Guidelines and Cosmetic Surgery for Teenage Patients

Dr Scott Turner - FRACS (Plas)

Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Procedures for Teenage Patients

There are specific Medical Board Regulations for Teenage Patients wanting to have cosmetic procedures. Teenage patients who want cosmetic surgery must pass a psychological assessment before surgery. The Medical Board of Australia also requires patients seeking a procedure to undergo a mandatory cooling-off period before their operation.

Under the strict guidelines of the Medical Board, there is a seven-day waiting period for adults and a three-month cooling-off period before procedures for all patients under 18 years old. Noting a trend of young people rushing into surgery while physically or emotionally unready to understand the risks, the Medical Board guidelines also require patients under 18 to be assessed and supported by a registered psychologist or psychiatrist.

Dr Scott Turner and Teenage Patients for Cosmetic Surgery

At our clinic, all patients under the age of 18 are seen with a parent or guardian in a consultation with Specialist Plastic Surgeon  Dr Scott Turner to discuss the procedure in-depth and the risks associated and are then asked to be seen by a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The patient can then come back after the 3 month cooling-off period and subject to the psychological assessment and Dr turner’s examination, they can then proceed with surgery.

Why Do Young People Want Plastic Surgery?

The number of people between the ages of 19 to 25 getting plastic surgery has risen in recent years. From injectables and dermal fillers to nose jobs, ear and breast surgery, young people want cosmetic changes. Of course, there have always been young people who are unhappy with their looks. The good news is that plastic surgery is safer than ever before and there are now many options for changing your look.

Deciding If Plastic Surgery Is Right for You or Your Teenager

If you’ve ever been young, you know how difficult it can sometimes be to battle with insecurity. Every little advantage can be powerful. Whether it is clothes, makeup, or laser treatment, finding a way to boost the way that you look and feel about yourself is essential. Of course, plastic surgeons play a key role in helping to determine if potential patients are mentally ready for a procedure. It’s essential to be more than just physically healthy. Mental health plays a key role in determining if plastic surgery is a good option.

Dr Turner will have a one-to-one chat about your reasons for getting plastic surgery. Before getting plastic surgery, it’s important to fully understand that plastic surgery isn’t for everyone. While it can be a confidence boost, it most certainly can’t solve every problem in life. Any adult, over the age of 18, with a clear perspective on the reality of plastic surgery can be a good candidate.

It’s important to note, however, that plastic surgery is not always a good choice for younger teens. This is because bodies change far too much under the age of 18 and it’s better to just take a wait-and-see approach for younger teens.

Cosmetic procedures like Nose Jobs (rhinoplasty), Breast Surgery like Breast Reduction and breast augmentation continue to be as popular as ever for teenage patients. Liposuction is also an option while non-surgical alternatives like CoolSculpting can also give you results without the need for surgery.

In addition to getting cosmetic surgery, there are sometimes medical reasons for getting plastic surgery. Many young women suffer from uncomfortable conditions like oversized labia can find relief with a labiaplasty surgery. Similarly, cosmetic procedures like breast asymmetry correction and nipple correction can be transformative and confidence-boosting.

Think plastic surgery might be right for you or your teenager? Why not schedule a consultation with Dr Turner? You can visit him at his Newcastle or Sydney clinics for a one-to-one chat to discuss your needs and concerns.

To find out more information or to speak with a staff member regarding this, please contact the office on 1300 437 758 or send an email to [email protected]

Teenage Cosmetic Surgery on the Rise

With the rise of influencers, selfies and social media, more and more teens are interested in plastic surgery. Most parents are struggling to accept this reality and are quite concerned for their children. However, some experts say that certain plastic surgeries can improve teenagers’ confidence and result in better mental health and self-esteem.

Whether plastic surgery results in improved confidence or not is still a subject of debate. A report published by the American Medical Association Journal of Ethics in the year 2005 showed that teens had improved body image and confidence over the years regardless of the fact that they had undergone cosmetic surgery or not. With that being said, about 229,000 teens (aged 13 – 19) underwent cosmetic surgery in the USA according to ASPS 2017 Statistics. It seems that more and more parents are becoming accepting of cosmetic plastic surgery. 

