The pressure on young adults to look a certain way has intensified in an era of social media, high-definition cameras, and constant comparison. For many in their twenties, appearance is no longer just a passing concern; it is tied to identity, confidence, and how they move through both digital and real-world spaces. More adults under 30 are exploring cosmetic procedures as one tool among many for feeling more aligned with how they see themselves.
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, has become an important voice in this conversation. In 2025, she chose to speak openly about having three cosmetic surgeries, including a breast augmentation, lower blepharoplasty, and earlobe repair, describing them as personal choices made after careful thought. Her willingness to be transparent, and her message that there is no shame in making informed decisions about one’s own body, reflects the mindset of many younger adults considering aesthetic procedures today.
This article explores the rise of under-30 plastic surgery and how Biles’s story fits into this cultural shift.
Simone Biles’s Story
Simone Biles’s journey offers a powerful example of personal ownership over both body and narrative. For years, she faced commentary about her muscular, powerful build: an athletic physique that did not conform to traditional, more petite gymnast stereotypes. Rather than letting criticism define her, she consistently emphasized that her body is the engine of her performance and success. In late 2025, Biles went a step further and publicly confirmed that she has undergone three cosmetic surgeries: breast augmentation, lower blepharoplasty to address under-eye bags, and earlobe surgery following an old injury. She described the recovery as challenging at times but emphasized that these were informed, personal decisions made after understanding the risks and benefits. Crucially, Biles has said she wants her openness to make social media feel more honest and to help younger women feel less pressure to pretend everything is “natural” or effortless. Her message is not that everyone should have surgery, but that making considered choices about one’s own body should not carry shame. That perspective closely mirrors the motivations many under-30 patients describe in consultation rooms: a desire for self-determination, clarity, and alignment between inner and outer confidence.The Rise of Prejuvenation
Historically, plastic surgery was often framed as a corrective solution for visible signs of aging, like deep wrinkles, sagging skin, or significant volume loss. Today, many younger adults approach aesthetic care differently. A common term in the industry is “prejuvenation,” referring to early, conservative steps taken to maintain or refine features rather than reverse established changes.Minimally Invasive Treatments
Minimally invasive procedures are central to this shift. Neurotoxins and dermal fillers allow for small, targeted adjustments with minimal downtime. For a young professional, softening early expression lines, gently enhancing cheekbone definition, or balancing lip volume can be integrated into a broader self-care approach that also might include skincare, fitness, and mental health support.Targeted Surgical Procedures
When surgery is chosen, it is often highly specific. Breast augmentation is one of the most common procedures for patients in their twenties. For many in this age group, the goal is not to look like someone else, but to reduce the distraction of a feature that has drawn unwanted attention or internal focus for years.The Digital-First World
The increase in under-30 cosmetic procedures cannot be separated from the digital environment in which this generation has grown up. From selfies and filters to constant video conferencing, young adults are more accustomed than any previous generation to seeing their own image regularly. The AAFPRS has linked part of the increased demand for facial procedures to what is often called the “Zoom effect”: patients becoming more aware of their facial features after spending extended time looking at themselves on video calls. Screen exposure has heightened interest in facial aesthetic options, particularly above-the-shoulders areas such as the nose, eyes, and jawline. On social media, younger adults can also watch others share their experiences with injectables and surgery in real time. This level of transparency, including vlogs, day-by-day recovery clips, Q&A sessions, gives potential patients a clearer sense of the process and can reduce some of the mystery or fear around treatment.Destigmatization and a Culture of Openness
For many of today’s under-30s, cosmetic procedures are part of a broader conversation about autonomy and self-investment. Where earlier generations might have hidden surgical scars or denied having had “work done,” a growing number of patients and public figures now choose openness instead. Biles’s candid discussion of her procedures is one example of this shift. This culture of openness allows younger patients to:- Research procedures in depth
- Compare different techniques and providers
- Read or watch honest accounts of recovery
- Engage in frank conversations with friends or family
A Mature Approach to Cosmetic Surgery in Young Adults
While this trend toward empowerment is positive in many ways, cosmetic surgery remains a medical decision that deserves careful, individualized evaluation. A board-certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon plays an essential role in ensuring that younger patients are appropriate candidates and that their goals are realistically achievable. Key considerations typically include:Physical Maturity
Certain procedures, such as rhinoplasty or jaw surgery, require that facial growth be complete. A responsible surgeon will assess skeletal maturity and age before recommending surgery.Emotional Readiness and Motivation
Consultation is not only about anatomy; it is also about understanding “why.” Surgeons will explore whether motivations are internal (personal comfort and satisfaction) or heavily driven by external pressures such as partners, peers, or social media. The aim is to support decisions that contribute to long-term well-being rather than short-lived approval.Realistic Expectations
Ethical surgeons explain clearly what a procedure can and cannot accomplish. The focus is on nuanced improvement and harmony, not perfection. When expectations align with what surgery or injectables can safely deliver, satisfaction and psychological outcomes are more likely to be positive.What Simone Biles’s Story Illustrates for Young Adults
Simone Biles’s openness about her cosmetic surgeries does not promote procedures as a requirement; instead, it models an approach rooted in information, consent, and ownership. She researched her options, understood the challenges of recovery, and still chose what felt right for her body and life. For young adults considering aesthetic changes, her story underscores several key themes:- It is possible to be proud of what the body can do and still choose to change certain aspects of how it looks.
- Transparency, when personally comfortable, can reduce stigma for others.
- The most important voice in the process should be one’s own—supported by honest, qualified medical guidance.
