At what Age is Cosmetic Surgery Appropriate?
Cosmetic surgery is a significant decision for any individual to make, let alone for a teenager or young adult. Current media trends present the idea that cosmetic surgery is an everyday occurrence even for teens and this becomes a major concern to parents. At what age is cosmetic surgery appropriate?
Overall, cosmetic surgery has a successful and positive impact on the lives of those adults who opt to have aesthetic procedures. Cosmetic surgery has become more socially acceptable within our culture. Consequently, parents have to address how this cultural influence affects their teenager’s perceptions of self-esteem and the way they view their growing bodies. Parents realize that teenagers unsurprisingly have concerns about their bodies and social development. This is a natural part of becoming a young adult who is more psychologically mature.
Some procedures, such as ear re-shaping, breast reduction and nasal re-shaping, present fewer reservations; 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 need to 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.
Discounting the media attempts to inflate the trend of teenage cosmetic surgery, there has only been a moderate rise in the occurrence of teenage cosmetic surgery. Both parents and teens 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, both physically and psychologically, need to be considered in a careful plastic and reconstructive surgery consultation to assure a positive and safe outcome.