Plastic Surgery Articles

Breast Implant Surgery Triples Among Teens

May 14, 2007 -

Over the last decade, the number of teens across the country undergoing breast enhancement surgery has tripled. According to statistics, three times as many teen girls got breast implants in 2002 than 10 years earlier. From 2002 to 2003 alone, the number of breast implant procedures in young girls increased by nearly 25 percent.

Hollywood may have something to do with the growing acceptance of surgery among young girls. With teen celebrities like American Pie actress Tara Reid and American Idol runner-up Kellie Pickler both getting a boost from breast implants, its no surprise that girls as far away from Tinseltown as Arkansas are flocking to their plastic surgeons office wanting to look like their favorite celebrity.

However, being a teen is never easy and plastic surgery offers some teen girls a self-esteem boost. Some girls suffer from breast asymmetry or other deformities that can be helped with a little cosmetic enhancement.

One girl who got implants when she was 19 said one of her breasts was larger than the other.

Whenever I wore swimming suits, or anything that was just a little tight or form fitting, it was pretty noticeable. I dont feel self-conscious, I feel real confident now, she said.

Still, not all young girls are ready for plastic surgery. Plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Yee, who practices in Arkansas, said, If theyre not emotionally and physically ready for itthey think that its going to be a quick fix, like going to make them popular in school, or theyre doing it for their boyfriendthats not the reason to do it.

Dr. Yee advises parents to let teen girls to broach the subject. Have a teen bring it up themselves. Dont bring it up to them. Even if you see some asymmetries, you dont want to make them think theres something wrong with them, she said.

Breast implant procedures, like any surgery, carry some risks including bruising, bleeding, swelling, and infection. Young women whose breast muscles havent been stretched may experience more discomfort than older patients.

(Source: KATV)

Considering breast enhancement? Learn more about your options by contacting a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

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