Why are Younger People Seeking Out Plastic Surgery These Days?

Why are younger people seeking out plastic surgery

these days?

With the surge of social media and the selfie culture, more and more younger people are seeking out plastic surgery in hopes of changing their appearance. HEALTH meets with Dr. Faisal Ameer, Consultant & Head, Division of Plastic Surgery and Clinical Assistant Professor who reveals the facts about this growing phenomena.

THE UNDERLYING REASONS AND THE ROLE OF PARENTS

In an age of selfies and constant social media sharing, a growing number of teenagers are undergoing plastic surgery to alter their appearance, says Dr. Ameer. “Currently, teenagers account for about four percent of all cosmetic surgery procedures, with the most common procedures among teens being nose reshaping, male breast reduction and ear surgery,” he says, adding that adolescents also account for a small percentage of total non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as laser hair removal, skin resurfacing, and Botox injections. Regarding the role of the parents, he strongly suggests that it is never advisable for a parent to suggest plastic surgery. “The idea has to come from the teen,” he explains, as the parents may project their own experiences and want to protect their children from emotional harm. Also, parents must not openly reject a child’s request for a procedure as the child might be a subject of bullying and ridicule.

THE LINK TO SOCIAL MEDIA

According to Dr. Ameer, today’s social media-obsessed culture has contributed dramatically to a rise in plastic surgery. “That being said, teenagers seek plastic surgery for a variety of reasons, ranging from addressing a health need to fixing a feature that has made them susceptible to bullying,” he says. “Teens tend to have plastic surgery to fit in with peers and to look similar. Adults, he adds, on the other hand, tend to have plastic surgery to standout from others. “One reason many teens cite is that young people can be cruel, whether intentionally or not,” he explains, and a constant barrage of cruel remarks often drives teens to take surgical action.

UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS IN THIS AGE GROUP

For the majority of teens seeking out plastic surgery at a young age, Dr. Ameer says that expectations are unrealistic. He elaborates, “Most of the information teens have about plastic surgery is sometimes only from social media and movies, which is not always true. Not every teenager seeking plastic surgery is well suited for an operation.” Teens must demonstrate emotional maturity and an understanding of the limitations of plastic surgery. Teens should have realistic expectations about plastic surgery and what it can do for them, he says. “In addition, certain milestones in growth and physical maturity must be achieved before undergoing plastic surgery.”

THE BIG QUESTION

The big question remains:

‘is there a right age for plastic surgery?’ According to Dr. Ameer, guidelines for the most popular plastic surgery procedures in young individuals are as follows:

Rhinoplasty: In children and teens with significant nasal deformities, he explains that nose reshaping may be recommended. “It is recommended that surgery not be performed until nasal growth is completed – typically age 15 to 16 in females and age 16 to 18 in males,” he says, but in some situations, such as a child with a cleft lip, a rhinoplasty may be performed at a younger age.

Breast reduction: To alleviate back and neck pain, a breast reduction is commonly performed on teen girls; however, Dr. Ameer points out that it’s important to ensure that surgery is performed after the patient has completed breast development, which typically occurs between 12 and 19 years of age.

Gynecomastia surgery: Breast enlargement can be a temporary problem in adolescent boys, but is sometimes treated by male breast reduction if it has not resolved in the early teen years, he says.

Otoplasty: Surgery to correct ear deformities can be performed as young as age five, as this is when the ear is almost fully grown.

Liposuction: Unless performed as part of a breast reduction surgery, Dr.Ameer advises that it is not recommended that a teenager undergo liposuction.

Breast augmentation:

Candidates with uncommon chest deformities or congenital breast asymmetry are generally the only cases in which breast augmentation is appropriate for a teenager. “In routine cases, it is not recommended to perform silicone breast augmentation in patients younger than 18 years of age.”

KNOWING THE RISKS BEFORE THE SURGERY

Teens frequently gain self-esteem and confidence when their physical problems are corrected. However, Dr. Ameer adds that plastic surgery, like any other surgery, has its own set of risk factors. “In addition to procedure specific risk factors, teenagers must also understand, that during recovery, they might experience discomfort and temporary bruising and swelling resulting from a surgical procedure.”

FINAL ADVICE FOR TEENS PONDERING PLASTIC SURGERY

Teenagers and parents must keep in mind that plastic surgery is real surgery, with great benefits, but also carries some risks. The young person must appreciate both the benefits and limitations of plastic surgery, avoiding unrealistic expectations about life changes that will occur as a result of the procedure.

It is important to determine whether or not these patients are requesting surgery to satisfy their own interest or to meet the expectations of someone else, for example; a parent or friend.

Any patient who is considering a plastic surgery procedure should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.H

QUADRI PHARMA

QUADRI PHARMA is a pharmaceutical business organization that was originally established in Egypt back in 1994. The organization was setup with the goal to provide professional and reliable technical services to principals while covering: registration, marketing & distribution of products in total compliance to local and international regulatory standards.

OUR STORY In 2002, Quadri Pharma was introduced to the United Arab Emirates market transferring the success outside Egypt to serve the regional demands. Quadri Pharmaceuticals Store LLC, with offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, offers quality products and services that includes but not limited to (Fertility, Life Science and Maintenance, Medical Projects, Medical Supplies, Nutraceuticals and Pharmaceuticals).

VISION, MISSION & VALUES Vision: To be recognized as an innovative leading service provider to the healthcare sector both locally & regionally.

Mission: We aim to provide high quality products & solutions that can be of a true value to the healthcare sector.

Values: Agility, Integrity, People Empowerment & Transparency.

OUR PRODUCTS

Proxeed fertility supplements complement a healthy lifestyle and diet which is recommended by fertility specialists in more than 40 different countries. Support erectile function and sexual desire.

Inhixa is 1st enoxaparin sodium biosimilar approved by EMA.

Delictase reduces the lactose content in the milk, breaking down lactose into two simple sugars (glucose and galactose), which can then be easily digested and absorbed by the intestine.

Wide range of wound treatment solutions.