According to a Youth Research Institute survey, only a small proportion of young people have undergone cosmetic procedures, but significantly more are considering using such services in the future. Among young women, the proportion of those considering this is as high as 30%.
Self-image and identity related to physical appearance have always played an important role in young people’s lives. In the MCC Youth Research Institute survey young Hungarians aged 15 to 39 gave themselves an average score of 3.22 out of 5 for their appearance
It is striking that men are either more satisfied with themselves than women or are less concerned about their looks. While women gave themselves an average score of 3.06 out of 5, men rated themselves at 3.38. In other words, 48% of men reported being satisfied with their appearance, compared to only 36% of women. The research identified only one group in which the majority were satisfied with their appearance: 51% of university graduates expressed satisfaction, while only 15% reported dissatisfaction.
The findings also show that 5% of young people have already undergone some form of cosmetic intervention. Among women, this figure stands at 7%, and among men, at 4%. However, a much larger group (23%) plans to use such services in the future. Again, women are overrepresented in this group: 30% are planning cosmetic procedures, compared to only 16% of men.
This representative survey was conducted in January 2025. Responses were collected via self-administered online questionnaires (CAWI) from a total of 1,000 Hungarian citizens aged 15 to 39.
Budapest, October 13, 2025
