It is increasing the number of adolescents that look for the plastic surgery to correct undesirable shapes.

Dumbo, Pinocchio and Olive Oyl are all cartoon characters who have become the nightmare of many teenagers. These are among the most common nicknames for someone who has big ears, a large nose and for skinny girls.

During a time in which beauty is imposed by fashion through magazines and television, plastic surgery arises as a magical alternative to correct what nature did not do right. The evolution of techniques, as well as the growing number of clinics and celebrities who appeal to this type of procedure, has made surgery much more accessible. However, even with all this perspective, it is necessary to keep your feet on the ground and respect your body’s limits before an intervention of this sort.

In Demand

One of the type of surgeries teenagers seek the most is otoplasty (reduction of the external ear). It is less invasive and can be performed on children as of the age of four. Rhinoplasty (nose job) is recommended for patients of at least 16 years of age, once growth has stabilized. For these kids, not being able to wear a cap or take a profile picture is complete torture. Cartilage in these parts of the body continues growing throughout life, yet this does not affect the outcome of the surgery.

According to Dr. Gustavo Tilmann, plastic surgeon, interventions to the body, such as liposuction and breast implants, should not be performed on minors. Not because of bureaucratic reasons, but because of biological reasons. During this phase, the body has not fully developed. Minors need written authorization from parents or legal guardians in order to operate. Some surgeries are not simply cosmetic. Take gynecomasty (reduction of male breasts), for instance; the excessive development of the glands may occur during puberty and is due to hormonal imbalance. Surgery must be performed in order to reduce the risk of tumors. In women, breast reduction is recommended when the weight creates posture problems.

Dr. Tilmann says corrective plastic surgery may be performed on the bodies and faces of people of all ages. Minor cosmetic procedures such as lip fillings (for fuller lips, like Angelina Jolie’s) and “Asian eyelid surgery” (for rounder eyes in people of Asian descent) may also require the patient to be of full legal age.

Promptness
When the teens are looking for a clinic, they already know exactly what they want to change. Some chose plastic surgery over a sweet 16 birthday party or a trip to Disney World just to stop being picked on. Many parents support their children’s decision while others give in only to avoid rebelliousness at home.

The truth is that plastic surgery satisfies the teenager’s anxiety. Quick results make the pain and bruising during the postoperative period be easily overcome. Healthy habits, like a well-balanced diet and regular exercise are just substituted by surgery.

On the one hand, a good image makes social co-existence easier and elevates self-esteem, yet on the other hand, not facing one’s own imperfections ends up delaying emotional development during a phase in which personality is still being formed.