In this day and age, our new generation has become enamored with selfies, high-definition cameras, and reality television. It is no wonder why both teens and young adults are looking up to celebrities and other people who they perceive to be their version of “perfect.” As a result, this can influence someone’s decision to undergo plastic surgery. Given the rise of social media, there seems to be this pressure to look a certain way, but that in return has physical and often psychological effects. It’s not exactly a new phenomenon—wanting to have a celebrity look or style—however the dial has been turned up to 10 with the constant access our youths have to social and modern media.
The latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ (ASPS) show that cosmetic surgery is increasing in people ages 13 to 19 years old. While many assume that cosmetic surgery is primarily for the older individual trying to look younger, studies are showing that cosmetic surgery is being more frequently applied to the teen who is not satisfied with his/her own appearance, which is known as low self-esteem.
In 2015, more than 226,000 cosmetic procedures were performed on patients between the ages of 13 and 19, including nearly 65,000 surgical procedures such as nose reshaping, breast lifts, breast augmentation, liposuction, and tummy tucks. This begs the question, how young is too young for plastic surgery?
It’s not such an easy answer, actually. Not only does it vary based on the individual, but it’s really all about timing, and the type of procedure wanted. Many plastic surgeons would agree that 18 years old is an appropriate or acceptable age to go under the knife, however, a consultation with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to determine if you are fit to get a certain type of cosmetic surgery procedure. In most cases, there is an appropriate age for different cosmetic procedures, and it depends on the patient and their specific situation.
Plastic surgery is being done on teenagers as young as 13 years old. It is often looked down upon, due to two factors: biology and psychology. Plastic surgeons prefer to wait until the body has matured and has fully developed, as bones, muscle, and fat structures are all constantly changing as we age.
To learn more about what age is best to undergo different types of plastic surgery, call Atlantic Center Surgery at (954) 983-1899 to request an appointment with Dr. Stelnicki.