This sudden increase in the number of teen plastic surgeries may be caused by the impact of the Internet, including cyberbullying, social media presence, and endless selfies. 

Cosmetic Surgery Vs Reconstructive Surgery – What’s the difference?

There is a big difference between Cosmetic Surgery versus Functional or Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Reconstructive surgery is done to eliminate any defects or trauma while simultaneously catering to the aesthetics of the surgery. For instance, removal of birthmarks, ear deformities, burn scars, cleft lips and any other deformities. On the other hand, cosmetic surgery is purely done to improve and enhance the physical attributes of a person. 

The lines between the two are often blurred, especially when it comes to teenage plastic surgery.  For example, overly large teen breasts – gigantomastia – could be regarded as both partly reconstructive and partially cosmetic.

There are sometimes other medical reasons for getting plastic surgery. Many young women suffer from uncomfortable medical conditions like oversized labia can find relief with a labiaplasty surgery. Similarly, cosmetic procedures like breast asymmetry correction and nipple correction can be transformative and confidence-boosting.

Is Cosmetic Surgery Safe for Teens?

The most common procedures amongst teenagers are rhinoplasty (nose surgery), otoplasty (ear surgery), skincare procedures and some injectables, breast surgery, and scar removal treatments. Any procedure which doesn’t impact the growth of the body can be considered generally safe. But the majority of cosmetic procedures are not considered safe for teens. Every procedure comes with a certain degree of risks and requires understanding from the patient. That is why the majority of surgeons do not perform surgeries on patients under 18 years of age. 

“While a rhinoplasty or ear surgery can be performed safely by an experienced plastic surgeon and are, in many cases, appropriate for an adolescent, other cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction or injectables are typically not recommended for minors for several reasons, including lack of research,”– Dr Rod Rohrich said in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal.

Discussing the topic of Teen Plastic Surgery 

Parents need to have a thorough discussion with their children in case they wish to have plastic surgery. It is important to understand where your child is coming from if they wish to get some work done. Once you know your teen well, you can take the right action. It might be taking him/her for therapy to manage unrealistic body expectations. If your child wants something like an acne treatment or any other skincare treatment, it is completely safe to get it done. On the other hand, procedures like a boob job, tummy tucks are not recommended for teenagers. 

The Risks of Teenage Plastic Surgery 

Surgery is a risky business. Most teens are too focused on looking a certain way after the surgery. They are not aware of the consequences of the surgery, the recovery period and possible complications. It is important for teenagers to understand that every procedure comes with a recovery period where there will be bruising, poor healing, pain, discomfort and a lot of care. Moreover, the surgery is very expensive and, often not covered by insurance. The entertainment industry makes all these cosmetic enhancements look glamourous and easy. However, there is the other side to everything. 

 “Consulting with specialist plastic surgeons is the best way to clear up any confusion and to be able to help a teen make the right decision about plastic surgery. The benefits of surgery need to outweigh the risks. Surgery is permanent. You never want to risk an unhappy result for you and your teen.”  

Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery for Teens in Australia

Cosmetic procedures like a Nose Job (Rhinoplasty), Breast Surgery like Breast Reduction and breast augmentation continue to be popular for some teenage patients. Here are some of the most popular surgeries for teens.

1. Nose Surgery – Rhinoplasty / Septoplasty

A bumpy or a disproportionate nose can definitely impact a teen’s confidence. However, there are few points to consider prior to diving into the cosmetic surgery world. For starters, it is absolutely pointless to perform nose surgery on a teen who is growing. Our noses grow as we age. Girls can get rhinoplasty when they are fifteen/sixteen years of age. On the other hand, boys should wait till they turn 18. The patient will require significant time to heal, a minimum of four to six weeks. So, it is best to get it done during the summer. 

2. Ear Correction Surgery – Otoplasty  (Dr Turner does not offer Otoplasty)

Otoplasty is a procedure performed on protruding ears. The procedure essentially pins back the ears to make them look more proportionate and natural. This is a simple procedure and is safe to be performed on both teens and adults. It is generally performed under anaesthesia followed by a short hospital stays. Luckily, it is one of those procedures which is considered to be completely safe for teenagers. 

