• Introduction: Perception and the Teen Eye

• Teens & the Internet: Plethora of Information or Pandora's Box?

• Is This Taking It Too Far?

• Where to Draw the Line: Deeper Issues of Reasoning 

• When Body Dysmorphic Disorder IS a Reality

• When to Have Surgery or Noninvasive Procedures

• Popular Procedures & Concerns For Teens

• "Will My Friends Be Able to Tell?"

• "How Do I Ask My Parents?" 

• Preparing For Your Surgery

• The Road to Recovery

• Risks of Cosmetic Surgery & Noninvasive Enhancement

• The Least You Need To Know 

• Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic Surgery Procedures 

• Visit Our Plastic Surgery Message Boards RECOMMENDED!

• Related Links

FACT! According to the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPS), 326,233 total cosmetic procedures (not total patients) were performed on patients 18 and younger in 2004. 13,217 of these surgical procedures were otoplasty (ear pinning), 51,931 were rhinoplasty (nose surgery), approximately 3,962 were breast augmentation procedures, 3,631 were gynecomastia correction (male breast reduction) and 3,250 were liposuction.  The two most common procedures for persons under 18  years of age were non-surgical chemical peels, (109,052) and microdermabrasion (68,709 procedures), presumably for acne treatment.

Introduction: Perception and the Teen Eye
When I was in Junior High and High School I remember the awkwardness of being a teen, the low self esteem that can be experienced whilst coming of age and the cruel comments directed at others.  For many of us, these comments burn a permanent place into our minds and remain with us for the rest of our lives.  These comments can make us feel badly about ourselves even if there is no reasoning or fact that brought the offending comment on in the first place.  During this time of personal growth, what people think of us really does matter.  It doesn't end there either, you carry that responsibility to represent a positive image for the rest of your life.  Your parents had to bathe and comb their hair and dress well for work as did their parents.  In fact, most places of employment will not tolerate an unwashed, shabby and generally offensive appearance.  Should this really matter?  Ideally, no -- but it does.  Of course, combing your hair and having a rhinoplasty are two different things -- but if one gives you better self confidence and it isn't hurting another -- what's the problem?  As long as the nose IS the problem and is not an imagined flaw.  This doesn't necessarily mean that if you think your child's inherited nose is perfectly fine, and quite frankly the child is embraced about having a large family hump, that a rhinoplasty is out of the question.  Listen to your teens.  Don't just hear what they have to say, listen.

It is ignorant to think that we shouldn't care if another disapproves or comments negatively on our appearance.  If there were no preference, and no one cared about appearance -- we would still be running around smelly, overly hairy and wearing the rotting traces of clothing with a big stick as an accessory, not to mention the population would be far less.  Humans are never satisfied, which leads to growth.  Growth leads to progress.  And so on.  That is why social acceptance creates quite an impact during these important growth years.  Teens see that their parents and society in general prefer certain aesthetic criteria so how can they be expected to overlook the desire to look their best when they see it all around them every day??  It isn't a case of monkey see monkey do, it's about reality.  How can we not feel as if we must conform to society's *ideal*? (Let me stress again, there is NO ideal)  We are bombarded by the beautiful everywhere we go; and it is hypocritical to say, "do as I say not as I do."  The fact is social development during the teen years is of the highest importance and even though having low esteem can have many underlying factors, sometimes these issues are purely aesthetic.

Regardless of what another thinks, one should never, ever change themselves either aesthetically or emotionally into something else, for someone else or to make others like them.  Do what makes you happy.  You must make yourself happy and as long as it doesn't hurt anyone (including yourself) why should someone else care what it is that you do.

Teens & the Internet: Plethora of Information or Pandora's Box?
The advantage of the teen today versus the teen of yesteryear is experience and knowledge.  Generation Y is more informed than Gen X as Gen Z will be more informed than Y and so on.  Why?  Technology.  The development of the Internet, so very long ago, has such an economical and socio-impact that without it I sincerely believe the world would be a less informed place.  Anything can be researched on the Internet and if you can't find it online you can do your own research the old fashioned way (books, microfilm and interviews) and make your own website to educate others. 

So, what does technology have to do with cosmetic surgery or other types of aesthetic enhancement much less having to do with teens?!  Everything.  Because of technology teens are exposed to and can better understand and learn about procedures, be they small or large, to enhance specific areas that may not appeal to them.  Teens are also exposed to the desire for beauty from the media via the internet, which is not entirely to blame; as well as personal websites and chat rooms where the topic at hand is "wanna trade pics?"  They are also exposed, therefore more vulnerable, to possible exploitation.  My point is that teens have a enormous resource literally at their fingertips to research and weigh the possibilities of each and every feasible cosmetic procedure or application, so they aren't exactly walking in unarmed.

