There were more than 76,000 cosmetic surgery procedures performed on teens in 2011 ─ a possible reflection of recent findings that cosmetic procedures have risen 30% over the last decade, specifically among teen bullying victims. As more teenagers alter their appearance to make themselves look better with the goal to feel better, some professionals are warning interested children and their parents about the implications of both surgical and minimally-invasive procedures during adolescence.

Beauty is a trait coveted by many, as evidenced by reports of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons that show over 13 million minimally-invasive procedures were performed in 2012. But now even children are attempting to become more attractive ─ a trend that some believe is likely influenced by the weight society places on appearance. “Teens’ bodies, as well as their understanding of the inherent risks, are still developing,” says Dr. Cynthia Elliott, owner of Skinspirations, a Tampa Bay based nonsurgical cosmetic facility.

Case in point of societal influence: Last year a mobile app featured on iTunes and Google Play encouraged children as young as nine years of age to become “slim and beautiful” by performing plastic surgery. The free software, “Plastic Surgery for Barbie,” puts the user in the role of a liposuction doctor who “operates” on an overweight character before pulling off bandages to reveal a much thinner and “more beautiful” girl.

While surgical procedures are desired by teens, many are also seeking laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, dermabrasions, and even Botox injections. Though research into the dangers of cosmetic procedures performed on children under the age of 18 is limited, the physical and emotional risks are numerous, according to Dr. Elliott, such as:

• serious health consequences, including slow and painful recoveries, bacterial infections, and possible scarring.
• because young bodies are still growing, it is unclear how a procedure will affect future development.
• teens may believe a new look will increase self-esteem or popularity. However, unrealistic expectations can set teens up for major disappointment if expectations are not met.

“While adults tend to want to stand out or turn back the clock, teenagers typically seek cosmetic procedures to better fit in,” Dr. Elliott explained. “But adolescents fail to understand that their bodies are still maturing, and the results they desire may occur naturally as they grow. Because they’re also still growing emotionally, the appearance objective that they have now may be entirely different from what they hope to look like a year or two from now.” Dr. Elliott advises parents to speak with their child to identify the true reasons behind the serious request and then evaluate whether these goals are indeed attainable. Teenagers must have a clear understanding of the benefits and limitations of cosmetic and plastic surgery. In addition, exploration into surgical and non-surgical procedures should only be pursued with a practitioner experienced in treating young adults.

Common Procedures:

Rhinoplasty

Ordinarily nose reshaping is not performed until the nose reaches its adult size ─ about age 15 or 16 in girls and a year later in boys. In 2013, 30,672 rhinoplasty procedures were performed on patients age 13-19, accounting for nearly 50% of all cosmetic surgical procedures performed on this age group.

Otoplasty

Surgical correction of protruding ears, by which the ears are pinned back, may be performed any time after the age of 5. In 2013, otoplasty accounted for 10.7% of procedures, with more than 6,871 performed.

Breast Surgeries

• Breast Augmentation: Saline-filled breast implants can be used for breast augmentation in women 18-years or older and for breast reconstruction. The FDA has re-approved the use of silicone implants, however only for use in women age 22-years or older.
• Breast Asymmetry Correction: Using a saline-filled implant in a smaller breast can allow a patient to achieve symmetry, however it is advisable to delay surgery until breast growth ceases. In 2013, more than 8,234 breast augmentations were performed on 18-19 year olds.
• Breast Reduction: Surgical reduction of very large breasts can help patients overcome both physical and psychological burdens; however, again, it is advised to delay surgery until growth ceases in order to achieve the best result. In 2010, more than 4,600 breast reductions were performed on patients age 13-19.

Acne & Scar Treatment

In addition to supervising the use of medications, plastic surgeons may improve acne scars by smoothing or “refinishing” the skin with a laser or with a fine sanding technique called microdermabrasion. In 2013, nearly 9,640 microdermabrasion procedures were performed on patients age 13-19. Other treatments for acne related skin problems include laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion, and chemical peels. In 2013, 25,377 laser skin resurfacing procedures, 6,119 chemical peels, and 17,978 Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox, Dysport) were performed on patients 13-19.

Male Breast Reduction

Teenage boys with enlarged breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia, can explore a variety of corrective options. Gynecomastia accounted for 26% of procedures among patients age 13-19 in 2013, totaling 5,866.

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons