Teens and Plastic Surgery - When Is It Appropriate?

While cosmetic surgery is generally reserved for adults over age 18, in some instances it can be a perfect solution for taking care of pronounced or awkward features in the teenage years. Parental consent, as well as the cosmetic surgeon’s agreement that surgery is warranted, will be mandatory for patients under age 18.

If you have a teenager who is extremely self-conscious about a certain feature, cosmetic surgery may be a viable solution if you, your child, and a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon decide it is the best course of action together. In making a recommendation for surgery, the physician will weigh a number of factors including your child’s growth stage, the degree of correction needed, his or her current health and health history, and your child’s maturity and age.

Common cosmetic procedures performed on teenagers include (with typical age recommendations):
· Otoplasty (ear surgery)– ears can be reshaped and resized, or “pinned back” for a less obvious appearance. Typically the earliest these are performed is from ages 5-9.

· Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) – large or misshapen noses can be resized and reshaped for better facial balance. For females with a minimum age 14-16 and males aged 16-18.

· Male breast reduction – may be performed to reverse a condition called Gynecomastia, or enlargement of male breasts. This is usually deferred until 18 years unless severe.

· Female breast reduction – can be performed to alleviate the effects of overly large breasts, like back, shoulder, neck and muscle problems. This is performed from 14-18 years.

· Liposuction – may be performed to help overweight individuals tone down specific areas, not recommended for large volume fat removal.

In searching for a cosmetic surgeon to consult regarding your child’s candidacy for plastic surgery, you want to ensure you find a physician who:

· Has performed numerous successful procedures on children as well as adults.

· Has years of experience performing the particular procedure your child needs.

· Is board-certified in plastic surgery.

· Offers you straightforward answers and paints a realistic picture of what to expect.

· Is committed to personal care and communication.

· Takes the time to fully explain the risks and benefits to you and your child.

With so much marketing done around the “ideal” concept of beauty, experienced plastic surgeons should be empathetic to the special needs of teenagers and be able to work with them to communicate procedural information while maintaining an objective stance. It is important to accurately assess your child’s body goals, to make sure your child is realistic in his or her ideas of normalcy, and to ensure your child has reasonable expectations for surgery results. It is important to take the time to learn all you can about the procedure and understand the emotional impact surgery may have on your child before making a decision.