The bottom line is that teens are a lot more informed today than I was at their age and even more so than their parents and grandparents at the same age.  They are well aware of the risks and complications associated with general cosmetic enhancement and are more apt to take on the responsibilities of an adult.  Personally, I was emancipated at age 16 and was working several jobs, all of my own choice.  I was responsible enough to take life on well ahead of the rest of the group.  Just as today's teen is forced with more choices, more adult-oriented situations and more scrutiny from the ever-intruding and loud-mouthed public eye.

Is This Taking It Too Far?
Many people feel that as a teen it is too young to take on the emotional responsibilities of a cosmetic procedure.  A respectable, qualified surgeon (along with a good psychologist) can help make that diagnosis upon having a consultation and most of them will not go ahead with a procedure if severe underlying issues are at stake.  Although take care in your choice of surgeons, I beg you.  I have spoken with many patients that were in their early and late teens, as well as their parents,  regarding surgery or simple enhancement issues.  And I am always willing to speak with more regardless if it is positive or negative.   Also look into counseling or professional opinions of persons who are unbiased (not your parents, not surgeons, not your family and not plastic surgery affiliates either).

We begin really caring about how we appear to one another when our hormones start intervening and wreaking havoc on our bodies and minds.  That is a psychological and physiological fact.  Cosmetic Plastic Surgery for teens is surely controversial but many of these procedures are very mainstream and justifiable, such as Otoplasty (ear pinning), Rhinoplasty/Septoplasty (cosmetic AND functional nose surgery), Acne treatment and Jaw advancement -- with or without orthodontics (braces, overbite correction).

Speaking of orthodontics, many parents see a need for braces when there is no dental/medical need and truly even this can be very painful and takes years of use to correctly align the teeth and bite -- surely orthodontics can be considered in the same category as cosmetic surgery.  Many patients I have spoken to confided that having braces was more painful than having a rhinoplasty or otoplasty.  The pain that you experience with a rhinoplasty or other cosmetic procedure is a matter of days compared to a matter of years with braces.  Don't get me wrong, I'm all for braces, I am just pointing out that they are of the same family.  Just know that there are improved braces out there and improved techniques of correcting teeth.  Not the old yank some teeth and fill your mouth with metal types.  See our Cosmetic Dental Section for more information.  It seems correcting your smile on a cosmetic level at a young age is "politically correct". So be it.

There are even reconstruction procedures for cleft palate or lip, craniofacial defects and syndactyly/polydactyly repair (webbed/extra fingers and toes).  We're aren't talking breast augmentation here -- although at later periods in the teen years some teens seek breast reduction due to overly large breasts or reconstruction due to a single, undeveloped or underdeveloped breast deformity.  The above procedures address "defects" or health concerns that should not be considered extreme or inappropriate.  The fact is over 25,000 American teens were reported to have had cosmetic surgery in 1999 in the years 2001, and 2002 this number increased by far.  2003 is now just beginning. 

Where to Draw the Line: Deeper Issues of Reasoning
Some issues like insecurity or mental and emotional issues should be noted when deciding upon whether or not a procedure should even be entertained.  If you are doing this for someone else, that is a big red flag.  If you are under the impression that a cosmetic procedure will solve all of your issues, it won't.  You remain the same person that you will be with the former version of your body.  It won't change who you are and it won't make someone like you. 

Many teens feel as if they must conform to the thin, waiflike bodies of runway models and cover girls.  Heck, many women in general feel this way!  I can relate to this.  This is a serious issue -- please please please seek counseling if you are obsessed about your body weight, food or eating to the point of unhealthiness.  Also obsessing over yourself at any age is very damaging.  Liposuction is not usually appropriate for a teenager so eating healthy and exercising may help.  If not, underlying hormonal or thyroid problems may exist so be sure to consult with your physician.  And if after all this, stubborn pockets of fat at the gender or genetic specific areas still exist and if in late adolescence, liposuction is sometimes considered.

Image Disorders
Please know that you mustn't think that all of your problems will change if you have a procedure or get those braces.  If you are mentally and emotionally unable to accept yourself no matter what, then you will always be unhappy with yourself.  Please seek counseling if you feel as though you need help regarding issues like eating disorders or self hate.  Some serious disorders you may have heard of include anorexia, bulimia, manic depression, clinical depression and more.  Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD) is an illness and the fact that it is so easily tossed around and overdiagnosed because aesthetic concerns may be very relative.  Relative to what that individual person believes what it is that they do not like, aesthetically, about themselves.  BUT! It is an illness and if one does have it, please get help. Here is an excerpt pertaining to BDD:

"Body dysmorphic disorder consists of a preoccupation with a nonexistent or minimal defect in appearance. Some people with BDD do have a minor physical defect, like mild acne or slightly thinning hair. But the flaw is only slight. The person with BDD, however, considers the flaw to be noticeable, unattractive, even ugly. In addition, the appearance preoccupation must cause significant distress or impairment in social, academic, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. 

