Thousands of American teenagers are undergoing cosmetic procedures every year, over 64,000 between the ages of 13 and 19, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS). And there’s not doubt that the number will continue to grow. As a parent, you may have had cosmetic procedures yourself – but you may not know how to feel or what to do when your child comes to you saying they want plastic surgery.
You might feel concerned about your child’s motives
Most experts agree that the increase in teens seeking plastic surgery has everything to do with young celebrities, TV and social media images and information that feature young people happily having procedures. This has also contributed to the increasing acceptance of cosmetic procedures at younger ages. But many teens are turning to surgical solutions for their own personal reasons related to self-esteem and confidence. You and your doctor can work together to help evaluate your child’s motivation for wanting to have surgery.
With summer approaching, teens may see an opportune time for surgery
Vacation days from school, especially the summer months, are popular times for teens to have plastic surgery procedures. So now is a good time to gather information.
What are some of the most common procedures among teens?
- Rhinoplasty
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction (male and female)
- Ear surgery
- Dermabrasion
- Liposuction
- Lip fillers
Some things to keep in mind
Your child is unique, and their needs for surgical intervention to improve their appearance will be assessed on an individual basis. However, surgeons do know that if a 16-year-old has rhinoplasty (while the nose that is still growing), for example, her or she will likely require another surgery later in life, so it might be best to wait. Likewise, breast augmentation is a surgery to consider later in life when there is a higher level of emotional maturity. This can also be true when it comes to certain liposuction procedures.
Finding out if plastic surgery really is the right solution
We can meet with parents first to discuss their concerns and answer questions. Call for a consultation appointment today: (760) 240-2444.