Buzz
At what age is plastic surgery appropriate?
iStockphoto/ThinkstockWhen a teenage girl struggles with overly large breasts or a young boy feels insecure about a nasal bump, parents, doctors, and the teens themselves face a crucial question: Is surgery the right choice?
In 2004, over 326,000 minors underwent cosmetic procedures to address insecurities, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. But with its inherent risks, is plastic surgery truly the best solution for teenage concerns? In some instances, absolutely, says Frederick Lukash, M.D., a New York plastic surgeon experienced in treating young patients with self-esteem struggles.
No Simple Solution
Finding a teenager completely satisfied with their appearance is rare. When combined with the sting of peer ridicule, many may be tempted by what seems like a quick fix for their perceived imperfections.
However, surgery shouldn't be viewed as an effortless escape, warns Lukash, who discourages procedures when alternatives like weight loss can achieve similar results. "Teenage plastic surgery has a valid role, but it must be for the right person and the right reason," he emphasizes. One justification he rejects: "failing to make the cheerleading squad because of 'fat' thighs."
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons advises parents to consider key questions to determine whether their child’s motivations for surgery are appropriate and to ensure they are physically and emotionally prepared:
- Does the teen genuinely want the procedure? While parental support is crucial, the teenager must be fully invested in the decision.
- Are their expectations realistic? They should understand that cosmetic surgery won’t magically solve all of life's challenges and recognize its limited impact.
- Is the teen emotionally mature enough to handle the process? They need to be mentally prepared for both the decision and the potentially difficult recovery period.
Lukash emphasizes that each decision must be tailored to the individual, considering their physical health, emotional state, specific needs, and ability to comprehend the expected outcome.
Now or Later?
Abigail, Lukash’s daughter, was a young high school senior at 16 but mature enough, she and her father agreed, to decide on a nose job. "It wasn’t a terrible nose that people made fun of," says Abigail, who simply felt self-conscious about its shape. She turned to her father for a solution she couldn’t achieve on her own. "If you're overweight, you can lose weight. If you dislike your hair, you can change its color or style. But my nose affected my self-esteem, and it was something I couldn't change on my own," says the now-20-year-old, who stays active to maintain her confidence.
Rhinoplasty, the procedure Abigail underwent, is the most commonly requested cosmetic surgery among teens. According to Lukash, it's appropriate for some young patients, as nasal structures are nearly fully developed by ages 13 or 14 in girls and 15 or 16 in boys.
These procedures can also be suitable for minors when the motivations are well-founded:
- Otoplasty (ear pinning surgery). Correcting prominent "Dumbo ears" is a straightforward procedure, often performed on children as young as 5.
- Breast Asymmetry Correction. When there is a significant size difference between the breasts, doctors may reduce the larger one, enhance the smaller one, or perform both procedures to create balance.
- Gynecomastia Correction (surgery for enlarged male breasts). This condition, which often appears during adolescence, may resolve on its own. However, if it's severe and causes distress, surgery can be an option for teens.
Certain cosmetic procedures are generally best postponed until adulthood:
- Breast Augmentation. Increasing breast size should be left for adulthood, as breasts may continue developing until 18. Additionally, saline implants, commonly used in cosmetic surgery, are not approved for those under 18.
- Liposuction. Since the body is still developing in adolescence, teens are encouraged to adopt healthy weight management strategies, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, rather than turning to surgical fat removal.
- Breast Reduction. Oversized breasts can cause both physical discomfort and emotional distress for teenagers. However, unless the issue is severe, many doctors recommend waiting until at least 18, when breast growth is complete, to achieve the best results.
Case-by-Case Basis
When considering plastic surgery for teenagers, Lukash asserts that there should be no blanket rules—no absolute 'right' or 'wrong.' He believes that self-conscious teens facing significant psychological distress should have the option for a confidence boost through surgery, especially if emotional scars could follow them into adulthood.
The plastic surgeon compares a thoughtfully chosen cosmetic procedure to essential reconstructive surgery, such as repairing a cleft lip or other physical anomalies. "I view all of this as quality-of-life surgery," the doctor explains. "The aim is to help a person feel better about themselves."