What are the preoccupations or obsessions of BDD like? BDD sufferers commonly think about their appearance problem for at least an hour a day, sometimes for much more. Often they cannot resist or stop their thoughts even though they try hard to do so. BDD preoccupations can focus on any body part and often focus on more than one aspect of appearance. Commonly, BDD sufferers focus on their face or head, most frequently their nose, hair, or facial skin, but any body area(s) can be affected. Whereas some people with BDD realize they look worse to themselves than they do to others, others with BDD are completely convinced that their view of their defect is accurate. BDD sufferers often feel that other people take special notice of their perceived defect; for example, stare at it, laugh at it, or talk about it." (Ralph S. Albertini, M.D. and Katharine A. Phillips, M.D. - Author of The Broken Mirror - Brown University Medical College)

Although, I believe it is very opinionated and ignorant to say to someone who has acne, regardless of degree,  that acne is not that big of a deal when they don't in fact have it themselves.  If one has ever been called pizza face or Rudolph -- like ME -- they can surely empathize.  I can assure it doesn't feel good.  How can someone diagnose on the basis of opinion.  For instance a psychologist or parent may diagnose a child with BDD because the patient thinks he or she is fat or ugly.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and just because that child finds that she/she is unattractive in comparison to  cover models and other people doesn't mean that he or she has self hate issues.  This is a relevant concern. Teens are faced with what society idolizes every waking moment.  Plus, the psychologist doesn't know what other kids at school are saying, the psychologist doesn't know what is important to a person at least 3 decades younger than he or she.  Quite frankly, a lot changes in 3 decades.  A teen of today is forced to withstand and conquer forces and issues that their parents or grandparents weren't forced to deal with.  IMPORTANT!  Photos in magazines are airbrushed.  Please know this.  Gobs of make-up, lighting and photo-altering is a reality.  Just because you don't have a body like Britney Spears or Josh Hartnet doesn't mean you aren't attractive.

And we aren't talking. "my clothes are better than your clothes and my shoes are more expensive than yours" either.  Nor am I talking about, "my friends are better than your friends."  I am talking about the trend of employers basing hiring on appearance as well as experience.  Even young adults are finding that they are turned down positions due to a level of attractiveness, how can a teen not want to improve themselves aesthetically if adults are promoting this very practice? That's not to say all employers regardless of era appreciate a scrubbed, attractive appearance to portray their company because they do.  Teens and pre-teens are also faced with the barrage of slimy adults that are seeking out children and come into your homes via the Internet to prey on the innocent.  Teens and Pre-teens MUST be smarter nowadays in order to survive.  Today's teens are better prepared, more intelligent, definitely more street smart and involved with higher issues like the environment, charity and healthcare issues, politics, you name it.  Teens are doing more now than their parents were at the same age.  And just think, in some countries now as well as 500 years ago in most societies, teens were getting married, having children, raising families and taking on other responsibilities of adulthood.

And just look at the fashion and entertainment world.  The skinny little flawless-skinned Gap ads and Guess models idolized by society are much different from the plump, full figured pin-ups of yesteryear.  Teens are smart enough to realize that society, as pathetic as it is, seems to favor and cater to those who are attractive.  Those aren't my rules.  I just work here.  The fact of the matter is, humans are cruel -- people are teased and there is simply no reason not to do anything about it.  Yes, there are individuals out there that may have underlying mental or emotional issues, yes they should seek counseling regarding these concerns.  But to simply be denied correction of a pair of prominent ears, which may be the focal point of classroom insults, or to reduce  breasts that are the source of backaches, posture problems, headaches and ridicule is simply ludicrous.

When Body Dysmorphic Disorder IS a Reality
Another important aspect is to realize that Body Dysmorphic Disorder MAY be a problem.  Please do not get defensive until you truly understand the boundaries and symptoms of this disorder. 

The standard or typical description of BDD by the American Psychiatric Association:

• Preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance. If a slight physical anomaly is present, the person's concern is markedly excessive.
• The preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
• The preoccupation is not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., dissatisfaction with body shape and size in Anorexia Nervosa).

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition  (also known as DSM-IV). Copyright © 1994 American Psychiatric Association. 

Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

1. Frequently comparing your appearance with that of others; scrutinizing the appearance of others

2. Often checking your appearance in mirrors and other reflecting surfaces.

3. Camouflaging the perceived defect with clothing, makeup, a hat, your hand, your posture, or in some other way that diverts the attention of the defect

4. Seeking cosmetic surgery, dermatologic treatment, or other medical treatment for appearance concerns when doctors or other people have said such treatment isn't necessary

5. Questioning and fishing for compliments; seeking reassurance about the flaw or attempting to convince others of its apparentness

