doctors warn about risks of plastic surgery in adolescence

Those who follow Rede Globo’s nine o’clock soap opera, Travessia, saw that the character Karina, played by actress Danielle Olímpia, a teenager, was influenced by a blogger friend to have a silicone implant in her breasts. “Adolescence is a phase in which self-esteem still depends a lot on looking good. In addition to bullying, which is a reason for looking for aesthetic procedures, the digital media themselves can lead to this discomfort with their own image”, says plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Lobo Botelho, president of BAPS (Brazilian Association of Plastic Surgeons).

Before undergoing plastic surgery, according to the doctor, it is essential that young people are psychologically prepared to deal with the change in their own image after the procedure. “In this sense and considering some peculiarities, adolescents, when they are physically and mentally healthy, can undergo procedures, as long as they are accompanied during the consultation by their guardians”, he explains.

Plastic surgery indications

The association argues that the indication for surgery is more linked to the problem than to the patient’s age, but it is necessary to assess the level of growth, physical evolution and maturation of the patient. Overall, the reconstructive surgeries they have no age limit; cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, can be performed from the age of 16, with parental authorization.

BAPS, however, warns that the physician must be aware of issues such as changes in the perception of body image, which becomes a pathology when it begins to affect the social life and health of the adolescent, showing that the mental pattern of the young person is not according to reality.

Need for medical and parental guidance

In cases of image distortion, the body itself becomes, for them, a real and true experience. BAPS argues that ideally, teenagers should talk to their parents and, after obtaining permission, discuss frankly with their doctor about expectations and outcomes of the procedure. surgeryas well as pre- and post-operative care.

“Before performing treatments on adolescents, the surgeon should talk a lot with this public to verify that the patient is a good candidate for the surgery, making sure that he is seeking the procedure for the right reasons and is emotionally mature to deal with the stress of the whole process, from anesthesia and healing to possible complications”, emphasizes the president of the association.

Surgeries that can be done on teenagers

Some procedures are simple, although not free from complications, and can be a good way to restore self-esteem to young people. As an example, otoplasty (ear surgery), which can be performed from the age of six, when the ear reaches 80 to 90% of the adult size, but at the age before the beginning of school life, avoiding bullying.

“In some cases, the operation also brings functional benefits, which help the patient to better perform day-to-day activities. An example are the mammoplasties reduction or mastopexy, which eliminate the discomfort of very large breasts, back and shoulder pain, dermatological irritation in the region, among other factors”, highlights the president of BAPS. But ideally, this surgery should be performed after the age of 18; in children under 16 years of age, a multidisciplinary evaluation is recommended to characterize a repair procedure.

A rhinoplasty it can also be performed, but usually after the age of 16, when the nose is fully developed. In the case of liposuction, the best thing to do is to wait until you reach the age of majority. “If you really decide to opt for plastic surgery, it is essential that the patient or those responsible for researching before choosing a specialist, to be sure of the doctor’s competence, developing a relationship of trust with him”, concludes Dr. Daniel Lobo Botelho.

By Claudia da Holding