Should Teens Get Cosmetic Surgeries?

From the cumbersome ‘morning shed videos’ to the busy ‘night-skin care routines’ the idea of beauty and how to stay pretty are constantly being shown on social media. If a social media platform has shown how influential it can be in a teen’s life, just observe how many teens follow the skincare routines, diets etc., they found on social media. Similarly, cosmetic surgeries were limited to a certain number of people and were considered a luxury. But kids today are constantly bombarded with images and videos on social media showing ways to alter their appearance. They see advertisements and influencers promoting laser hair removal, teeth whitening, skin peels, and lip and face fillers. This constant exposure creates a powerful impression that these procedures are normal and desirable.

A recent study done by CS Mott Children’s Hospital titled ‘National Poll On Children’s Health’ shows that a considerable number of parents are willing to support their teenagers in getting these cosmetic treatments. This willingness shows how deeply social media's beauty standards have permeated family discussions and decisions. Teenagers often feel intense pressure to conform to these idealized images, leading them to seek out these procedures as a means of fitting in or feeling accepted.

The study showed that about one in six parents in the U.S. say it's okay for their teens to get these beauty treatments, if they say it's okay. But, a study from a children's hospital shows many parents are not sure about these things. Half of the parents think there needs to be a good reason for their kid to get treatment. But they don't all agree on what a good reason is.

Cosmetic Surgeries in Teens: What Is The Right Age?

Parents also don't agree on how old kids should be for these treatments. More than half say kids should wait until they are 18. Some say 16 or 17 is okay, and a few say even younger is okay. But, almost a third of parents say kids should never get these treatments. This shows that parents have very different ideas about when kids are old enough. When a parent decides to allow their children to have cosmetic surgeries, there are many things that come into consideration, one being how much they need it, how common it is among their peers and how much this condition maybe affecting their child. According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) most teens get surgeries to fit in.

What Are Some Important Considerations Before Surgery?

Teenagers considering plastic surgery should carefully weigh several factors. It's important to remember that feelings of self-consciousness about one's body are common during adolescence and often diminish with time. Teens should also reflect on whether the reason they want surgery comes from their own personal wishes or from external pressures.

What these kids do not consider is what they see as imperfections or something that needs to be corrected, actually settles and becomes less noticeable as they grow up. As the body continues to develop throughout the teenage years, your body changes and adapts to the kind of lifestyle you are leading. Adopting a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and exercise can significantly improve one's appearance without resorting to surgery. It's also crucial to address any underlying emotional issues, such as depression or distorted body image, with the help of a therapist before considering surgery.

Risk that Are Involved When Teens Opt For Cosmetic Surgery

If a teenager is serious about pursuing plastic surgery, it's essential to have open and honest discussions with their parents. The next step involves consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon to gain a comprehensive understanding of the procedure, including the expected outcomes, recovery process, and potential complications. The recovery period may involve some degree of pain, swelling, or bruising, and the duration of healing varies depending on the specific procedure.

One of the most important things is to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Cost is also a significant factor, as insurance typically covers reconstructive surgeries but rarely covers cosmetic procedures. Thorough research and open communication with doctors and parents are essential for making informed decisions about plastic surgery. According to the Journal of Cutaneous And Aesthetic Surgery these are some risks that are involved with teens getting cosmetic surgery.

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Poor wound healing
• Risks associated with anesthesia
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation
• Capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening around the implant)
• Implant leakage or rupture
• Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
• The teen's body may not have finished developing, which can cause complications.
• Scarring
• Risks associated with lasers and energy-based devices.
• Some procedures may interfere with the teen's ongoing physical development.

Sources

https://mottpoll.org/reports/teens-too-young-non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4411597/

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/briefing-papers/briefing-paper-plastic-surgery-for-teenagers

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/plastic-surgery.html