6. Anger or resentment towards those who do not see your perceived flaw

7. Excessive grooming (i.e. combing hair, shaving, cutting hair, dyeing hair, applying makeup and/or concealers)

8. Avoiding mirrors and reflective surfaces

9. Frequently touching the defect

10. Picking and touching your skin

11. Repeatedly measuring the disliked body part

12. Excessively reading or searching the internet about the defective body part

13. Excessive exercise or dieting

14. Avoiding social situations in which the perceived defect might be exposed

15. Frequent absenteeism from school or your place of employment because you feel ugly

16. Failure to uphold a job for fear of someone seeing your perceived defect

17. Failure to hold a job because you are depressed about your appearance

18. Avoiding leaving the house for fear of someone seeing your perceived defect

19. Feeling very anxious and self-conscious around other people because of the perceived defect

But it really goes further than this.  Speaking as a patient and a person who has come across patients who have been diagnosed with such and who have had extensive surgery, these patients don't want to hear it, heck!  I wouldn't want to either -- they don't want to admit it and they think most surgeons, psychiatrists or even friends are against them.  I am not saying this to sound like some sort of know-it-all or for it to sound as though I am not on your side if this pertains to you.  I am in fact going out on a limb here because this IS a very sensitive, yet important factor, of revision rhinoplasty.  I am only going to give you my honest opinions and observations, as well as proven statistics and articles written by respectable doctors. 

When I first began researching long ago with plastic surgery, in general, I noticed that the diagnosis of BDD was very common and, in my opinion, too often given with a prescription for medications as if it were candy.  I admit it, at first I was very disappointed with the psychiatric society, in general, passing out the BDD diagnosis in the same trend as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) until I realized that there was an increasing trend in plastic surgery with persons who were diagnosed with BDD or typical/nontypical clinical depressions.   ESPECIALLY rhinoplasty and dermatological treatments.  It's a fine line to walk, surely both sides fall and slip through the cracks on the other side during the journey.

It must be said that although it is difficult to diagnose BDD if you are not trained to recognize the symptoms, these individuals who are afflicted with such do slip through and onto the operating table and wind up becoming even more depressed and withdrawn from society after their secondary, tertiary revision surgeries.  The plastic surgeon, although not having gone through extensive training in psychiatry, becomes somewhat experienced in turning patients away who fit certain criteria or give a surgeon a bad feeling or red flag. 

I am not against those who have certain issues having surgery -- believe me! -- but it MUST be realized that surgery will not help those who are afflicted with these disorders.  It will not make you a different person, or make you more popular, get you more dates or make you a super model.  Many BDD patients are not in the mental state to recognize what is considered attractive by most or even by themselves.  They really don't know what they want but they know that they don't want to look like they presently do.  But if given the chance to have the exact result desired, the dysmorphia is still present and presents a problem in the healing stages.  The patient then becomes obsessed even further and convinced that he or she is ugly in general, not to mention unsatisfied with a result that is considered by most to be exemplary.

You may argue that it is the patient that must be satisfied with his or her result, and you are very right, they should be and that is what is truly important.  But if the patient does not KNOW what is attractive to them and will always be unsatisfied with the outcome it is very unhealthy.  If they are not capable of accepting a great outcome and see fault where there is none.  What then?

"BDD and secondary, tertiary, etc.  rhinoplasty is most often seen in males" according to Dr. Mark B. Constantian.  It has also been noted by The American Academy Of Cosmetic Surgery that 2% of cosmetic surgery patients have it.  That may seem low to you but of this 2% it is most often observed in rhinoplasty and liposuction/lipoplasty patients. When you do the math, that's  a lot of nose jobs.

This is in no way an attack on your person but a means with which to ask yourself if you are truly in possession of an unattractive nose or an outstanding one.  Please seek help or at least research this disorder even if you do NOT think you have it. It is good to read up on and you just may realize that you have more in common with some BDD patients than you'd think.  At the very least you could understand the pains that others who DO have BDD go through and perhaps help someone with your knowledge.  I do ask that you do NOT research BDD for the sole reason of fooling or tricking a plastic surgeon into thinking that you are normal and I use that term very loosely.  Of course we all have our different opinions and preferences for what is attractive however repeated dissatisfaction and obsessing is both unhealthy and dangerous, when we repeatedly hear that everything is fine and that we are imagining it -- it pays to listen sometimes.  Do yourself or someone you know a favor and know the warning signs before it's too late.

Suggested Reading on Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Online
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Tutorial

Books 

The Broken Mirror: Understanding and Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder  by Katharine Phillips, M.D. - click the book to buy or read excerpts review coming soon!

This book covers the male aspect of body dysmorphic disorder ranging from obsessive weightlifting to extreme dieting or supplementation.  Males are no different from females in their desire to look their best.  Due to the majority of porn targeted at men; for years it was thought image disorders were a thing only women were plagued by.  Wanting to look like Barbie or a centerfold seemed common for women.  Yet for men, seemed to detract from their masculinity.  This book helps show the side of the coin where it isn't how you FEEL about your masculinity that questions it somehow, but how you LOOK.  Many men feel that if their biceps are not hard as steel or their middles cut like a diamond, they somehow do not measure up.  Welcome to the world of what psychologists call the Adonis Complex hence the book's name.

