More teens than ever before are choosing to undergo plastic surgery, prompting the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) to issue new guidelines for plastic surgeons who may be considering teen patients.
Teens who are interested in cosmetic surgery should be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can thoroughly evaluate their surgical candidacy. With years of acclaimed surgical experience, Drs. Anthony Deboni and Gregory Baum stress that cosmetic surgery is not a decision to be taken hastily or lightly. During every consultation, they carefully consider a patient’s mental and physical health while weighing their motives and expectations for surgery to determine if they are a suitable surgical patient.
In the meantime, here are some important questions for teens to ask themselves before pursuing treatment:
1. Do your parents approve?
Any person under age 18 needs parental consent before undergoing surgery. While this is primarily a legal issue, parental approval is also an important sign that you’ll receive emotional support, which is vital to your surgical success. Additionally, parents can help to ensure proper post-operative care, including a suitable space for rest, rides to surgery and follow-up appointments, and other care, as needed.
2. What’s your motive?
Are you strongly influenced by social media and seeking a way to look better in selfies? If you think you pale in comparison to the images scattered across social media, it’s important to remember that these photos are rarely realistic. More than likely, they are airbrushed and photoshopped snapshots promoting a beauty standard that can never be achieved.
3. What do you expect from surgery?
Realistic expectations are the key to success for every surgery. If you are suffering from low confidence and generally dislike your appearance, plastic surgery is probably not the best solution for you. Ideal surgical candidates are hoping to correct a specific aspect of their appearance, whether it’s protruding ears or a nose bump, to achieve balance and restore confidence after years of worry or suffering.
We can also help you explore non-surgical treatment solutions for achieving your best. To learn more about all your options, please call 315.663.0112 or request a consultation today!