3. Breast Reduction for Oversized Breasts

Breast reduction is a surgery performed on women with oversized and disproportionate breasts. Extremely large breasts can lead to ill-fitting clothes, disproportionate body, extreme pain, chafing, and redness. Breast reduction surgery tackles all these problems in one go while making sure you feel confident in your body. However, is it safe for teens? Can teenagers get it done? The answer is maybe, maybe not. While teens can definitely get it done when they are fifteen, it is not recommended. The reason being that woman’s breasts continue to grow until they are 22 or 25. If girls get it done early on, chances are they will need another surgery in the future. So, most plastic surgeons will advise against it for teenage patients. 

“Adolescent breast reduction surgery remains controversial due to concerns of and lack of data regarding postoperative breast growth, complications, and the effect on wellbeing.”– from Article: Complications and Quality of Life following Reduction Mammaplasty in Adolescents and Young Women. 

4. Nipple/Breast Correction Surgery – Asymmetry / Tuberous

As per a study published by researchers from Boston Children’s Hospital, asymmetrical breasts can lead to numerous physical, social and emotional issues in young girls. The early treatment of breast asymmetry can provide plenty of mental health benefits as well. However, breast correction surgery is not suitable for all teens. A variety of factors need to be taken into account to make sure it is safe. In most cases, when the surgery is performed, the smaller breast is increased to match the other one. 

Teenagers who are suffering from bilateral hypoplasia can greatly benefit from unilateral breast augmentation. For those patients who have hypertrophy on one side, a unilateral breast reduction might be of great help. All in all, the procedure is highly customizable and yields both physical and psychological benefits in young women. 

5. Male Breast Reduction

Teenage gynecomastia occurs between the ages of 10 and 15. It typically goes away in most teenagers by their late teens. In case it doesn’t happen, a male breast reduction is always an option. The excess growth of breast tissue happens due to hormonal hit during puberty. It typically settles down in a period of 12 months without any external intervention. Hence, most surgeons will advise against male breast reduction in the teen years. If it carries into adulthood, it is regarded as true gynecomastia and requires cosmetic assistance. Most surgeons do not perform surgery on patients who are less than 18 years of age. 

6. Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the length of the labia and improve the look of the vaginal area. It also relieves symptoms such as pain, rashes, and infections that occur due to pulling/tugging of labia. The question is; is it an appropriate surgery for a teenager? Generally, labiaplasty should be postponed till the patient reaches adulthood. However, there are certain cases in which it can be performed on teenagers:

  • Significant Physical deformity causes discomfort during the day to day activities
  • An injury to the area, causing pain and other problems

Even in these two scenarios, it is the surgeon’s job to make sure that the patient is mentally and physicially ready for the surgery. 

7. Lip Flips and Lip Enhancement 

The Internet has given rise to big, luscious looking, gorgeous lips. Whether it’s social media filters that make our lips look bigger, celebrities endorsing lip injections, or the rise of plastic surgery shows and social media sensations, almost every teen is under the influence. All they want is to have big juicy lips. It’s the new beauty standard of the modern era. It has become as common as getting a manicure. However, lip injections and lip flips are performed on patients who are 18 or above. Most surgeons have a no go policy in this regard. So, if your teen wishes to get a lip job, they need to wait till 18.

8. Breast Augmentation for Teenagers

Having a small waist with big breasts and butt is what some influencers consider attractive on social media. This new look can be attributed to Kardashian’s strong media presence. However, having this body type is extremely uncommon, especially in teens. Earlier, teens used to fill their bras with padding, wear bombshell bras and jelly pads. Now, they wish to jump straight into a breast enlargement surgery. Breast implants or Fat transfer injectoins should not be done on patients younger than 18. It is best to wait till your body has developed fully.

Deciding If Plastic Surgery Is Right for You or Your Teenager

If you’ve ever been young, you know how difficult it can sometimes be to battle with insecurity. Every little advantage can be powerful. Whether it is clothes, makeup, or laser treatment, finding a way to boost the way that you look and feel about yourself is essential.

Of course, plastic surgeons play a key role in helping to determine if potential patients are ready for a procedure. It’s essential to be more than just physically healthy. Mental health plays a key role in determining if plastic surgery is a good option.

