Is your teen interested in having a cosmetic surgery? Talking to a board-certified plastic surgeon about the pros and cons of having plastic surgery at a young age can be very helpful in making the safest, most informed decision.
Plastic surgery has become very popular over the years and an increasing number of teens are interested in having cosmetic work done to enhance their appearance. These include seeking out treatments such as:
- liposuction
- breast augmentation/reduction
- rhinoplasty
- botox
- chin augmentation
Is plastic surgery for teens a good idea? It’s important to understand that the ultimate responsibility any parent, adult, or surgeon has in this area is helping a young patient understand the risks and benefits of cosmetic surgery, and helping make the safest and best choice.
Our Plastic Surgeons Are Committed to Providing Quality Care to All Our Patients
At our Kelowna Private Hospital, we have a team of board-certified plastic surgeons who are committed to providing quality surgical care to all our patients, including teenagers who are ready to take that step.
During a consultation, we can guide you through all the steps of plastic surgery, to help you make the right and safest decision for your teenager.
Want to know more?
Why Do Teenagers Seek Out Plastic Surgery?
Today, more and more teenagers are seeking out the services of a plastic surgeon as a way to enhance their physical appearance. From liposuction to rhinoplasties and breast augmentation, young patients often want cosmetic treatment because:
- it enhances their self-esteem
- they want to eliminate any scarring (eg. acne scarring)
- it will improve the symmetry and proportions of their body
- it results in dramatic psychological and physical improvements
How to know if surgery is right for your teen
Before a teenager undergoes cosmetic surgery, it’s important to book a consultation with a plastic surgeon. Such a professional will be able to help you decide if this is a safe choice for your child by determining if your teenager:
- wants the surgery for the right reasons (for themselves and not to meet the expectations of others)
- has the emotional maturity to handle cosmetic surgery
- has the right family and peer support to help them through the surgery and related recovery period
- understands the risks of the procedure and has realistic expectations of the outcome
- is at the appropriate stage in growth and development (teens can often "grow into" more prominent features as they age, so it can be best to wait until they are sufficiently grown to determine if an issue needs to be addressed)
By going through the pros and cons of cosmetic surgery, a board-certified surgeon will be able to paint a very realistic picture of what your teenager can expect from one of these surgeries, ensuring that both you and your child are well-informed to make the right decisions.
Choosing the Right Plastic surgeon
If you decide that plastic surgery is right for your child, one of the most important things you can do is find a board-certified plastic surgeon. To ensure the best results, make sure to ask your surgeon the following questions:
- How many procedures has he/she done?
- What training has he/she had?
- How many procedures does he/she perform annually?
- What are the results of his/her previous surgeries?
Remember: NEVER feel afraid to ask for referrals from past teen patients, because this will give you the best idea of the surgeon’s abilities and will help you make a more informed decision about which path is right for you.
Is Plastic Surgery The Right Choice?
Cosmetic surgery is a big step, so it’s important that your teenager is doing it for the right reasons. Before your teen undergoes any treatment, here are a few things to consider:
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Cosmetic surgery is not a miracle procedure that will suddenly make them more beautiful, popular, or win approval from their peers.
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Many cosmetic surgeries are quite invasive, and like all surgeries, there are risks for complications, side effects, and results that don’t live up to high expectations. Your teenager should consider this carefully before making their choice.
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Many surgeons will not perform cosmetic surgery on patients under the age of 16 years because, until this age, bodies are still growing. This means that a disproportionate nose or big ears may disappear naturally as the body fully matures.
Call Today
To find out more about the costs and benefits of cosmetic surgery for your teen, and to learn how our plastic surgeons can help you make the safest and best decision when it comes to your child’s health and well-being, contact our Kelowna office at 250-868-9799 or book a consultation.
