More Teen Turning To Cosmetic Surgery

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Cosmetic surgeons nationwide are reporting a growing number of teens in their offices. Between 2000 and 2004, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported a 20 percent increase in teen cosmetic surgery. Although there has been a significant increase in the number of teenage cosmetic surgery patients, the group still only accounts for just four percent of all plastic surgery patients, according to WebMD.

The number of teens undergoing cosmetic surgery is expected to increase during summer, the most popular time to undergo the procedures because the patients have time to recover at home. Most commonly, teens are choosing cosmetic surgery procedures like rhinoplasty, otoplasty, lipoplasty and breast reduction or augmentation.

Some experts argue the availability of cosmetic surgery among teens can be a powerful and positive tool. Teens have the ability to alter prominent noses or help clear up problematic acne with cosmetic surgery, allowing a greater self-confidence that can result in a more involved and socially healthy individual. Experts do caution potential teenage cosmetic surgery patients must be mature enough to understand the limitations of cosmetic surgery and that it cannot be used to replace a suffering self-image.

Many cosmetic surgeons refuse to perform cosmetic surgery procedures on young clients, but some patients are instead turning to illegal laser treatments, steroids and extreme tanning. In a 2005 American Academy of Dermatology survey, 80 percent of teens said they know tanning can be dangerous and can increase the chance of skin cancer, but 60 percent also reported getting sunburned last year.

Cosmetic surgery can create beneficial results, but as with patients of any age, the surgeon must first determine if the candidates are ideal before considering the individual for the procedure. Popularity of cosmetic surgery procedures shows no sign of slowing, and many reputable plastic surgeons would like there to be a greater focus on consumer awareness regarding the serious risks involved with undergoing plastic surgery from unqualified and improperly trained doctors.

For more information on cosmetic surgery, please contact us to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon.


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