When you schedule a consultation with Dr Turner, he will have a one-to-one chat about your reasons for getting plastic surgery. Before getting plastic surgery, it’s important to fully understand that plastic surgery isn’t a cure-all. While it can be an incredible confidence boost, it most certainly can’t solve every problem in life. Any adult, over the age of 18, with a clear perspective on the reality of plastic surgery can be a good candidate.

It’s important to note, however, that plastic surgery is not a good choice for younger teens. This is because bodies change far too much under the age of 18 and it’s better to just take a wait-and-see approach for younger teens.

FAQs about Teen Cosmetic Surgery and Procedures

Is plastic surgery safe for teenagers?

  • Certain procedures such as acne treatments, ear surgeries, and rhinoplasty are deemed safe. On the other hand, liposuction, breast implants, injectables and other high-risk procedures are not recommended for teens. 

When is plastic surgery appropriate for teenagers?

  • If plastic surgery is not impacting the growth of the body or health in any way, it can be considered appropriate for teenagers. Moreover, it is important that the teenager understands the consequences, risks, preparation and recovery care instructions involved with their particular procedure. 

Why should minors get plastic surgery?

  • If plastic surgery addresses the physical concerns of a teenager without posing a risk to their general wellbeing, getting plastic surgery is considered to be ok. It is important to visit an experienced plastic surgeon to make sure it is safe. Some cosmetic procedures are more suitable than others for teenage patients.

What is a good age to get plastic surgery?

  • It is advised to wait till you are at least 18 years of age to get any kind of plastic surgery. Under strict guidelines surgery can be performed on younger patients.

How old do you have to be to get plastic surgery on your nose?

  • Girls should be at least 15 or 16 years old, and boys should be at least 17 or 18 years old to get the nose job. However, most surgeons do not perform nose surgery for aesthetic purposes on patients who are less than 18 years of age. 

Can 13-year-olds get plastic surgery?

  • Yes, they can get certain types of functional plastic surgeries, but parental consent and meeting Medical Board  guidelines (above) is a must. Most plastic surgeons require the patient to be at least 18 years old. 

Is it safe to get a nose job at 16?

  • Ideally nose surgery is best when your face has fully grown and matured. Girls could get a nose job done at 16. However, boys should wait till they are 18 years old or above. Parental consent is required for all patients under 18 and there is a 3 month cooling off period and a supporting letter from GP or psychologist.

Can a 15-year-old get breast reduction surgery?

  • Yes, a patient could get Breast Reduction done at 15. However, most surgeons will advise you against it as breasts continue to grow and mature till women are aged 22-25. The chances are that you will have to get them redone at a later date.  Parental consent and meeting the Medical Board guidelines is a must.

Want to Discuss Your Teenage Patient Options? 

Think plastic surgery might be right for you or your teenager? Why not schedule a consultation with Dr Turner? You can visit him at his Newcastle or Sydney clinics for a one-to-one chat to discuss your needs and concerns.

To find out more information or to speak with a staff member regarding this, please contact the office on 1300 437 758 or send an email to [email protected]

Whether you are a teenager or a parent to a teen and want to discuss your/your child’s cosmetic surgery options, fill out the form below and one of our team members will get in touch with you shortly.

Next Steps

Always Do Your Research

  • Enquire to find out more about your surgery
  • Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure

Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?

  • A GP Referral is required to Consult with Dr Turner (under new AHPRA Regulations)
  • Please obtain a referral from your GP or Specialist if you want a consultation for an MBS item number surgery.
  • Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral

Making The Most Of Your Consultation

  • Please arrive slightly early for your in-person consultation
  • You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options
  • Please be aware you may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothes
  • Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

How to Book Your Consultation

  • You can book your initial consultation by paying the $350 cosmetic consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment

BOOK A PHONE CALL FOR MORE INFO

  • To find out more information about surgery you can book a FREE 15-minute phone conversation with our Friendly Patient Care team via Calendly- Book Consultant 1 or Book Consultant 2

Contact us or call on  1300 437 758  to arrange your surgeon consultation in Sydney.

Email us for more information:  enquiries@drturner.com.au