TEENAGERS AND COSMETIC (AESTHETIC) PLASTIC SURGERY
New York, NY (December 13, 2002) -- Statistics gathered over the
last several years indicate a rise in the overall number of cosmetic
(aesthetic) surgeries; however, the percentage of teens having cosmetic
surgery has remained relatively constant over the past five years,
with noninvasive procedures including chemical peel, laser hair
removal and microdermabrasion being the most popular in 2001, according
to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). The
most frequently performed surgical procedure for this age group
in 2001 was nose reshaping (rhinoplasty).
Most experts agree that for appropriately selected teenage patients,
cosmetic plastic surgery can have a positive impact on physical
and emotional development.
Evaluating Teenagers for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
As the premier society of American Board of Plastic Surgery certified
surgeons specializing in cosmetic surgery, the American Society
for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offers these guidelines for evaluating
teenagers who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery:
Assess physical maturity:
Operating on a feature that has not yet fully developed could
interfere with its growth or continued growth could negate the
benefits of surgery in later years.
Explore emotional maturity and expectations: As with any patient,
the young person should appreciate the benefits and limitations
of the proposed surgery, and have realistic expectations.
Check credentials:
State laws permit any licensed physician to be called a "plastic"
or "cosmetic" surgeon, even if not trained as a surgeon.
Look for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
If the doctor operates in an ambulatory or office-based facility,
the facility should be accredited. Additionally, the surgeon should
have operating privileges in an accredited hospital for the same
procedure being considered.
Explore risks and expected recovery times. Teens and their parents
should understand the risks of surgery, postoperative restrictions
on activity, and typical recovery times.
Common Cosmetic Plastic Surgical Procedures for Teens
The following are among the most common surgical procedures performed
on those 18 years of age and younger, according to ASAPS statistics:
Rhinoplasty:
Nose reshaping is the most requested aesthetic surgical procedure
by teens. It can be performed when the nose has completed 90 percent
of its growth, which can occur as early as age 13 or 14 in girls
and 15 or 16 in boys.
Breast reduction:
Breast reduction is frequently performed on girls with overly
large breasts that may cause back and shoulder pain, as well as
restrict physical activity. Breast reduction usually is delayed
until the breasts have reached full development.
Correction of breast asymmetry:
Surgery can be performed when one breast significantly differs
from the other either in size or shape. Except in cases of asymmetry
and post trauma reconstruction, federal regulations prohibit breast
implants for those under 18.
Treatment of Gynecomastia:
In some teenage boys, excessive breast development (gynecomastia)
can become a significant psychosocial problem. Excess tissue can
be removed to achieve a more masculine body contour.
Chin augmentation:
Chin augmentation often is performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty
to achieve facial balance.
Lipoplasty (liposuction):
Lipoplasty may be appropriate for a select number of teenagers
of normal weight with localized fat deposits when diet and exercise
fail to achieve results. Stubborn fat deposits can be a hereditary
condition.
Trends in Teen Cosmetic Surgery
"Trend" reports in the media of a significant increase
in teen cosmetic surgery are not supported by authoritative statistics
compiled by ASAPS:
Those 18 and younger represented 1.4% of the total number of
surgical and nonsurgical procedures (59,907) in 1997, 1.3% of
87,147 procedures in 1998, 3.8% of 175,189 procedures in 1999,
2.5% of 145,094 procedures in 2000 and 3.5% of 298,707 procedures
in 2001. Among this age group, noninvasive procedures including
chemical peel, laser hair removal and microdermabrasion were the
most popular in 2001. The most frequently performed surgical procedure
was nose reshaping.
The number of lipoplasty procedures performed on those 18 and
younger has remained low, reflecting careful patient selection
among this group: 2,504 in 1997, 2,753 in 1998, 2,571 in 1999,
6,212 in 2000, and 3,623 in 2001.
Surveys of public confidence in cosmetic plastic surgery have
consistently shown growing acceptance of elective procedures,
yet data so far conclude that those 18 and under are not seeking
these procedures in disproportionately rising numbers. In fact,
a 2002 consumer survey sponsored by ASAPS showed that 18-24 year
olds (the youngest age group surveyed) are the least likely of
any group to approve of cosmetic surgery. Only 48% said they approve
of cosmetic surgery, compared to 60% of Baby Boomers age 45-54.
ASAPS Statistics
ASAPS is the authoritative source for statistics on cosmetic surgery,
which are available at www.surgery.org. ASAPS spokespersons to
discuss issues related to cosmetic plastic surgery for teenagers
can be contacted through the ASAPS Communications Office.
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The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is
the leading organization of plastic surgeons certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) who specialize in cosmetic
surgery of the face and the entire body.
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