Cosmetic Surgery in Your Teens
Posted January 27, 2020 in Teenage Cosmetic Surgery
3 Min Read
People often wonder how young is too young for plastic surgery. Now, more than ever, teenagers across the United States are turning to surgery and non-surgical cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance.
About 229,000 cosmetic procedures were performed on patients between the ages of 13 and 19 in 2017. This means teenagers account for four percent of all cosmetic surgery procedures.
Plastic surgery for teens is gaining popularity, but parents should proceed with extra caution before encouraging their teenage children to go under the knife.
Why Is Plastic Surgery Increasingly Common Amongst Teenagers?
Formerly, plastic surgery was thought of to be only for adults. However, with the rise of social media and the constant pressure to look their best, teenagers are now turning to plastic surgery themselves.
As a young adult, it is critical to approach any plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery with caution and maturity.
It would be best to bring along a parent or guardian to ensure that the right decisions are being made since plastic surgery leaves long-lasting results.
What Should Teens Know Before Getting Cosmetic Surgery?
Before choosing a non-surgical treatment or plastic surgery itself, young adults should obtain parental consent, have a clear understanding of their goals and desires, and be prepared to have their physical and emotional maturity scrutinized.
What Are the Most Popular Surgeries Among Teenagers?
Before deciding if a cosmetic operation is appropriate, the teen should plan to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is trustworthy and experienced enough to handle the procedure.
Some popular plastic surgeries among teenagers include:
- Rhinoplasty—Teenagers with significant nasal deformities may choose a nose job to restructure their nose. However, it is inadvisable to carry out nasal surgery before the teen is fully grown since the forward growth of the nasal septum governs facial growth as a whole. Premature nasal surgery can inhibit facial growth.
- Breast reduction—Young adults may choose breast reduction surgery to alleviate back and neck pain. In a small number of teenage girls, breast development outstrips normal growth and becomes a social embarrassment as well as a functional problem. A breast reduction is often appropriate to relieve symptoms and allow the teen to participate in normal sporting and social activities.
- Otoplasty—The setting back of outstanding (bat) ears is a common procedure in young adults to correct overly large or protruding ears. It should be noted that this surgery is generally covered by medical insurance up to the age of 18. If the possession of bat ears is a significant problem for the self-esteem of teenagers, then surgery should be performed before they become adults. In fact, most setback otoplasties are performed before first grade.
- Breast augmentation—Teenage girls with a naturally small chest, breast asymmetry, or chest deformities may choose breast enhancement surgery. Normal physical development is an intrinsic part of the development of self-confidence and assertiveness in young women who are destined to play a significant role in modern society.
Some popular cosmetic surgeries among teenagers include:
- Botox® Cosmetic—Certain teenagers are choosing BOTOX® Cosmetic injections to correct excessive frowning and prevent the development of permanent frown lines between the eyebrows.
- Chemical peels—Teenagers can choose chemical peels to lessen the appearance of acne scars and skin discoloration.
- Non-surgical lasers—Minimally invasive treatments like the non-surgical laser can eliminate prominent facial blood vessels and leg veins.
- Microneedling—Fine needles mounted on rollers gently improve the skin’s appearance of acne scars and sun-damaged skin.
Have More Questions?
If you would like to learn more about cosmetic surgeries for teenagers, call our Palos Verdes office at (310) 597-4734 or fill out our online contact form.