4 Minute Read:
Most people tend to think that plastic surgery procedures and cosmetic treatments are only meant for men and women in their middle and later years of life. However, the truth is that many young people have cosmetic procedures performed each and every year.
In fact, nearly 230,000 teenagers (between the ages of 13 and 19) had cosmetic procedures (both surgical and non-surgical) in 2020. And while this number isn’t overwhelming when compared to the amount of people having cosmetic procedures later in life, the truth is that young people can be just as frustrated with aspects of their aesthetic appearances as anyone else.
This reality brings about the discussion of whether teenagers should be able to have cosmetic procedures performed, and if so, which specific procedures?
What Are the Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Procedures for Teens?
Pros
Simply put, the purpose of cosmetic surgery is to help address and correct concerns that may cause people to feel insecure and self-conscious. Teenagers are the same as any other man or woman: they can find themselves frustrated with the way they look and desire to change their appearance. In this sense, these procedures are extremely beneficial, both in a physical and psychological sense. Some of the most common aesthetic frustrations for teens include:
- Ears that are too large or stick out from the sides of the face
- Unsightly noses
- Submental fullness
- Acne scarring
Cons
It’s important to understand that teenagers’ bodies are still maturing. Because of this, you don’t want to affect the natural changes that the body is going through, and certain plastic surgery procedures can do this. That is why not all procedures are recommended for teenagers, and why some are even prohibited.
Invasive procedures that severely alter the body and may inhibit natural growth and development should not be performed on teenagers.
Which Procedures Can Teens Have Performed?
Ultimately, it is up to your cosmetic surgeon to decide whether or not you are too young for a particular cosmetic procedure. However, Dr. Bridges offers the following procedures to patients in their teens:
Otoplasty
One of the most frustrating aesthetic issues for people of all ages is the shape, size, and/or projection of the ears. And, unfortunately, there is no natural means of correcting the ears.
Plastic surgery is the only option for achieving the look of the ears that you desire.
Otoplasty (cosmetic ear surgery) is a procedure in which the shape, size, and projection of the ears is corrected to give you a more natural and attractive facial aesthetic. Patients as young as five can have otoplasty, and the results can be life-changing.
Breast Reduction
Some girls develop large breasts in their teenage years that bring both physical and psychological discomfort. These large breasts often have led some teenage girls to desire breast reduction as soon as possible.
While it may be possible for younger women to undergo this surgery, it is important to let the breasts fully develop and mature. Otherwise, they may continue growing even after the surgery.
Microneedling
When people think of the frustrations of puberty, they tend to think of acne. And while acne may dissipate as you age, the results of acne may stick around permanently.
Acne scars can be distracting and embarrassing to many people (from late teens onward). However, Dermapen® microneedling offers a customizable treatment that can help to reduce acne scars while also promoting a healthier and more youthful appearance to the facial skin.
Chemical Peel
While microneedling can help address acne scars and give you softer and smoother skin, a chemical peel can help rejuvenate your facial skin while also minimizing the presence of acne.
This is because a chemical peel is an exfoliating treatment that removes the top layer of skin (along with dead skin cells, oil, and environmental grime). This procedure unclogs pores and allows a new and fresh layer of skin to become visible.
In the End…
Plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments are available to help you look and feel your absolute best. While some procedures may not be suitable for teenagers, there are plenty of other options that can allow you to achieve results that help you feel comfortable, confident, and proud of the way you look. The best way to know which cosmetic procedures can help you is to schedule your consultation today.
Want to Learn More?
Regardless of your age, if you are interested in finding out more about the various surgical and non-surgical procedures that Dr. Bridges offers, contact Bridges to Beauty by calling (318) 219-8555 or by filling out our online contact form.