Historically, except on rare occasions, plastic surgery was something that adults had done, especially adults in their thirties and forties and beyond. But, we can’t ignore the rising trend of plastic surgery patients being in their twenties and as young as their teens. Across the globe, plastic surgeons are seeing more teenagers walk in their door seeking plastic surgery for themselves, not just accompanying their mothers.
Is plastic surgery okay for teens, and more importantly is it safe? The right answer depends on the age of the teen, the teen’s maturity, and the type of procedure being considered. While some surgical procedures may be too extreme for a teen, non-invasive skin procedures, such as chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, and microdermabrasion can have their benefits, even for teens. They may improve acne scars and improve the overall appearance of a teenager’s skin.
The ‘Selfie’ Generation
In the last five years, the use of dermal fillers among different age groups has exploded, not only in female patients in their 30s and 40s and beyond, but in male patients, patients in their twenties, and even in their teens – much of this rising trend has to do with the selfie generation we’re now in.
Teens are all over the internet, Instagram and YouTube, and are watching as their favorite Hollywood stars and YouTubers are plumping their lips and cheeks with dermal fillers, and teens want to follow suit. But are they too young to dip into the fountain of youth? Most board-certified plastic surgeons advise against teens using dermal fillers or Botox prematurely, especially before their twenties.
What About Surgery?
Some of the most popular surgical procedures among teens are male breast reduction for gynecomastia, otoplasty, which reshapes overly-large ears, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), and breast augmentation to improve symmetry, though some teens seek breast reduction surgery. Otoplasty and rhinoplasty in particular can physically and psychologically yield dramatic improvements for a teen, especially when the teen is facing ridicule from their peers for having “too large of a nose” or “Dumbo ears.”
Just about every plastic surgeon will say they see parents giving their teens plastic surgery as a high school graduation gift, and our office is no exception. Of course, we’re breathing a sigh of relief as we see more teens are now seeking a more “natural” look.
If you’re considering getting plastic surgery for your teen, it’s important to meet with Dr. Yuly Gorodisky, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon. He can act as a guide for you and your son or daughter, and can help ensure your expectations are realistic and reasonable. In some cases, it’s better to take a “wait and see” approach, and give the teen a little more time to see if a permanent surgical procedure is what he or she really wants.