Can Cosmetic Surgery Be Good for Teens?

Teens Jen Selter, Jon Escalante, and Hannah Olsen were bullied constantly due to their physical appearance.  These three teens did not opt to undergo surgery simply for narcissistic reasons or because of the name calling, they did it because of "how they felt about themselves on a deeper level."  Selter was quoted saying that “My advice to teenagers is don’t have a nose job just ‘cause you’re worried about what other people say or think."  The nose job helped him the feel good about himself on the inside and outside.  Psychiatrist Charles Sophy said that parents should makes sure that their teens or adolescents know that cosmetic surgery should not be a coping mechanism.  Many reputable plastic surgeons recommend that teens attend at least four sessions with a therapist before the procedure to uncover why that individual desires a certain procedure and if they are mature enough to handle it.  Plastic surgeons report that teens undergo cosmetic surgery to fit in while adults do it to stand out.  However, some doctors say that undergoing cosmetic surgery to fix a physical defect can relieve prolonged psychological distress which can be a good thing.  Before undergoing cosmetic surgery, parents and teens should know the possible complications and if they can handle the risks that are involved.  Parents and children should also know the guidelines that are in place for younger patients.  Facial surgery should not be done on females until age 14 and males age 15.  Breast augmentation cannot be done on anyone under 18 and "most surgeons will refuse to perform liposuction on anyone younger than 17 or 18."  This article gave good examples of when cosmetic surgery could be used to help teens affected by bullying and when most surgeons would actually perform certain types of surgeries.  

Coffey, L. (30 March, 2010).  Can plastic surgery be good for teens?.  NBCNews.com.  Retrieved from http://www.today.com/id/36101073/ns/today-parenting/#.Uvp6SWJdW8A         

Planning surgery at a young age

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery conducted a survey in 2011 which discovered that Americans who approve of cosmetic plastic surgery "is increasing regardless of age or income level."  The survey also showed that even though those between 35 and 50 are more than likely to choose cosmetic surgery, individuals between 18 and 24 are most likely to consider having surgery done immediately or in the future. Spire Healthcare in the United Kingdom also conducted a survey of women between 18 and 30 years old.  It revealed that 25 percent of these women "first consider cosmetic procedures between the ages of 10 and 15" years old.  The survey also found that "one in three British teens decide to pursue plastic surgery" between the ages of 15 and 18 years old. Chantelle Horton, the editor of More magazine, was quoted saying "It is clear that young women see surgery as a normal, acceptable and desirable way to correct their perceived imperfections and they genuinely believe this would make them happier." This article provides good survey data regarding how Americans and other women around the world perceive cosmetic procedures.  

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. (September 19, 2011). Surveys find many young women begin planning plastic surgeries in teens. Available  from http://www.surgery.org/consumers/plastic-surgery-news-briefs/surveys-find-young-women-planning-plastic-surgeries-teens-1035572