Age Appropriate Plastic Surgery: Breast Reduction
Generally, most plastic surgery patients are 18 and older. However, there are some specific circumstances for a young female to qualify for a breast reduction prior to becoming an adult. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) provide important questions for parents and plastic surgeons to ask before deciding weather a child or teen is a good candidate for plastic surgery. Some of these questions include:
Q: Who desires the plastic surgery?
A: Plastic Surgery should be solely for the patient. The patient may be influenced by parents, friends, boyfriend, girlfriend, or peers, but should not be forced into surgery. These people make for a great support system before, during, and after surgery, but should not be initiating the reason for having surgery. The teen must be 100 percent committed and comfortable to undergo breast reduction surgery.
Q: Is your child realistic about the benefits of the surgery?
A: If your teenager experiences a low self esteem, the teen may think plastic surgery will change their life. They may imagine this new look will bring a new set of friends and more social opportunity. While the procedure may bring about positive changes in self-esteem, teen plastic surgery does not guarantee a fairy-tale ending. Teens who are seeking plastic surgery to acquire more friends should not resort to plastic surgery. They should try other ways to be involved such as community services, volunteer work and school events. However, specifically for a female seeking breast reduction surgery, it may help the patient be involved in sports more comfortably once the excess breast tissue is removed. In that case, a breast reduction may be a positive option for a young lady.
Q: Can your teen handle the recovery and healing process?
A: The recovery and healing process can be uncomfortable. It will need to be timed appropriately around school vacations, and they may not be able to enjoy their time off. For most plastic surgery, the initial healing process is about 6 weeks and final results may take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. It is important that the teen is physically and mentally prepared for their procedure.
Contact the office of Las Vegas, NV Board Certified Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Alexander, for more detailed information to help decide if your teen would be a candidate for breast reduction surgery.