The overall number of cosmetic procedures performed on teenagers is increasing every year, however the percentage of them (those 18 and younger) in the total number of plastic surgery procedures has remained relatively constant. The most frequently performed surgical procedures for this age group in 2002 and 2003 were nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) and prominent ears correction (otoplasty). No change of these preferences has been registered so far.
Most experts agree that for teenage patients, cosmetic plastic surgery can have a significant positive impact on physical and emotional development. However, careful evaluation of teenagers for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery is mandatory. For the majority of congenital plastic reconstructive operations, no strict age limit exists. Reconstructive procedures for acquired problems are commonly performed during growth period and later. Regarding cosmetic procedures we would like to emphasize that it is not necessary to wait until the patient has reached 18 years of age. It is at the surgeon’s discretion as to when a particular procedure should be performed.
Rhinoplasty
In our practice the nose reshaping is the most requested aesthetic surgical procedure by teens. It can be performed when nearly 90 percent of nose growth is completed. Sufficient growth can occur as early as age 15 in girls and 16 or 17 in boys. The face has to have a mature appearance and this is estimated definitely by the expert.
For further information you may visit Nose surgery-Rhinoplasty
Otoplasty
The projected earlobes have no specific relation to the growth of teenagers. The ears develop to good size early enough and the corrective operations can be performed as early as age 7. After this age there are no limits.
Attention must be paid to a very specific factor, this of thepatient’s will. Certainly a small child cannot make such a decision as he may not realize the problem. The decision cannot be taken by parents alone. They have no right to make it. Parents may think that the child does hot have nice ears; the doctor may agree with them that they are not nice, but no operation should be performed unless the child is demanding it. The child has the right to grow first, to realize his problem, to estimate it, to talk about it, to decide and to agree with a procedure or to refuse it.
No exception can be made on this policy. No problems can arise until the patient decides; therefore no preventive operation is reasonable. For further information you may visit Projected earlobes – Otoplasty
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is frequently performed on girls no earlier than age 13. Large breasts may cause back and shoulder pain, as well as restrict physical activity. They may cause permanent spine problems and psychological suppression as well.
Unless the breast is very early severely enlarged, breast reduction is delayed until full development has been reached. This is achieved usually at the age of 15 – 16.
For further information you may visit Breast Reduction
Lipoplasty
Lipoplasty may be appropriate for a select number of teenage girls aged above 14. These have to be of normal weight with localized fat deposits when diet and exercise fail to achieve results.
Resistant bulging fat deposits can be a hereditary condition; therefore the only solution is liposuction. For further information you may visit Liposuction – Liposculpture
Chin augmentation
Chin augmentation is often performed either alone or in conjunction with rhinoplasty to achieve facial balance. It can be performed when nearly 90 percent of face growth is completed. Sufficient growth can occur as early as age 15 in girls and 16 or 17 in boys. The face has to have a mature appearance and this is estimated definitely by the expert. For further information you may visit Nose surgery – Rhinoplasty and Chin Implants
Gynecomastia
In some teenage boys, excessive breast development (gynecomastia) can cause significant psychosocial problems. This problem can seriously affect the patient’s personality, especially as it appears during the very sensitive time of the teenage years.
The purpose of this procedure is the excess tissue removal in order to achieve a more masculine body contour. The procedure allows the person to develop psychologically and mentally free of such suppression. This operation can be performed at any age after 14. For further information you may visit Male breast growth – Gynecomastia
Breast Assymetry Correction
Surgery can be performed when one breast significantly differs from the other either in size or shape. Small differences are estimated as normal; they may be present at the vast majority of women breasts.
As breast reduction can be performed on girls aged 13 and above, breast reduction for asymmetry correction may be performed as well. Unless one breast is severely enlarged, breast reduction is delayed until full development has been reached. The definite end of breast growth has to be assured by the patient.
There are situations where the smaller one is abnormally small. For this condition enlargement of the smaller breast with a breast implant is indicated. According to the UEMS declaration 2004, it is recommended to postpone breast augmentation surgery until after the age of 18 years, unless medically indicated. The severe breast asymmetry is a medical indication; therefore enlargement may be performed earlier.
For further information you may visit Breast Asymmetry Correction