Teens and Breast Augmentation Procedures

No one will deny that the life of a teen-ager is fraught with stress. They worry about school, part-time jobs, the opposite sex, alcohol, drugs and fitting in with the right crowd. Looks play an important role in the life of a teen-ager, which is why cosmetic procedures have been growing in popularity among this demographic. Breast augmentation is just one of the most common procedures among teens 13-19. Here's what they are having done:

Reduction

This breast augmentation procedure is popular among teenage girls and boys. It is very difficult to be a teen-age girl and if she has overly large bust-line, it is even more difficult. Not only does she feel self-conscious about her body, but her participation in sports and other school activities are restricted. Plus, there are the common physical issues such as back and neck pain, headaches and poor posture.

Boys can also have excess tissue and fat that give them the appearance of a bust. This condition is called gynecomastia. Overdevelopment of the chest is actually a common problem among teen boys and young men and the psychological implications of this condition are great.

Think about a teenager who constantly frets about gym class and changing in the locker room-it is excruciatingly painful to expose themselves to the ridicule of other boys. They avoid social situations like beach and pool parties or hang back with their shirts on. Like the girls, they pull back into themselves and hide behind baggy clothes.

Symmetry Correction

Sometimes young girls are born with malformed or asymmetrical breasts. When they are little, this may not be such a big problem, but as they develop and mature into teens, the problem becomes glaringly obvious. In this instance or in the case of trauma, implants are approved for use in teens younger than 18.

Lifts

This is not a common procedure, but it is done, especially after reduction surgery. Gravity and weight pull them down and when the fat and tissue is removed, the skin is still stretched. To get the best results, a lift is often performed where the breast is pulled up, repositioned and the extra skin is removed.

Implants

This is a very popular procedure, but it only affects teens at around 18-19 of age. The FDA does not approve use for implants in patients younger than that unless there is a reconstructive purpose for them. The reason for this is primarily because teen-age girls are still growing and developing. So, while they think they desperately need implants at 16 because they are only an A cup, by 18 they may balloon into a C, by which time Mother Nature has eliminated the need for plastic surgery.

If your teen wants breast augmentation, talk to her about it. If it isn't for obvious reconstructive reasons, find out what the motivation is. Find a board certified plastic surgeon and go with her to the consultation so you can ask your own questions and to make sure your teen's questions are answered satisfactorily. The ideal plastic surgeon will have experience working with teens and understand the sensitive nature of the situation.