Parents – Should your Teen get Plastic Surgery

We all have those pesky areas of our bodies that have haunted us since puberty: a slightly crooked nose, a double chin that refuses to leave, curves that were a little too much or not enough. But what if you had the option to change those at an early age? More teens than ever are getting plastic surgery, according to the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPS). More than 236,000 cosmetic procedures were performed on patients ages 19 and younger in 2012.

Self-image is something we have all struggled with: male, female, young, and old. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the most common procedures among teens are rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, male breast reduction, ear surgery, and dermabrasion. Teens are generally more susceptible to peer pressure, media influences, and the sensitivities that accompany self-image. The self-esteem that they develop in these years is crucial in setting the tone for future fulfillment.

In an article from Today.com, Selter, a 15-year-old who underwent rhinoplasty said, “My advice to teenagers is don’t have a nose job just ‘cause you’re worried about what other people say or think. It all has to do with how you feel on the inside. And getting a nose job made me feel good inside and out.”

Teen plastic surgery is a controversial issue and for good reason. According to an article by University of Rochester Medical Center, “The rational part of a teen’s brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until age 25 or so.” Irrational impulse to cosmetically enhance your body could result in regret or self-doubt in future years. Also, the issue of safety plays a big part of cosmetic surgery at any age, especially teens who are not fully developed.

However, when your teen meets with Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. B. Aviva Preminger, she will assess your teen’s readiness for plastic surgery, as well as what to realistically expect for results.

Talk to your teen, find the root of the issue, and decide together if cosmetic surgery will be a temporary fix or help develop the confidence they deserve. Parental consent is required in the U.S. for children under the age of 18, so this is a great opportunity to discuss the reasons, risks, and benefits with your teen, as well as a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Preminger.

Questions to ask if cosmetic surgery is right for your teen: the surgeon’s training, how many procedures he or she has done, how many are done annually, what to expect for results?

Ultimately, the decision is between you and your teen, taking the correct steps will help you both decide with confidence.

If you would like to seek advice on teen plastic surgery, please contact Dr. B. Aviva Preminger. Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City, Preminger Plastic Surgery is a boutique practice dedicated to serving all of your aesthetic plastic surgery needs. Dr. B. Aviva Preminger’s goal with all of her patients is to provide you with a truly individualized treatment plan that reflects your personal cosmetic surgery goals. For more information, please call us at 212-706-1900.