Almost 40% of US millennials have either undergone a cosmetic procedure, including both surgery and non-invasive treatments, or are considering one for the next 12 months, a new report claims.

A survey says that the millennial generation is increasingly open to the idea of going under the knife or checking out non-invasive treatments. Photo: © Steve Debenport/Istock.com

According to a survey by the US-based cosmetic surgery information platform Zalea [1], the millennial generation is increasingly open to the idea of going under the knife or checking out non-invasive treatments.

"By and large, this younger millennial generation appears to express a stronger acceptance and willingness to consider cosmetic procedures, than the older generations," said Zalea Co-founder Louis Scafuri in a statement. "This survey indicates that these kinds of procedures are becoming considerably more socially acceptable. Millennials are savvy and have distinct expectations particularly around non-invasive procedures which means that providers of technology and procedures should all take notice."

In terms of the professionals the millennial participants would prefer to carry out any procedures, dermatologists and plastic surgeons topped the list, at 85% and 75% respectively. OB/GYNs and family practice physicians followed at 67%, while over 50% of respondents said they would consider MediSpa locations and registered nurses. The most important factor in choosing a practitioner is credentials (90%), according to the results, while ratings and reviews count for 84% of people. Potential waiting times are also a key factor for millennials — 30% of respondents said they would want an appointment within just one week, although 55% could put up with a waiting list of two weeks.

Of the participants that admitted to having undergone a procedure or to considering one in the near future, 75% said they trusted the opinions and information provided by family, friends and physicians. However, while nearly 50% said they trusted Google search results, just 10% said their decision to have a cosmetic procedure would be influenced by a celebrity endorsement.

The news follows a survey from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery published last month, which found that cosmetic surgery procedures are on the rise in the US. For more information on the Zalea survey, see Zalea.com