Editorials

Teens and Cosmetic Surgery: At what Age is Cosmetic Surgery Appropriate?

Cosmetic surgery is a significant decision for any individual to make, let alone a teenager or young adult. Current media and reality television have played a role in teenagers desiring cosmetic procedures, which then becomes a major concern to parents. At what age is cosmetic surgery appropriate?

Overall, due to the successful and positive impact cosmetic surgery has had on many adult individuals’ lives, cosmetic surgery has become more socially acceptable within our culture. Parents, however, have been expressing concern as to how this cultural influence affects their teenager’s perceptions of self-esteem and the way they view their growing bodies.

Parents realize that teenagers naturally have concerns about their bodies and social development. This is a natural part of becoming a young adult who is more psychologically mature. An adult or young adult has the increased capacity to make more realistic observations about how they perceive themselves and any decisions concerning their bodies.

Certain procedures, such as ear re-shaping, breast reduction and nasal re-shaping, are seemingly more apparent; however few cases actually merit intervention. In these few cases, direct discussions between the plastic and reconstructive surgeon, family and patient during consultation are paramount. Realistic, safe goals, both physically and psychologically, must be determined, which will not negatively impact the teenage patient later in life. The boundary between reconstructive efforts which truly better the self esteem and body image as compared to more “cosmetic” procedures must be established.

Graduation gifts of cosmetic surgery that are not solely for a reconstructive effect, such as lip enhancement and breast augmentation, should be strongly discouraged. Teenagers are simply still growing physically, socially and psychologically into the young adults, who will with time develop the psychological resources to make appropriate decisions about their body and future. 

The media attempts to blow teenage cosmetic surgery out of proportion; however only a moderate rise in teenage cosmetic surgery performed has been demonstrated. I believe this is due to overall sound parenting and common sense. Parents and teens both intuitively understand that time is needed for the body to finish developing, which varies from individual to individual, but generally is near completion between age 18 and 21. All facets of the young adult/adult, both physically and psychologically, need to be considered in a careful plastic and reconstructive surgery consultation to assure a positive and safe outcome.

David Fellows, M.D., M.F.A.