Teenagers and Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery today has become more popular than ever before amongst people of all ages. For teenagers between the ages of 12–17, because their bodies are not yet fully grown or developed, any type of cosmetic surgery at these ages requires thorough consideration and consultation with a doctor. Cosmetic surgery is generally considered inappropriate for this age group as it may have adverse effects on the body’s long-term development.

Forehead Surgery is a type of cosmetic surgery for those whose foreheads are perhaps not completely smooth or for those with narrow or flat foreheads. Those wishing to undergo forehead augmentation or reduction surgery should generally be older than 18 years old, as by this age, the frontal bone is fully grown, and thus the perfect desired shape can be acquired with the surgery.

Cosmetic Eye Surgery (Blepharoplasty) can be in the form of double eyelid surgery, eyelid lift surgery, removal of fat deposits or excess skin, and smoothing wrinkles around the eyes. It can also help enable the eyes to open wider. The age range most suitable for these kinds of surgical treatments is 18 years and above, as this is when the eyes are fully grown. For those with loose or sagging under-eye skin due to skin cell deterioration, surgery can be carried out again between the ages of 45-50 years. 

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) to reshape, enhance or reduce nose size can be carried out in those aged 20 years and older, as this is when the bone structure in the nose has fully matured. This way, once surgery has been completed, the new nose shape will remain unchanged. 

Cosmetic Lip Surgery is a surgery to improve or enhance the shape of the mouth to better suit the rest of the face. Lip surgery, such as lip reduction surgery, upper lip lift surgery and lip augmentation for fuller, plumper lips, is best done at the age of 18 years or older.

Cosmetic Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic) in order to make the face look slimmer or smaller can be carried out once a patient is 20 years or older, as by this time the jawbone is fully grown.

Cosmetic Chin Surgery (Geniosurgery) to increase chin size or change the position of the chin is most appropriate for those 18 years and above. This is because the bones will no longer grow after this time, and thus there is no danger of bones moving from their position after placement during surgery.

Cosmetic Chin Surgery (Geniosurgery) to increase chin size or change the position of the chin is most appropriate for those 18 years and above. This is because the bones will no longer grow after this time, and thus there is no danger of bones moving from their position after placement during surgery.

For Cosmetic Breast Surgery and breast augmentation, the most appropriate age is 25 years or above. Adolescence (between 12-17 years of age) is therefore not a suitable age range for breast surgery. This is because breast surgery can affect breastfeeding later on and during adolescence, the hormones and organs are not yet fully grown. 

Cosmetic Abdominal Surgery to tighten and/or flatten the abdominal area is most appropriate for those aged 35 years and above. Additionally, women choosing to have this type of surgery should no longer be planning to have children, as having a child after this type of surgery would likely cause the tummy area to wrinkle and sag. For breastfeeding mothers, breast lift surgery for lifting and firming the breasts, can be carried out a year after a mother has stopped breast feeding.

Surgery that is not age-appropriate could result in the following unwanted consequences:

• Waste of Time and Expense: When multiple surgeries must be carried out and corrections must be made, removing implants and adding new ones, patients have to rest and recover after each of these procedures, resulting in increased medical and other expenses. 
• Organs not Fully Grown: This is because with cosmetic surgery, various types of materials and implants are inserted into the body, and thus, if the body is not yet fully grown, these materials will put pressure on the tissues and bones in those areas, keeping them from growing as they should. 
• Repeated Pain: If surgery is carried out when the body is not yet fully matured, the patient’s organ structure will continue to change and grow after the surgery. Because of this, surgery would then need to be repeated again later on, thus causing recurring pain and discomfort. 

Whether you are considering a plastic surgery for your child, teenager or yourself at any age, make sure you research and have a thorough understanding of all the relevant information. Ensure that you know exactly what the procedure will entail, whether or not you can or should have the procedure done, whether the surgery is appropriate for your age range, etc. Most importantly, don’t forget to meet with and consult a plastic / cosmetic surgeon to ensure you receive a correct and effective evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. And of course, underage children must always have the permission and consent of their parents before carrying out any surgical procedures.