Posted March 01, 2021 in Breast Reduction, Otoplasty, Rhinoplasty, Teenagers & Children
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In recent years, plastic surgery among teens has become more prevalent. A recent trend shows that plastic surgery patients are getting younger, and many teens are using social media popularity and influencers as a driving force for their own surgical desires. Many people have come out against the trend as they believe teenagers are too young to make irreversible changes to their bodies.
On the other hand, some feel it can significantly improve their or their teen’s self-esteem.
So, when is the right age to consider going under the knife? And how early is too early?
Cosmetic Surgery in Teens: To Do or Not to Do?
When Is Teenage Plastic Surgery Okay?
Ultimately, it all depends on the situation. If a fully developed teenager has any compelling medical or psychological reason to undergo a procedure, then, by all means, it’s hardly ever too early to have surgery.
For instance, plastic surgery to correct facial or body features that attract ridicule from their peers and cause psychological trauma, such as prominent ears, irregularly shaped noses, and oversized breasts, is generally accepted.
Teenagers must have fully developed features to be considered for candidacy.
When Is It Too Early for Teenage Plastic Surgery?
Surgical makeovers on an otherwise healthy adolescent with no limiting bodily concern are often discouraged, as these patients likely have an unhealthy preoccupation with their appearance.
Additionally, if too young, patients may not understand the reasons why they want to alter their appearance or even understand the consequences and outcomes of their decision.
If there is no medical reason to choose plastic surgery, and you are only doing it to match some unattainable Instagram filter or social media influencer, it would be better to wait until you are more mature.
What Are Some Common Teenage Plastic Surgery Procedures?
While teenagers request nearly every type of plastic surgery, rhinoplasty, breast reduction, and otoplasty are among the most commonly requested.
1. Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is the most requested and performed cosmetic surgical procedure among American teens. The procedure not only enhances how a person looks but also improves their ability to breathe.
Teenage rhinoplasty can help patients improve:
- Nasal bumps and humps
- Crooked noses
- Flat bridges
- Upturned or elongated nasal tips
- Flared nostrils
- Damaged noses from facial trauma (such as sports injuries or car accidents)
It is important to ensure that the nasal anatomy is fully developed before going forward with the procedure. When performed by an experienced and knowledgeable surgeon, they can help clarify your goals and make a big difference in how you look.
Even though rhinoplasty deals with a relatively small feature on your face (your nose), it can cause a big difference in your overall appearance. Teenagers need to be sure that they want, are willing, and are ready to accept that change. Emotional maturity is essential to being a teenage rhinoplasty candidate.
2. Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is performed on girls to reduce the size and volume of overly large breasts. For some young women, large breasts significantly impact their quality of life. The large breasts may cause them to experience severe back, shoulder, or neck injuries, restrict physical activity and reduce comfort in daily activities.
Additionally, girls who develop early are often more prone to social ridicule and jest. This teasing can cause lasting insecurities about their body contours.
Following the reduction of problematically large breasts, many patients note a tremendous improvement in activity levels, comfort levels, and self-esteem.
We should note that getting breast reduction too soon can create the need for subsequent surgery if the breasts continue to grow.
3. Otoplasty
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that aims at correcting ear deformities to diminish the appearance of overly large or protruding ears, especially in younger children and teens. Patients need to have realistic expectations and be emotionally ready for the physical change.
Interested in Learning More About Teenage Plastic Surgery?
If you are a parent whose child is considering plastic surgery or are a teenager considering the same, please feel free to contact us at 954-659-7760 or 877-250-8117 or fill our online form to schedule a consultation. Dr. Messa is happy to meet to provide insights into any of these procedures.