As the mass media continues to bombard today’s youth with images of airbrushed, unrealistic beauty, more and more teens are looking for a solution to those “growing pains” through cosmetic surgery. Through such outlets as “reality” television and the numerous teen publications, America’s teenagers are seeking not only procedures such as breast augmentation or liposuction, but typical “baby-boomer” procedures such as injectables for wrinkle prevention. Therefore, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery continues to offer a cautionary position to not only parents, but to the teens seeking these procedures as well.
“Cosmetic surgery is a serious step in a person’s life and one not to be taken lightly” says AACS Trustee Edward Lack, MD. “Teens need to give their bodies time to grow and adjust. What you may not like now, may change before you know it. Furthermore, teens are often looking for acceptance through any means possible; however, to assume that cosmetic surgery is the best means is simply wrong.”
“There are a few select instances, including rhinoplasty, otoplasty or gynecomastia where cosmetic surgery is worthy of discussion; however, there are little or no instances where the cosmetic use of injectables are acceptable for a young teens,” said AACS Past President Clark O. Taylor, MD, DDS.
It is the position of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery that parents and teenagers should continue to discuss all aspects of cosmetic surgery with the proper medical professionals before making an educated decision.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery is a professional medical society whose members are dedicated to patient safety and physician education in cosmetic surgery. Most members of the AACS are dermatologic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, general surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, or ocular plastic surgeons – all of whom specialize in cosmetic surgery. AACS is an organization that represents a group of cosmetic surgeons in the American Medical Association through its seat in the AMA House of Delegates.
© 2005 HealthNewsDigest.com