Being a teenager can be difficult. Many adolescents are just discovering who they are when they hit their teenage years and are still trying to meet the expectations of who they should be according to their peers. If an adolescent has a characteristic that might be considered “odd” or “different” by their peers, it can be a cause for bullying or teasing. As adults, most of us have learned to accept people’s differences and to ignore those who haven’t, but many teens become self-conscious about certain features and want to change them.
Although most teens report improved self-image and confidence after correcting their perceived flaws, some parents may be asking themselves if it is a good idea for their teen to undergo plastic surgery. Here are some things you should ask yourself before deciding whether plastic surgery would be best for your teen.
Is Your Teen…
… Realistic in Their Expectations?
Plastic surgery is designed to enhance or improve aspects of a person rather than dramatically change their appearance. Teenagers should be aware of what the plastic surgery procedure they desire can and cannot achieve.
… in Good Health?
As with any surgery, a patient should be in good physical and mental health. Teenagers who are interested in plastic surgery should not have any current medical conditions and should be healthy enough for a surgical procedure. They should avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking tobacco and consuming alcohol. Your teenager should also have a healthy body image and desire the procedure for themselves rather than to meet someone else’s ideals
… Fully Developed in the Area They Wish to Change?
It is vital that teenagers have reached full growth before undergoing a plastic surgery procedure. Teenage rhinoplasty patients typically have full nasal development around 14 or 15 years of age, and ear surgery can usually be undergone by age six. Other plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation may not be suitable for a female teen unless she has reached full breast development. An evaluation of your teen’s body and goals by a plastic surgeon can help determine whether they are candidates for their desired procedure.
If you would like to learn more about teens and plastic surgery and if it is right for your child, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Garcia or Dr. Perez-Gurri. Contact us by calling (305) 596-2228 or by filling out our online contact form.
