Considering Teen Plastic Surgery New Jersey

Parker Center in Paramus, New Jersey

Introduction

If you’re a teenager or young adult thinking of having plastic surgery in New Jersey, you are not alone. Advances in cosmetic surgery have allowed procedures to be performed more safely with more natural appearing results. This has increased their popularity in general, but also with teenagers and young adults, as well. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery recently released their statistics for 2009. The top 5 procedures for patients 18 and under are: rhinoplasty, otoplasty, breast reduction, breast augmentation and male breast reduction (gynecomastia).

Children and teens can be cruel to kids who don’t fit in. Although cosmetic surgery can’t change your IQ, it can significantly improve your appearance—things such as large noses, weak chins, protruding ears, significant breast asymmetry, overly large breasts, or no breast development at all. Even teenage acne can be improved with up-to-date IPL treatments. These procedures should improve your social life and self esteem in addition to allowing you to feel more comfortable with yourself and your appearance.

What kind of plastic surgery is appropriate for teenagers and young adults and when can it be performed?

Different parts of the face and body mature at different ages; this will dictate when surgery can safely be performed. The following procedures are appropriate for teenagers and young adults:

Otoplasty—overly prominent ears can be re-positioned surgically as early as 5 to 6 years old, when the ears are fully developed.

Rhinoplasty—an unattractive nose can be re-shaped surgically after the nose has finished developing; in females at age 13 or 14, in males at age 15 or 16.

Breast asymmetry surgery—uneven breast development and size can be improved with surgery. This can be performed as early as age 15.

Gynecomastia surgery—unusually large male breasts will often disappear after puberty. If the condition persists for more than two years, it is very unlikely to resolve by itself and surgical correction can be considered, usually at the age of 14.

Breast reduction—overly developed breasts can be surgically corrected in some patients as early as age 15.

Breast augmentation—smaller than desired breasts can be enhanced with breast implants after the age of 18; saline implants are required in these patients. Silicone-filled breast implants have been approved by the FDA for women age 22 and older.

Liposuction—localized areas of fat can be improved by liposuction in select teens who have been unsuccessful with diet and exercise. Liposuction should not be used to treat general obesity in teens or adults; it is also not a substitute for diet and exercise.

Microdermabrasion—can “sandpaper” away the upper layers of the skin and improve skin irregularities.

Dermabrasion—travels deeper into the skin and can help soften stable acne scars.

IPL treatments—can unblock clogged pores and help improve the facial appearance of teenagers with acne.

Botox and fillers—have been approved to improve overactive facial muscles and wrinkles in patients over the age of 18.

Who is a Candidate for Teen Plastic Surgery in New Jersey?

There are several important questions teenagers and parents must answer when considering teenage plastic surgery, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Who desires the plastic surgery? The answer should be the teenager, not the parents, peers, boyfriend or girlfriend. It is the teen who must be 100 percent committed to the change.

Is the teenager realistic about the benefits of the surgery? Some teens may think a nose job will change their life. They may imagine this new look will bring a new set of friends and more social options and outlets. While the correct procedure in the correct teen may bring will often bring about positive changes in self-esteem, confidence and body image, teen plastic surgery does not guarantee a fairy-tale ending.

Can the teenager handle the recovery and healing process? Patients after all surgeries become somewhat swollen, bruised and uncomfortable. It is important for the teenager and parents to understand what this entails.

Frequently asked questions that Dr. Parker and his team will seek to answer include:

Is the teenager emotionally and cognitively mature? Dr. Parker wants the teenager and parents to understand what will and won’t happen before, during and after surgery.

Is the teenager physically mature? Different parts of the body mature at different ages.

Is the teenager’s concern consistent or fly-by-night? Dr. Parker wants to make sure that the teen isn’t looking to correct his or her nose one day, then ears the next. If what he or she is dissatisfied with keeps changing, it usually indicates underlying problems.

How should you proceed if you are considering teenage plastic surgery?

A consultation with Dr. Parker and his team at the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery will help determine if surgery is the right answer for you. During the consultation, Dr. Parker will want to learn what area concerns you. He and his team will spend time interviewing you to be sure you are having the surgery performed for the right reasons, are emotionally mature enough to handle the surgery and have realistic expectations regarding its outcome. Dr. Parker will then perform a physical examination to determine if you are a candidate for surgery. Following this, options for treatment will be discussed with you and your parents.