Plastic surgeons believe that for some teenage patients cosmetic plastic surgery can benefit their physical and emotional development. The surgeon must make certain that the teen's expectations are clearly understood and select the right operation. Both the parents and the teen must be open about their feelings concerning plastic surgery. Although exceptions occur there are some operations that should normally not be done on teenagers.
Inappropriate operations for teenagers
Breast enlargement is not done before the age of 18 because late development may occur.
Liposuction and ultrasonic liposuction are not a solution for unwanted baby fat. Most teens experience major changes in the body shape for several years.
Cheek implants produce subtle results. It is unlikely that the average teen is able to evaluate the benefits adequately.
Appropriate operations for teenagers
Rhinoplasty(nose reshaping) is the most common cosmetic procedure requested by teens. The nose has finished most of its growth by 13 or 14 in girls and 15 or 16 in boys.
Otoplasty(ear pinback) is one of the few operations performed on young children, even as young as five.
Breast Reduction can help girls as young as 15 who are embarrassed by very large breasts. They may be have shoulder pains, breathing difficulty and embarrassment in social situations. Even though operations to correct breast asymmetry can help girls as young as 16, most doctors would wait until full growth has occurred. One breast can differ from the other in either size or shape. Breast liposuction is often a better method of reduction for teens because it avoids long scars and may increase the chances of breast feeding.
Gynecomastia (excessive breast development on men) is common in teenage boys and often disappears on its own. If severe the excess tissue can be removed as young as 16.
Chin augmentation may be suitable after the age of 15. Chin implants are often inserted at the same time as a rhinoplasty.