I have come across so many men who feel they must look their best no matter what and CONSTANTLY worry what they eat or how they look and still walk around in sweats without showing an inch of abdominal flesh.  Many aren't hitting the gym for strength or jogging for great distances in the heat for cardiovascular health, they are striving to become an ideal which is unattainable.  Stop living this way, don't be a victim to your body.  Live, live well but healthily.  There is a happy medium, I assure you.

The Adonis Complex covers symptoms to look out for and offers understanding to the many men who are determined to have the body of a Roman God and will do almost anything to get there.  A definite read if you a male and in need of answers or have concerns which need to be quelled.  Male body dysmorphia is sometimes compared to anorexia nervosa and can be equally harmful.  Even if you do not feel that you have an image disorder, if you are active in the gym and are concerned with ideal body fat percentages perhaps you could look upon this book to help understand those you may come into contact with at your gym.  While there is nothing wrong with wanting to look our best or feeling better when we do look tanned and tone, putting ourselves into harms way or letting this desire take over our social life is unhealthy and should be addressed.

Appearance Obsession: Learning to Love the Way You Look   by Joni E. Johnston - click the book to buy or read excerpts I first must say that I believe beauty is relative.  This book is written by a clinical psychologist who was bombarded by family members nudging her towards perfection throughout childhood.  It saddens me to know that I know SO many women who feel the exact same way and I wonder truly how much the media does have to do with this all.  Is it not the consumers who buy the magazines which portray the waif-thin models?  After all aren't we supposed to be looking at the clothes and not the body?

We all know that there are two sides to every coin but we also know that society and even our own family members may show intentional, or unintentional, favoritism to those whose appearances shine.  And I don't mean from an oily T-zone.  I mean true beauty.  Everyone would be lying if they say that they don't feel better when they look their best than when they have gained a little (or more) weight, have a break out or have nothing to wear.   We have all been affected by how we look to ourselves and how others feel we look.  

Some may argue that this book is not for those who truly need to lose weight or have plastic surgery and that it is more for people who are attractive and are too "sick" to see it.  This is ludicrous, beauty is relative and that is just another ridiculous arm of society depicting what is more attractive than the other.  This book is helpful for ALL people in ALL walks of life which way be uncomfortable with the way they look.  It is about being unhappy or self conscious with the way you look, not how maybe you are a little over or underweight than the next person; it is about feeling the need to look good and realizing what can be changed healthily.

This book is a first person account of the author's pain growing up and realizing just exactly how events can trigger neuroses or lack of esteem, at a very young and impressionable age.  It contains questionnaires and surveys to determine your level of self esteem and just how much you are affected by media coverage of the beautiful.  Personally, I am a little tired of hearing that it is JUST the media's fault.  People know what is attractive to them, it isn't like we are THAT impressionable.  Nature takes precedence.  Read Nancy Etcoff's Survival of the Prettiest for a not so new look at what drives us to become attracted to those who are considered beautiful.

I still recommend Appearance Obsession; I like the way it is written and enjoy reading and comparing the author's experiences.  It contains helpful advice and offers support ion an seemingly individual level  Just don't allow yourself to use the media as a crutch for any lack of esteem you may have.  I think there are far more issues at stake to cause image problems, such as personal experiences, relationships or lack thereof, chemical imbalances and random incidents can all trigger low self esteem.

For more information on image disorders, see our special Body Dysmorphic Disorder section.

For more information on societal ideals and appearance, see our Ideal Beauty? section.

Online BDD Support Groups
We are not affiliated with the groups below but have provided the information for your convenience.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder eGroup (private):

Post message:	BodyDysmorphic@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe:	BodyDysmorphic-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe:	BodyDysmorphic-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner:	BodyDysmorphic-owner@yahoogroups.com

When to Have Surgery or Noninvasive Enhancement
Some surgeries can be performed at birth so since these infants can't read, maybe the parents will read this.  As far as the majority of these procedures they can be performed any time, except for rhinoplasty.  The nose houses sensitive growth receptors for the face and disrupting these receptors can really mess you up!  Surgeons try and restore the receptors in reconstruction should an accident occur but for simply cosmetic reasons they try and wait.  Usually rhinoplasty is performed at the earliest, 13 or 14 years of age in girls and 15 to 16 years of age in boys.  Reason being, and it is a known fact, girls physically mature faster than boys to and the collective goal is to perform surgery when at least 90% of the growth is complete.  Otoplasty can be performed anytime but it is usually done either in junior high or as an adult when the patient can afford surgery if his/her parents refused to. I can only hope that parents will allow their son or daughter this option, being called names like Dumbo, Mickey Mouse or Yoda is so messed up.  It really hurts, so if you are reading this think twice about calling someone names.  What comes around, goes around.

