One in Five Israeli Women Face Risk of Addiction to Aesthetic Treatments, Study Finds
A new Israeli study reveals that one in five women who have undergone aesthetic treatments are at moderate to high risk of developing addictive patterns toward these procedures. Conducted by the Hebrew University and the Israeli Center for Addictions, the research surveyed 1,614 women aged 25 to 71, with 710 having received at least one aesthetic treatment. The study, published in the Journal of Health Psychology, highlights a growing concern amid a global surge in aesthetic procedures, which reached approximately 38 million in 2024, a 40% increase since 2020.
The research identified key psychological and social risk factors for addictive behavior related to aesthetic treatments. Women with low body image satisfaction and problematic social media use were most vulnerable, especially when these factors combined. Problematic social media use was defined by compulsive thoughts, inability to reduce usage, and negative impacts on daily functioning, rather than time spent online. Contrary to expectations, no significant age differences were found in addiction risk, suggesting the phenomenon spans across age groups.
Dr. Vera Skvirsky, lead researcher, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about potential vulnerabilities despite the benefits of aesthetic treatments. Plastic surgeon Dr. Omer Wolf noted the influence of social media and unrealistic beauty standards, including the impact of filters that create unattainable ideals. He stressed the need for medical professionals to carefully evaluate patients’ motivations and psychological readiness before proceeding with treatments.
The study also found that weaker feminist attitudes correlated with higher addiction risk, possibly due to less resistance to societal pressures emphasizing female appearance. Other factors linked to increased risk included lower self-esteem, negative attitudes toward aging, and insecure attachment styles, though these were less significant when analyzed alongside body image and social media use.
Researchers call for further investigation and encourage both patients and professionals to monitor frequent treatment patterns and related life impairments. The findings underscore the complex interplay between psychological factors, social media influence, and the booming aesthetic treatment industry.
