We all have insecurities. It’s very common to look in the mirror and point out what you don’t like about yourself. When I look in the mirror, I’d love to have more arched eyebrows, no more dark circles under my eyes, and less pigmentation in my face.

Although I do feel self-conscious about these things, I’ve never really thought of fixing these issues by going to a dermatologist and fixing up a few things. On the other hand, many other Gen Zs feel differently and have been dabbling in non-invasive cosmetic treatments, according to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the world’s largest association of facial plastic surgeons.

There has been a big jump in treatments for Gen Zs during Covid-19 because while on Zoom or video calls, people started really paying attention to their faces and highlighted problem areas. This is called “Zoom Face”. I feel like I have also fallen prey to the “Zoom Face”. I noticed little bumps on my face that had always been there, but because I was constantly looking at my face all the time during Zoom meetings, I felt like my face was not good enough and could be better looked after.

The AAFPRS released a survey in 2022 which highlighted the most common non-cosmetic, or non-invasive, treatments. These treatments were neurotoxins and fillers which are injected into the face to help to reduce fine lines Another common non-invasive treatment are ‘topicals’ which are procedures such as chemical peels. A chemical peel is a procedure where specific chemicals are added to one’s face to improve the skin texture of the skin, making it smoother.

The top three surgical procedures were facelifts, blepharoplasties (a non-cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin from the eyes), and rhinoplasties (which shape the nose).

In South Africa, there has also been a rise in cosmetic treatments. Men are even opting for these non-invasive treatments, labelling it as “brotox”, a play on words for bros who get botox. The rise in the treatments could be because Gen Z is all about self-care and for them that may mean looking younger and not having anything wrong with their appearance.

Although I am all about self-care for the most part, I don’t know that looking perfect is one of the most important elements. And having all these procedures are expensive. The cheapest and probably the most non-invasive treatment is about R900, for botox. You will probably also need a consultation with the doctor before they decide what the best treatment for you is, so the price could triple.

So where are these people who are having these procedures? Who really wants them, and is prepared to pay the price? I asked my friends for their responses.

Thandile, 25, who is working part-time, is like me – he’s not going any time soon: “I used to be really insecure about my nose, that it was too big, but I don’t care about that shxt. I’m a grown man and I know I’m beautiful.”
Myy friend Thobeka Zulu, working as a calling centre consultant, shared that she had considered getting surgery done before, but not anymore. She says watched a video that changed her mind. “You don’t know what chemicals you are putting into your body and you don’t know what the long-term effects could be.”
However, I was quite surprised that two of my friends sounded keen on the idea.

Chelsea Stevens, 22, currently working as a secretary, and mom of twins, said, “Yes I would definitely get surgery if I could afford it. I am really thin so I would get my boobs and bums done if I had money to make myself more attractive and feel more confident.”

Lerato Dlamini (not her real name), 26 and working in marketing, also said she’d consider it if she could. “ I think beauty standards put so much pressure on women than people realise, and from a very young age. Most young girls’ insecurities come from things people always pointed out, and they grow up more body-conscious than they should be. Also, body dysmorphia exists and it messes with your head. The reality of what I look like is not what I feel about my body, and constantly looking at parts I hate seeing about myself isn’t great for my overall mental health – lol. So if I can fix it to look like how I want it to, then I don’t see how it affects the next person. Of course, don’t go overboard. But your body, your rules.”

Personally though, right now, I don’t think I’m quite comfortable with having any cosmetic treatments done, even if I do spot some frown wrinkles. I think it’s okay, and it just indicates that yes, I am getting older, we all do.

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Tell us: Would you consider a cosmetic treatment if you could afford it? Why or why not?

Read more here about skin cycling.