See why teenagers’ pursuit of plastic surgery requires caution

Generally, teenagers are influenced by celebrities, friends or social media that promote physical appearance as one of the main qualities of a person. Because of this, they tend to believe that plastic surgery is the solution to their insecurities and self-esteem issues.

“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).

Still according to the doctor, before performing this type of surgery, it is important that the patient is psychologically prepared to face the change in his own image after the procedure. “In this sense and considering some peculiarities, adolescents, when they are physically and mentally healthy, can undergo procedures, provided they are accompanied by their parents during the consultation”, explains the plastic surgeon.

psychological health

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 adolescent. In general, reconstructive surgeries do not have an age limit; Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, can be performed from the age of 16, with parental authorization.

BAPS warns that physicians should be aware of issues such as changes in the perception of body image, which becomes a pathology when it starts to affect the teenager’s social life and health, showing that the young person’s mental pattern is not in line with reality. In these cases, the distortion of their own body image becomes, for them, a real and true experience.

Procedure requires maturity

BAPS argues that ideally, teenagers should talk to their parents and, after obtaining permission, discuss frankly with their doctor about expectations and results of surgery, as well as pre- and post-operative care.

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

Surgeries that can be performed on young people

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, there is 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 is reduction mammoplasty or mastopexy, which eliminate the discomfort of very large breasts, pain in the back and shoulders, 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.

Rhinoplasty can also be performed, but usually after age 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 Maria ClaudiaLoving