The 5 types of plastic surgeries most popular among teenagers

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 66,347 teenagers between ages thirteen through nineteen underwent plastic surgery in 2016. These surgeries were mostly conducted to fix a problem, improve a physical characteristic or to look similar to their peers. These are the 5 most popular types of plastic surgeries sought by teens in 2016.

1. Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)

By far the most common plastic surgery, 31,255 teenagers had their nose reshaped in 2016. This is 50% of all plastic surgeries performed on teenagers. This procedure is normally performed on 15 to 16-year –old girls and 16 to 17-year-old boys because their nose has reached its maximum growth. This procedure corrects a crooked bridge, hump on the nose, tip reshaping or closed breathing passageways.

2. Breast augmentation (augmentation mammaplasty)

Teenage breast augmentation is usually due to a condition called breast asymmetry where one breast is at least one full cup size larger than the other. By inserting an implant into the smaller breast, the smaller breast is enlarged to equal the size of the larger one.

Breast augmentation was performed on 8,076 teenagers aged eighteen and nineteen in 2016. Saline breast implants are FDA approved for women over seventeen while the silicone breast implants are approved for women over twenty-one.

3. Breast reduction in boys (gynecomastia)

The third most common plastic surgery procedure is breast reduction in boys. This procedure was performed on 7, 089 teenage boys in 2016. Side effects of medication, cancer of the pituitary gland, drug abuse and thyroid disorders may cause gynecomastia. The cause in teenage boys is usually due to a hormone imbalance. Abnormally high estrogen levels causes breasts to grow. The patient needs to be vigilant in working with a plastic surgeon to help determine if their condition will resolve itself once puberty is over.

4. Ear surgery (otoplasty)

Ear surgery or otoplastym, the fourth most performed plastic surgeon on teenagers, was performed 6,688 times in 2016. This surgery corrects protruding ears by pinning them back. Patients over age five are eligible for this safe procedure.

5. Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion was performed on 3,847 teenagers in 2016 in an effort to diminish the appearance of acne scars. Plastic surgeons may also prescribe medications to reduce future acne breakouts.

Parents should play an active role in determining if the teenager is physically and emotional mature enough to make a decision to undergo surgery and help to ensure the outcome is rewarding. Successful outcomes can be expected if the teenager repeatedly expresses the desire to have plastic surgery and their expectations are reasonable and realistic.