Acne treatment can be started as soon as it rears its wicked head.  A lot of young teens go on Accutane.  You MUST realize Accutane has serious possible side effects but has significantly helped many people.   For instance prolonged use can trigger Hyperotosis, which is excessive bone growth, as well as joint fusion and excessive, keloid-like scarring in the event of a dermal injury.  Discuss this with your dermatologist.  Accutane has helped many, many people but it is not without its side effects.

Collagen Replacement Therapy™ is approved for dermis defects so that when it is injected into acne scar depressions, your natural collagen is triggered and after a few sessions you may literally be "cured" of your scarring.  Although deeper scarring will require more invasive measures such as dermabrasion. Consult with a qualified surgeon or Dermatologist (for skin matters) regarding your options for cosmetic enhancement.

Personally I used Obagi Nu-Derm and Retin A Micro gel (Tretinoin) for my acne and acne hyperpigmentations/scars.  It truly worked!  I may plan on having the Obagi Blue Peel to further my results because I still have the left over scarring but it appears that just the Obagi and Tretinoin is working.  Remember to try the least invasive measure first.

Popular Procedures & Concerns For Teens
These procedures are very common and all are typical reconstruction or functional type surgeries.  Some may be cosmetic although they are not your standard procedures that adults get.  You will not see liposuction or breast implants here.  The most popular aesthetic concerns for teens in general are:

• Acne Treatment* (Try Our Acne & Acne Scar Support Forum)

• Acne Scar Removal*

• Asian Eyelid Crease Surgery (incision & non-incision) This procedure is especially popular in Asia.  This is a highly controversial matter in some areas and families.

• Birthmark removal surgery

• Blepharoplasty (correction of abnormally sagging or fatty eyelids which may impede vision)*

• BOTOX® for blepharospasm (nervous eye "ticks")*, and hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating)

• Breast Reduction*

• Buccal Fat Extraction (for "chubby" cheeks; although use with caution!! I don't recommend this for teens whatsoever due to facial fat loss as we age)

• Chin Augmentation (for very weak chins)

• Cleft Palate & Lip repair*

• Collagen Replacement Therapy™ for acne scars

• Cosmetic Dental & Orthodontics (braces, tooth whitening)*

• Craniofacial Defect correction*

• Dermabrasion* (acne scars)

• Eczema, Psoriasis, etc. treatments*

• Eyelid ptosis (aka blepharoptosis, saggy eyelids) treatment options include blepharoplasty and canthopexy* 

• Excessive hairgrowth removal (hypertrichosis is very rare)

• Facial Paralysis Correction and therapy*

• Facial Reconstruction*

• Freckle and Sun Damage Removal

• Gynecomastia (male breast reduction)*

• Hyper-pigmentation removal

• Inverted Nipple Correction

• Jaw Advancement or Augmentation (through genioplasty, maxillofacial and orthognathic surgery or orthodontics)*

• LASIK - (no glasses!)

• Lesion Removal (Wart and Mole removal; cryo-surgery)*

• Lip Augmentation (I truly suggest temporary devices and lip balms for younger teens. I don't suggest permanent procedures or even temporary injectables at a young age unless there is significant congenital malformation)

• Lip Reduction (more teens get this than you think)

• Microdermabrasion (for acne, light scarring, hyperpigmentation, etc) 

• Micropigmentation (lip asymmetries, missing eyebrows or those with various alopecia, scars, areolae repigmentation, Vitiligo etc.)

• Nasal Tiplasty (nasal tip refining of bulbous tips)

• Obagi NuDerm for Acne and Acne scar/hyperpigmentation removal

• Orthognathic Surgery (maxillofacial surgery)*

• Otoplasty (Ear Pinning, Ear lobe reduction, Microtia, Prominent ear, Cryptotia)

• Permanent Cosmetics (lip asymmetries, missing eyebrows for those with alopecia, also camouflages scars, simulates areolae, and can lessen the appearance of Vitiligo etc.)

• PhotoDerm (Intense Pulsed Light Therapy) for hyperpigmentations

• Polydactyly (extra fingers & toes)*

• Posture/Scoliosis Therapy* (try a back brace and yoga - it truly works!)

• Rhinoplasty (nasal refinement for large noses or "humps")

• Scar Revision (trauma-induced, Hypertrophic scar, Keloid*)

• Septoplasty (improves function of breathing and straightens the nose)*

• Strabismus (aka cock-eye)*

• Syndactyly (webbed fingers & toes)*

• Vascular Lesion Removal (Port wine stains, red nose, spider veins)*

*may be covered by insurance

Plus maintenance issues like:

• Skincare

• Cosmetics

• Haircare

• Weight Management (Please See Our Weightloss & Diet Support Forum)

