More young people in Japan undergoing cosmetic surgery
Japan is seeing more young people undergo cosmetic surgery, especially double eyelid surgery to make their eyes look larger. One major cosmetic clinic reported that the percentage of patients aged 19 or younger increased from 7.2% in 2017 to 18.8% in 2025. Many young patients have the procedure during school holidays.
Some junior high school students are encouraged by their parents to have cosmetic surgery. One woman said her mother encouraged her to have surgery when she was in junior high school because she believed single eyelids were unattractive. The woman later realized that she had not been sure about the decision herself.
There are two common types of double eyelid surgery. The buried suture technique uses medical thread to create an eyelid fold, while the incisional technique involves making a small cut. Doctors say the suture method is more common because it usually causes less swelling and bruising and can sometimes be reversed.
Experts say young people need careful counseling before having cosmetic surgery. Doctors and parents should listen to what the young person really wants and make sure they understand the procedure. They should also be especially careful about permanent procedures.
The growing number of young patients has also raised concerns about social pressure to look beautiful. Experts say young people should be exposed to different ideas about beauty and should have enough time to make their own decisions rather than simply following the expectations of parents or society.
Edited using generative AI tools.
Source: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/12/japan/society/cosmetic-surgeries-young-people/
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