Teen Health

Is Plastic Surgery a Teen Thing?

How to Get the Most Out of Plastic Surgery

According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the most rewarding outcomes are expected when the following exist:

• The teenager initiates the request. While parental support is essential, the teenager's own desire for plastic surgical improvement must be clearly expressed and repeated over a period of time.
• The teenager has realistic goals. The young person must appreciate both the benefits and limitations of plastic surgery, avoiding unrealistic expectations about life changes that will occur as a result of the procedure.
• The teenager has sufficient maturity. Symptoms of emotional distress must be reduced to a level that will permit the teenager to tolerate the discomfort and temporary disfigurement of a surgical procedure. Plastic surgery is not recommended for teenagers who are prone to mood swings or erratic behavior, who are abusing drugs and/or alcohol, or who are being treated for clinical depression or other mental illness.

The most important part of having plastic surgery is the surgeon you choose. When choosing a surgeon, make sure he or she is board-certified in plastic surgery and has privileges to operate in a hospital (even though a majority of cosmetic procedures are done in office), Antell says.