Introduction
Teenage is a period in which all are concerned about their physical appearance, which greatly affects one’s confidence and self-esteem. Teenagers are very much concerned about the appearance of their breasts, lips, nose, face, and even acne on their face. Any bodily imperfection may affect the teen, as it may result in poor peer acceptance and may be a reason for bullying. The common plastic surgical procedures done in teens are rhinoplasty, otoplasty, breast reduction, breast augmentation, and liposuction for gynecomastia correction.
What All Need to Be Considered for Plastic Surgery in Teens?
The following should be considered for plastic surgical procedures in teens:
-
Only the most essential surgical procedures should be carried out for teenagers. Surgical procedures should be carried out only if a compelling medical or psychological issue exists.
-
The doctor’s consultation should be done along with the parents.
-
The teen and parents should have realistic expectations of the procedure.
-
There should be a cooling-off period of three months before surgery, which is to be followed by a consultation.
-
For breast augmentation procedures, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2006 approved silicone-filled implants for women above 22 years and saline-filled implants for those above 18 years.
-
Aesthetic breast augmentation is considered off-label use by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for those below 18 years for the following reasons:
-
The body is still developing, and growth is not completed.
-
The individual is not psychologically mature enough to handle the outcome of surgery.
-
The teen may not be aware of the risks associated with breast implants.
-
-
Detailed informed consent should be provided, which helps the patient understand the procedure, the associated risks, and any additional surgery that may be required.
-
The informed consent should convey the benefits, risks, and potential complications related to the procedure.
-
The surgeon who carries out the procedure should be a board-certified, experienced surgeon.
-
The surgery should be performed in an accredited surgical facility where rare complications can be handled.
-
The teen should initiate the request for surgery, not the parent.
What Is the Difference Between Reconstructive Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery?
Reconstructive surgery is done to restore the proper function of a body part deranged due to trauma or congenital disability. On the other hand, cosmetic surgery is done to improve aesthetic appearance (non-medical reasons).
What Are the Common Plastic Surgical Procedures Carried Out by Teens?
1. Rhinoplasty:
It is the most popular plastic surgical procedure requested the most by teenagers. As the nose is still growing, surgeons use modified techniques to perform rhinoplasty. Mostly, rhinoplasty is done for correcting large nasal hump, wide nostrils, poor nasal symmetry, and in case of breathing difficulties. It is performed after ninety percent of the growth of the nose is completed. The ideal age for females is 13 or 14 years, and for males is 15 or 16.
2. Breast Augmentation:
-
Breast augmentation may be performed for reconstructive purposes or aesthetic purposes. Reconstructive breast augmentation is done to correct asymmetry due to trauma, a congenital defect, or a disease.
-
In Poland syndrome, the patient presents with a unilateral chest wall abnormality, which may or may not affect the arms. The nipple may be absent or underdeveloped in such cases. Breast aplasia (absence) or underdeveloped breasts are seen.
-
Tuberous breast deformities occur due to incomplete development of part of or the whole of the lower portion of the breast. It may also present with breast constriction and skin deficiency.
-
Trauma to the chest may also result in breast deformity.
-
Syndromes like barber say syndrome also present with breast aplasia and underdeveloped nipples.
-
Some patients may present with breast deformities like supernumerary breasts or nipples. A simple unilateral asymmetric breast development is seen in some cases, which also requires correction.
-
Teenagers who undergo breast augmentation for aesthetic reasons usually do not have any associated psychosocial issues. Those teenagers who want aesthetic breast augmentation and are below 18 years of age need parental consent.
3. Breast Reduction:
Enlarged breasts (breast hypertrophy) can have a physical, psychological, and social impact on teenagers. The common reasons for breast hypertrophy are juvenile gigantomastia (massive breast enlargement during adolescence), obesity-related breast hypertrophy, and adolescent macromastia. A large breast can affect the teen physically, resulting in shoulder pain, back pain, and breathing difficulty.
4. Liposuction for Gynecomastia:
The liposuction procedure is not usually performed in teenagers, except for correcting gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is a condition in which teen males present with enlarged breasts.
5. Otoplasty:
Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure used for the correction of protruding ears. Protruding ears may have an emotional impact on the kid. Otoplasty is used for correcting the shape, size, and position of ears. Surgery is done after the age of 5 or 6 years.
6. Chin Augmentation:
Teens usually undergo chin augmentation procedures to obtain a proper chin contour and thereby improve facial appearance.
7. Laser Hair Reduction:
Laser Hair Reduction(LHR) is done to correct hirsutism (excessive hair growth in females). One of the most typical causes of hirsutism in teens is polycystic ovarian syndrome. Based on the underlying etiology, lifestyle, and dietary modifications are recommended. The minimum age to undergo LHR is 15 years. Maintenance therapy may be required two or three times a year. LHR is done on the face, underarms, arms, legs, and if required entire body.
8. Tattoos and Tatto Removal:
Under the influence of media or peer pressure, teenagers undergo tattooing, which they regret after knowing the risks and complications. Tattoo removal is done using lasers (like picoseconds laser) and is a painful and expensive procedure.
9. Acne Scar Removal:
The presence of acne can emotionally affect teens, leading to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Severe acne may leave scars. Scars can be removed by different procedures like chemical peel, dermabrasion, laser, etc.
10. Nevus and Mole Surgery:
The size and number of nevi increase during the teenage. Excision, radiofrequency ablation, and ablative laser are the treatment options.
Conclusion
The physical, emotional, legal (as the legal age for consent is 18 years), and psychological aspects should be considered before attempting plastic surgical procedures in adolescents. Teenage is a transition phase from childhood to adulthood, so their physical and emotional maturity should be considered. The influence of media and peer pressure may cause teens to make quick decisions without thinking of the associated risks. The surgical procedure should only be carried out based on its essentiality and in cases where the anticipated benefits outweigh the risks.
