Rise of Tweakments

With the shift to virtually-driven lifestyles propelled by factors like the Zoom Boom , tweakments or non-surgical cosmetic procedures are rapidly growing in popularity with younger patients. Why? Because these procedures offer discrete results with little to no downtime.

It’s a shift from the past. Prior generations would generally opt to undergo more rigorous cosmetic procedures to reverse the signs of aging. Nowadays, patients between the ages of 25 and 35 are using them preventatively to curb the aging process before any signs appear.

Social media and celebrity culture are also big drivers for the tweakment trend. Industry analysts have recognized a connection between social media usage and a willingness to undergo cosmetic procedures. The drive for likes and visual appeal across social media platforms has made users generally more likely to try non-invasive cosmetic treatments than those who don’t use it.

Some of the most popular treatments with these clients include:

Chemical Peels

For millennials hoping to target hyperpigmentation, lighter acne scarring, or prevent wrinkles, chemical peels are an appealing choice. Many millennials choose this skin resurfacing treatment to reverse youthful blemishes or correct pre-existing problems usually unrelated to aging. And younger clients with darker skin tones are opting for less abrasive, superficial chemical peels that reduce the risk of further scarring or discoloration.

Laser Treatments

Laser skin resurfacing procedures like Clear and Brilliant give younger patients the ability to combat fine lines and dark spots and to improve tone, acne scars or sun damage. However, keep in mind that laser treatments are not one size fits all. Traditional resurfacing lasers such as Fraxel and CO2 devices, as well as intense pulse light (IPL), are most suitable for younger patrons of a lighter complexion. Non-ablative, picosecond, and Q-switch lasers, which consist of longer wavelengths, are the optimal choice for darker complexions.

Dermabrasion

Level up your resurfacing game with dermabrasion. It’s a more intensive treatment than microdermabrasion, but it can effectively treat your younger cosmetic clientele experiencing moderate issues from surgery, acne or an accident. For these patients, dermabrasion can achieve more than possible with a chemical peel or laser resurfacing — uncovering a glowing complexion and smoother skin.

Injectables

For those in their mid 20s and 30s, face injectables are becoming the go-to med spa treatment for combatting wrinkles and fine lines. Why? These injectable neurotoxins help millennials freeze future problem areas in place before any lines appear or shifting occurs. Dermal fillers are also gaining popularity as well. Millennials are choosing these fillers to improve facial contours, achieve more curvaceous cheek structures and ultimately, boost the overall impression of their face.

Microneedling

This technique pricks a patient’s skin with small needles to encourage the body’s natural healing response, rebuilding elasticity and collagen. Microneedling can eliminate acne scarring and reduce fine lines and the size of enlarged pores, achieving a filtered or air-brushed appearance for millennials patients.

Non-Procedural Options

Millennials are often looking for options that can improve their appearance beyond tweakments. Cosmetic practitioners can build upon their existing relationship with patients by making alternative services and skincare products available as part of their offerings. Items such as serums, SPFs and masks can help maintain results from previous procedures. And treatments such as vitamin drips and light therapy can help this generation nourish their skin, from both the inside and out.

The Whole Picture

Not only are millennials looking for different cosmetic treatments than other generations, but they’re also incredibly price conscious. Offering a variety of tweakments, skincare and nutritional products, and affordable financing solutions, can help convert them from visitors to your social media accounts to patients in your office.

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