Plastic Surgery Issues & Benefits for Teens

Chicago, Illinois

Teens are at a very difficult time in their development, and physical flaws that make a teen stand out among peers can be very detrimental to a fragile psyche. Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Placik will provide you with all of the information needed to make an informed decision as to whether or not teen cosmetic surgery is appropriate.

Self esteem and self-confidence in teens depend heavily on appearances and popularity. If teens are consistently picked on or left out of activities because of some flaw that they have no control over, it can scar them mentally for life, in some cases.

Kids can be and often are very cruel to one another. Without considering consequences, they will point out the physical differences in someone else. The result is that the picked on teen usually becomes withdrawn and anti-social to avoid further ridicule.

Teens often wish to have cosmetic surgery for the following reasons:

• Protruding ears
• Misshapen nose
• Asymmetrical breasts (the breasts are mismatched in size or shape)
• Overly large breasts
• Severe scars
• Severe acne

What makes a teen a good candidate for cosmetic surgery?

There are a few factors that must be considered when deciding whether or not a teen is an appropriate candidate to undergo a plastic surgery procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic surgeons (ASPS), the teen must demonstrate a good amount of emotional maturity, as well as the understanding that cosmetic surgery has realistic limitations as to what it can do. It is also important that the teen has reached certain points in physical maturity. Details of these requirements should be discussed in depth with Dr. Placik before deciding to go forward with any prospective surgery.

Plastic surgery can help a teen with an emotionally debilitating physical flaw, but it is important to realize that it is a surgical procedure, and like any other surgery it carries the risks of possibly serious complications. The teen should have realistic expectations about the outcome of his or her surgery before it is performed.

In cases where the surgery will improve a condition or alleviate a medical problem, some insurance carriers will agree to pay for at least a portion of the cost for the surgery.

When to seek the advice of a qualified plastic surgeon

• The teen has realistic goals.
• The teen has reached the required level of maturity both physically and mentally.
• The teen has initiated the request for plastic surgery.

There are many procedures available to teens that are qualified to undergo cosmetic surgery. Which surgeries and treatments are most appropriate should be discussed with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Contact Chicago Plastic Surgeon Dr. Placik and the caring staff at his Chicago practice today to schedule a consultation.