Center Cosmetic Surgery
Why Do Teens Get Plastic Surgery?
Most teens don't, of course - but some do. Interestingly, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports a difference in the reasons teens give for having plastic surgery and the reasons adults do: Teens view plastic surgery as a way to fit in and look acceptable to friends and peers. Adults, on the other hand, frequently see plastic surgery as a way to stand out from the crowd. The number of teens who choose to get plastic surgery is on the rise. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 335,000 people 18 years and younger had plastic surgery in 2003, up from about 306,000 in 2000. Some people turn to plastic surgery to correct a physical defect or to alter a part of the body that makes them feel uncomfortable. For example, guys with a condition called gynecomastia (excess breast tissue) that doesn't go away with time or weight loss may opt for reduction surgery. A girl or guy with a birthmark may turn to laser treatment to lessen its appearance. Other people decide they want a cosmetic change to feel better about the way they look. Teens who have cosmetic procedures, such as otoplasty (surgery to pin back ears that stick out) or dermabrasion (a procedure that can help smooth or camouflage severe acne scars), often say that having the surgery gives them greater confidence and boosts their self-esteem. The most common procedures teens choose include nose reshaping, ear reshaping, acne and acne scar treatment, and breast reduction.
Public Comments
- Think from a 12 year old girl's perspective. "Doesn't she look beautiful. Like OMG, I so want to be her: http://tv.popcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/miley_cyrus3.jpg "
- Our stereotypical society obligates them to do it... Merci!!!
- to satisfy their insecurities, most likely..
- They get it because they are superficial, their parents let them do what they please and also have much more money than good sense.
- I think you answered your question yourself. The teenage years are when people are most self-conscious of how they look and who they are. Socializing is an important part of teenage life and if someone has low-self esteem because of how they look then plastic surgery seems the easiest option for *some* teenagers. I have terrible self-esteem, especially about acne scars left from when I was 12-14ish, and I wear layers of foundation just to make myself feel better. I'd jump at the chance to get rid of the scars and I'm certain any other teenager with the same problem would. We live in a country where beauty regularly overrides brains, the whole western culture is focused on what you look like. It's a sad situation but who wouldn't be desperate to be beautiful? Especially with the propaganda of magazines and supermodels, etc. You answered your question yourself, they turn to surgery because it's an easy option for some teenagers, sometimes providing as a miracle to people who have never once felt happy about themselves.