• Exercise

• Diet & Nutrition

"Will My Friends Be Able to Tell?"
A big concern of many of you may be things like, will my friends be able to tell?  Will they care?  Will they make fun of me? etc.  You can either choose to tell them or not, quite frankly it is no one's business but you or your parents'.  Not everyone is so blatant and loud as I am about cosmetic surgery.  Here in California, nose casts aren't that big of a deal.  In high school it is quite the norm to have a Septoplasty/Rhinoplasty (nose job) during the school year much less over Summer vacation or for your graduation present.  Although the bruising of a Septoplasty/Rhinoplasty is pretty much gone in 8 to 10 days and the swelling will diminish over the next few weeks and quite frankly if you have the surgery over Summer vacation by the time you go back to school no one will ever know; unless of course the change is dramatic, like a jaw advancement, severe hump or prominent nose.  The definition following a rhinoplasty is so very gradual that not even most daily acquaintances will notice.  The only way to tell is to compare photos.  Besides a Septoplasty is more functional than a rhinoplasty, which is mostly for cosmetic applications.  Septoplasty is often covered by insurance and tell your friends you couldn't breathe and had to get it fixed.  It is a functional surgery, but these days I truly doubt they will care if you had anything cosmetic -- they will more than likely be jealous.

You can address the issue of having surgery early on as to not cause drama.  Or you can keep quiet and never let them in on it.  If they find out later, nip it in the bud and either tell them about it or let them know that you feel it is none of their business.  Sometimes hiding things often causes more curiosity though so be careful.  And never lie if it will be uncovered later.  It only makes you look guilty and ashamed.  Lying and not disclosing something are two different things.  Besides if they are your friends, why would they care, they just may have cosmetic concerns themselves.  Besides don't ever think that it is shallow or vain to care about what you look like.  Don't let anyone tell you different either, if that were so we would never brush our hair, put on makeup or shave.  Looking good makes us feel good, where's the shame in that?

"How Do I Ask My Parents?"
Bringing the issue up to your parents can't always be an easy thing.  Parents are always saying, "I love you for who you are" plus they don't see fault in their own children.  PLUS! They may be offended because your nose, ears, or chin is just like theirs and why on earth would you want to change that?!  They may feel insulted or become insecure, themselves, with your dislike of the family nose or jaw.   But you see, it's not your parents that have to deal with being teased at school about a prominent nose or ears.  It's not your parents who have to deal with cruel remarks about hormone induced cystic acne in class.  And if you are a parent reading this, listen to your children when they speak to you before you get mad at me for writing this section up.  They may be dropping hints about what they are insecure about or truly dislike about their appearance.  These years are difficult and peer acceptance is an important role in future development.  I know that aesthetics is not all what life is about, and that intelligence and personality is what truly matters.  Well I like to think that all of my visitors are already intelligent and nice so they can only benefit further, right?

Obviously I got a letter from an angry parent-type and they weren't too happy with the info in this section.  Well, I refuse to believe that a little TLC and "oh you look great the way you are" will make overly projecting ears, a very weak jaw or acne go away.  Remember, Mom & Dad, denial does not eradicate.  Please try to walk in your children's shoes for a moment.

Preparing For Your Surgery
You should be given a pre-operative information packet that explains everything you should do and know before your surgery date.  The packet should include a list of all the medications you should not take starting usually at 2 weeks before your surgery.  These medications will include, but are not limited to, aspirin containing products, stimulants, seratonin supplements, etc.  Would you like to view a typical Medication & Supplements List?  We have a printer-friendly version as well.  Also, if your surgeon advised that you may take Arnica montana, Bromelain, etc. for swelling and bruising you should either have this in your packet or begin shopping for your necessities.  Also PLEASE if you smoke, STOP before your surgery and stay quit.  I mean that.  Smoking increases your chances of tissue necrosis (cell death) and impedes your body's ability to heal.  I am not saying this to hear my self *talk* or to lecture.  I had to quit before my first surgery and it is BAD news if you do not. Besides my skin improved remarkably afterwards.  I implore you, please quit.

No drugs either!!  No ephedra, no herbal ecstasy, no any type of herbal speed or diet pills or drinking for 2 weeks before surgery and several afterwards.  Please ask your surgeon before you resume anything from aspirin to diet pills. This is important as you can have a major reaction with the anesthesia and die, during AND afterwards as your body purges the anesthesia medications.

It is quite possible that you will have preliminary blood work performed.  This is normally an extra out-of-pocket expense (about $75.US) that the patient must participate in to check your white and red blood cell count (complete blood count, CBC) which ultimately alerts your surgeon to disease or disorders beforehand.  If you are a female they may take an extra vial for a pregnancy test.  Some surgeons ask that you have physical.  This can be yet another out of pocket expense so ask at your consultation what will be needed when you are quoted a price.

So many things to do... so little time.  Surgery will be here before you know it so visit the Preparing For Surgery page and relax.  This section contains, printer-friendly pre-op lists, tips and advice as well as things you must do to prepare for your big day.

