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Five Teen-appropriate Plastic Surgery Procedures

Plastic Surgery for TeensThe truth is most children and teenagers are too young for plastic surgery, as they lack the physical and psychological maturity that is needed to undergo cosmetic enhancement. However, there are exceptions. In this blog post, Dr. Erwin Bulan shares five plastic surgery procedures that are considered to be appropriate for teenagers under certain circumstances.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, also known as cosmetic nose surgery, is the most common aesthetic procedure performed on teenagers. The procedure may be deemed appropriate for a teenage patient if the patient demonstrates the necessary maturity and has finished physical development, which occurs at about age 15 or 16 for girls and 17 or 18 for boys. Rhinoplasty can straighten the bridge of the nose, remove a bump, refine the tip or revise a breathing problem in the nasal passage.

Otoplasty

Otoplasty, also known as ear reshaping surgery, is the only cosmetic procedure advisable for young children. Most children’s ears stop growing around the age of five. The procedure be performed on children and teens to reshape, reposition or balance out the ears.

Breast Reduction

It is common for teenage girls with overly large breasts to experience both physical and emotional discomfort. Overly large breasts can cause back, neck and shoulder pain. These young women may also feel self-conscious about their appearance and receive unwanted attention. To alleviate physical and psychological discomfort, breast reduction can be performed on women as young as 15 years old.

Male Breast Reduction

Young men, too, can struggle with enlarged breast tissue. Gynecomastia affects approximately 40 to 60 percent of men, including teenagers. Often times, the excess tissue goes away near the end of puberty. But if the condition persists, male breast reduction surgery may be an option. The procedure may be performed if the gynecomastia has been present for at least two years.

Microdermabrasion

While acne is a natural part of puberty, it can also be unsightly, stress inducing and the cause of embarrassment among teens. In severe cases of acne, microdermabrasion can be performed. Microdermabrasion is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedure that breaks up dead skin cells, removes acne scarring and improves the skin’s complexion.

Consult a Professional

If your child or teen has requested plastic surgery and you would like the opinion of a professional, please schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Bulan. Call (973) 467-9744 today.