Should Teens have Cosmetic Surgery? Ask Dr. Brian Evans

1. Should Teens have Cosmetic Surgery? Ask Dr. Brian Evans Being a teen is hard, especially when you’re bombarded by unhealthy photoshopped role models. It seems that cosmetic surgery among teens is becoming an unhealthy obsession driven by the need to fit in, not only with peers, but with an unrealistic image of beauty. Its sad when instead of learning to build confidence in yourself you would elect to go under the knife. As so many case studies have proven time and time again, changing your appearance doesn’t solve emotional problems (like feeling accepted or more desirable). For this reason cosmetic surgeons will often interview you before accepting you as a patient. The surgeon is going to look for the following: Do you absolutely have to have it? Do have all the facts to make a rational decision? What is your general mental or emotional well being? Do you have a realistic understanding of the surgery/ what the surgery will involve? Cosmetic surgery is just that... Surgery. Which means that you’ll be put under and cut open. It may sound harsh but it is important to realize that plastic surgery is still a medical procedure full of recovery pain, potential for complication and risks. When you add all the time, stress and recovery factors together it may be too much for some people to handle. Preparation and research are key to the success of the surgery. There are certain age considerations to take into account. There are procedures such as rhinoplasty that can only be preformed once the body has matured and the nose has fully formed. This can vary from person to person and is typically different for men and women. It is not uncommon for a cosmetic surgeon to deny surgery for this reason. Along with physical restrictions there are also age restrictions by law for breast implants and augmentation that vary from place to place, with the exception of special circumstance (such as a dramatic imbalance in the size of the breast, or complete lack of development. Such case are screened per person basis) or reconstructive procedures.

2. Something to think about: Keep in mind that every single person at some point (if not for the majority) of their teenage years has either hated or been extremely self conscience about themselves or an aspect of their body. It is a natural part of maturing. As time goes on and we grown into ourselves, we become happier and more confident in our skin. Cosmetic surgery should never be a way to make you feel like you’ll fit in better, as it is not the right answer. When you’re young the body is undergoing too many changes and so much growth, that what seem too big or small will in all likelihood look perfectly balanced when you stop growing. As a final thought, you should really step back and ask yourself: do I really need surgery? Or would eating right and working out solve the problem? There are way too many kids that are.... this may seem harsh....lazy. Why on earth would anyone want to undergo dangerous surgery that will impact the rest of their life when the same results can be achieved naturally? This applies to more than just losing weight, there are many natural and proven methods to improve certain physical aspects. Do some research and try everything you can before resorting to surgery. When you feel attractive because you have self esteem it comes across. Dr. Brian Evans is a plastic surgeon in West Hills, California and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center and San Joaquin Community Hospital. Call today to schedule your consultation with Brian Evans MD. He has assembled a team of plastic surgeons and skin care specialists to perform cosmetic procedures in Thousand Oaks to provide patients with comprehensive aesthetic care. Don’t wait; call our office at (818) 676-4001or visit here: http://www.drbrianevansplasticsurgery.com