Plastic Surgery and Teenagers

According to statistics provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, teenagers (aged 13-19) underwent more than 90,000 plastic surgery procedures in 2006. The table below illustrates the most popular surgical procedures among teens.

	Cosmetic Surgery Procedure	2006 Total
1	Rhinoplasty	47,757
2	Male breast reduction	13,949
3	Cosmetic ear surgery	9,930
4	Breast augmentation	9,104
5	Liposuction	4,721
6	Eyelid surgery	2,099
7	Breast lift	1,696
8	Chin augmentation	1,357

Teenage Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, or cosmetic nose surgery, is by far the most common procedure performed on teens. Most surgeons recommend that girls wait to undergo the rhinoplasty procedure until they are at least 14 or 15; however, boys should wait until they are 16 or 17 to ensure that the nose has stopped growing.

Male Breast Reduction in Teens

According to ASPS statistics, 70 percent of all male breast reduction procedures are performed on teenagers. The surgery is typically performed to treat gynecomastia, a hereditary condition that causes the breasts to increase in size. The enlarging of the breasts generally occurs during adolescence. In order to avoid the embarrassment that can be associated with gynecomastia, many teenage boys decide to seek treatment for the condition.

Otoplasty in Teens

About 33 percent of all otoplasty procedures are performed on boys and girls in their teens. Unlike most other cosmetic procedures, the otoplasty procedure is most often performed on children. In fact, children as young as four can undergo cosmetic ear surgery.

Breast Implants in Teenagers

American aesthetic standards have led many young girls to seek treatment to achieve larger breasts. However, the decision to undergo breast augmentation is not one that should be taken lightly. Plastic surgeons recommend that teenage girls who are considering breast enlargement wait until their bodies have matured; most physicians set the age limit for breast augmentation at 18, while others will perform the procedure on girls as young as 15 or 16.

Liposuction in Teens

Most cosmetic surgeons recommend that liposuction patients be at least 18 years of age. Yet, according to news reports, children as young as 12 have undergone the liposuction procedure. While liposuction can help girls and boys achieve a more contoured physique, a healthy lifestyle is needed to maintain the results achieved with liposuction. For certain teens, bariatric surgery may be a better option.

Consult a Plastic Surgeon in Your Area

If you or your child is interested in undergoing plastic surgery, it is important to meet with a qualified cosmetic surgeon about the options available. Find such a physician in DocShop's directory of plastic surgeons.