happy + healthy plastic surgery
TEENS & COSMETIC SURGERY
According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery , over 60 % of surgeons reported an increase in cosmetic surgery for younger patients in 2015 . The reports suggest that the rise of “ selfie mania ” and the “ Kardashian effect ” may be partly to blame .
As a parent , you ’ ve most likely experienced your children being insecure about their appearance . As plastic surgery for adults has become more widely accepted , less expensive and generally less invasive , more teens are interested in exploring these options too .
Poor body image accounts for a significant percentage of teen plastic surgery procedures . In a survey conducted by the Dove Self-Esteem Fund , about 70 percent of teenage girls felt that their bodies did not live up to accepted beauty standards . In contrast , just 10 percent of girls surveyed were completely satisfied with their bodies . Numerous studies have shown that these views are rooted in media pressure . Many young girls feel that their bodies must match up with the bodies of popular female celebrities .
So what do you do if your teen wants to have plastic surgery ? We asked Dr . Robert Bentley of Plastic Surgery Associates in Montgomery his advice , and here ’ s what he shared .
“ Find out why ,” he said . “ It ’ s important to understand why they want to have the procedure . For example , your teen may want a breast reduction to relieve back pain , or liposuction because they are teased for being overweight . Everyone has a feature that they don ’ t care for but surgery is never the first option .”
He suggested that before you give a flat “ no ,” consider a consultation with a plastic surgeon . “ We can assess and advise non-surgical options , test if there is an underlying cause like a hormonal imbalance , and recommend counseling if there is a psychological disorder , such as body dismorphic disorder ,” he said .
One of the concerns is operating on adolescents before their bodies are finished forming . And most plastic surgeons , including Dr . Bentley , follow strict age requirements when it comes to breast augmentation . “ We typically will not do breast augmentations on patients under the age of 18 , unless there is a birth defect ,” he said .
However , Dr . Bentley and others routinely help many teens with rhinoplasty , otoplasty , breast reductions and gynecomastia . “ In the case of breast reductions , many of these children refrain from physical exercise like cheerleading and / or dance line and suffer from neck , back and shoulder pain ,” he said . “ Young men may have additional breast tissue that embarrasses them in gym class and keeps them from swimming or even going to the beach . In these cases , the techniques have improved and have resulted in minimal incisions and shorter recovery times . It makes a real difference in their lives .”
Along with rhinoplasty for a deviated septum , these conditions are usually covered by most insurance plans . “ But as with any surgery , there is always risk , so again , this should not be the first option ,” Dr . Bentley said .
14 | Spring 2017 www . potentialmagazine . com