Back to School Plastic Surgery for Teens on the Rise

September marks the start of the school year when many teens return to the classroom with fuller breasts, new noses, plumper lips – and few raised eyebrows. The American Society for Plastic Surgery (ASPS) reports that some 64,000 teenagers had cosmetic surgery in 2013, and the bulk of those procedures take place over summer break. The two-month vacation allows plenty of healing time for this social media-influenced demographic which places huge importance on physical appearance.

In an era largely dominated by Facebook, Instagram and reality TV, where plastic surgery is the norm, nobody thinks twice about this rising phenomena among teenagers.  In fact, one plastic surgeon told NY Daily News he gets an average of 10 requests a week from teens who want to look like Kylie Jenner. The younger sister of Kim Kardashian, Kylie recently admitted to having lip augmentation with fillers, spurring a massive trend in teen plastic surgery.

Teenagers seek cosmetic surgery before school starts

Though cosmetic surgery can help boost self-esteem in this susceptible young group, is plastic surgery the right decision for everyone? As a mother of three, NYC plastic surgeon Dr. B. Aviva Preminger is attuned to the concerns that parents have about their child’s well-being — especially those whose kids have been bullied at school or on social media. However, Dr. Preminger believes that emotional maturity and healthy motivations are crucial in determining whether plastic surgery is the right decision for adolescents.

Unrealistic expectations are somewhat common in teenagers seeking plastic surgery. Some may only be trying to take a prettier selfie or emulate their favorite TV personality or celebrity. Kylie’s pouty look has inspired a surge in lip injections among teenagers, and singer Iggy Azalea’s admission to breast implants and rhinoplasty may have normalized the concept of plastic surgery in younger patients.

Most requested cosmetic surgery procedures from teens

Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, is the most popular plastic surgery for teenagers, and many realize tremendous emotional benefits with the procedure. Even the tiniest changes to this prominent facial feature can bring harmony and balance to the face. Some teens complain of drooping or bulbous tips, large humps or wide nasal bridges that cause embarrassment and anxiety in their day-to-day life. Others have broken their noses through contact sports, leaving them with unsightly bumps and impaired breathing.

Sixteen  year-old Christine told the NY Daily News how her “mangled and bumped” nose – broken during sports – battered her self-esteem. The constant teasing was too much to bear.

“As a parent, you don’t want to see your child upset. And now, her self-confidence and her self-esteem are so much better,” said her mother, who eventually agreed to her daughter’s rhinoplasty.

Other common procedures for teens include breast reduction surgery, which can significantly reduce related neck, shoulder and back pain, as well as allow for participation in physical activities.

Statistics from the ASPS indicate that otoplasty (ear surgery) and liposuction are other top requests for teenagers wanting to look their best, while microdermabrasion and Botox injections are some of the most frequently performed minimally invasive treatments.

More questions about teen plastic surgery in NYC?

If your teen is thinking about plastic surgery, a candid consultation that discusses patient motivation, as well as procedure risks and recovery is an important step. To schedule a private meeting with Dr. Preminger at her Manhattan office, please call 212-706-1900 or complete the online request form.