Mental health fears: Girls as young as 13 seek Botox to mimic celebs

UK schoolgirls as young as 13 are requesting Botox injections to look like celebrities. Photo / Getty

UK schoolgirls as young as 13 are requesting Botox injections to look like celebrities.

An alarming increase in mental health issues and body dysmorphia has developed within teenagers who are convinced they need to look like "perfect" celebrities to live a happy and successful life.

Dr Nick Lowe – a dermatologist who assisted in developing Botox in the 1990s - told the Sunday Star Times Magazine this was an "extremely sad and very worrying situation" as girls are having treatment at an age that they don't need it.

This has led to a concerning increase in loss of self-esteem within the younger generation.

Although there is no legal age restriction on Botox treatment, Mark Henley, president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, suggested the targeting of "vulnerable young people with self-esteem issues" needs to be prevented.

A study in 2017 by Dove Global Girls Beauty and Confidence revealed nine in 10 girls in the UK aged between 10 and 17 will not leave the house if they are not happy with the way they look.

The report gives evidence of the increasing beauty standards portrayed by celebrity obsession.

A UK plastic surgeon, Dr Dan Marsh, suggested these young girls believe having Botox injections will prevent ageing – which is not the case.

Henley also added regulators need to stop the desire to mimic celebrity appearances.

Botulinum Toxin – Botox - was developed to help soften the signs of ageing by blocking nerve signals to certain muscles in the face.

The treatment does not stop ageing but can prevent wrinkles from worsening and last between three to six months.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.