In recent years, cosmetic surgery has exploded, and television shows such as Extreme Makeover and The Swan makes these procedures seem almost common. It even appears that cosmetic surgery has become a trend among teenagers. However, most experts agree that only about 4% of cosmetic surgeries are performed on teenagers. With such a small percentage, it doesn't sound like cosmetic surgery among teens is a problem. Most of the surgeries performed on teenagers are not for aesthetic purposes, but they are to improve a serious condition leading to my belief that cosmetic surgery should not be off limits to teenagers; the decision should be left up to the teen, the guardian, and the doctor.
People opposed to teenage cosmetic surgery claim that teenagers choose to go under the knife to fix a problem that may go away with time. They claim that teens choose surgery based on peer pressure and low self-esteem. However, Michael Olding, Chief Division of Plastic Surgery at The George Washington University School of Medicine, states that the vast majority of cosmetic surgeries are “not only reasonable but appropriate”. They include rhinoplasty, otoplasy, and breast reductions in boys and girls. He reminds us that often times these conditions can lead to severe self-esteem issues. To make these procedures off limits would be the comparative to banning braces for teens with crooked teeth. Anyone with any type of serious defect should be able to do whatever is necessary to remedy the issue.
Breast Implants have become more common among teenagers, and is the most controversial surgical procedure. However, according to Olding, this type of surgery makes up less than 5 percent of the surgeries in age group. In fact, the FDA has restricted this type of surgery to those over the age of 18. Breast augmentation is accepted in someone under the age 18 is when breast asymmetry occurs, mainly to alleviate psychological strain and self-esteem issues.
Most Surgeons say they...