The Road to Recovery
Should you choose to undergo a procedure or treatment, you must realize it isn't a haircut.  There are pains, bruising, swelling and/or side effects as well as risks and complications.  I have included every bit of information to my knowledge on how it is to recover from the different procedures or what to expect while undergoing a treatment.  I have also added tips and products with which to make your recovery period as smooth as possible. Just remember if anything is of a concern or you feel as if something just isn't right, contact your surgeon or dermatologist immediately.  If you do not see information about a procedure, believe me I am currently working on it. If you see anything that needs to be added or a story you have to offer please Email me and do so.

Risks of Cosmetic Surgery & Noninvasive Procedures
All surgery has risks and even acne treatment has its own cautions.  Please read each and every bit of info. you can find on a subject (unless it's redundant) before deciding if it is worth it to you or not.  I have included every risk to my knowledge of every procedure within the pages of this website, including infections,  revision surgery and hematoma (pooling of blood) and much more. And if you see a procedure not on the list, or no info of a procedure that IS listed, rest assured I am working on it.

Please discuss with your surgeon, the risks and complications and if he fails to mention any risks, run! don't walk from his office.  Please read the Consultation Help Page which has a printable list of information to find a great surgeon plus questions to ask your surgeon once you do find him.  This is very important!  Complications do arrive and one must be fully prepared in the event of a negative reaction or result.  Good Luck!

In Conclusion...
Don't think for a minute that if you are attractive the world will fall at your feet.  The shallow and ignorant may, but truly there is much more to life than looks.  So keep this in mind.  Although your priorities will change as you mature (I never thought they would, but alas they did), don't feel guilty about looking your best.  As long as you continue to improve yourself on the inside, improving your outside is perfectly fine.

The Least You Need To Know

• Cosmetic surgery will not make you a different person, you will still be you no matter what.

• Cosmetic surgery also won't make people like you and it won't make you popular in school.

• Although, aesthetics can play a significant role in society it will only get you so far. Stay in school, strive to learn and better yourself from within --  beauty can be bought later.

• Your parents may not understand your concerns so let them know either by taking them aside and confiding in them or lightly by dropping hints and then running it by their attention fully.

• There are downsides to everything so be aware of the complications and risks regarding cosmetic surgery or other treatments like Accutane.

• If someone truly judges you by your looks or clothes, they are truly not worth knowing and they will get theirs one day.  Every dog has its day.

• Realize also that high school isn't forever, it certainly feels like it but it isn't. When you look back although there may be some painful memories do know that you will move on, you will be able to make your own decisions and you will be respected one day for what you do, not what you look like. Besides adults have this secret weapon they use called harassment law suits. LOL!

• Knowledge is power, after researching you may realize you don't need a procedure but may need a few pointers on wardrobe colors or other types of image consulting. 

• Parents! Listen to your teens! - listen to what may be bothering them. Ask them why they wish to have a particular procedure. If you notice your child/pre-teen/teen having a bad day after school or seem to cover certain areas of their body with the way they stand or hide behind their hair; ask them why?  And please don't close your mind to technology. Put yourself in their shoes and realize that their peers may be giving them a very difficult time regarding a particular feature. Sometimes that is where the insecurity begins. You accept them with open arms, why not listen to them with them with open ears

Related Links (all links leading outside the site launch a new window)
Accutane Information Provided by the FDA
On the Teen Scene: Eating Disorders  
Body Dysmorphic Disorder - YTF! 
YTF! Acne Support Forum 

References
Jacobson WE, et al.  Psychiatric evaluation of male patients seeking cosmetic surgery.  Plast Reconstr Surg, 26:356, 1990
Phillips KA, et al.  body dysmorphic disorder.  Am J Psychiatry 148:1, 1991.
Pertschuk M.  Psychosocial considerations in plastic surgery.  Clin Plast Surg   18:11, 1991
Tardy, ME.  Rhinoplasty:  The Art and Science, Volume II, Saunders press, 1997
Goin M, Rees T, Plast Surgery, 27:3, 1991 
Constantian, MB: Identify BDD patients prior to rhinoplasty; Cosmetic Surgery Times, pp21-22, June 2001
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (also known as DSM-IV)
Ralph S. Albertini, M.D. and Katharine A. Phillips, M.D.; The Broken Mirror - Brown University Medical College
Harrison G. Pope Jr., MD; Katharine A. Phillips, MD; Roberto Olivardia, PhD; The Adonis Complex : The Secret Crisis of Male Body Obsession
Joni E. Johnston; Appearance Obsession : Learning to Love the Way You Look
Excerpts from this page published in Teen Decisions: Body Image (The Gale Group; Thomson-Gale, Greenhaven Press 2002)

home | facial procedures | body procedures | surgeon info | consultation info | surgery preparation
photo gallery | FAQ | message boards | chat | just for fun | plastic surgery news | miscellaneous | links

Are you lost? View Site Index

Yes They're Fake! Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Beauty Network
Copyright © 1999-2006 Enhancement Media, All rights reserved.
Please read our Usage Agreement 
This page was last updated: 04/07/2006