At what age can I get cosmetic surgery?

Patients can receive cosmetic surgery at any age. However, doctors hesitate to perform most of the procedures to young patients, until they are mature enough physically and mentally to decide on the merits of the procedures. A patient can only give consent to cosmetic surgery when they have attained 18 years of age. Any patient below the age of 18 must receive consent from a parent or guardian.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), does not give an age limit, however, it cautions that one’s body must have undergone certain physical changes, and attained a certain growth level before undergoing plastic surgery. The physical changes start at the onset of teenage or earlier up to18-21 years of age. The age bracket determines the appropriate procedure, for example, one cannot have a breast procedure until the breasts develop fully, which is at around 19-21 years or rhinoplasty until after the face develops fully; the appropriate age is at 13-14 years for girls and 14-15 for boys.

Individuals develop at different rates, thus the surgeon has to evaluate a patient’s growth rate to determine if the body is mature enough for the specific procedure. Children and adults must receive pediatric and physical exam clearance respectively before cosmetic surgery.

The ASPS advises that one must consent to the procedure and understand the implications of plastic surgery. Parents should advise children against plastic surgery and help them develop socially; this also helps boost their esteems.

If a child suffers from low self-esteem and social withdrawal because of their physical appearance or flaw, then a doctor may recommend cosmetic surgery accompanied by psychological counseling to help the individual. Such procedures, however, should be administered only as a last resolute to avoid exposing children to the risks of cosmetic surgery earlier. Timely cosmetic surgery on children who consider themselves ugly or suffer from extreme low self-esteem reduces chances of destructive behavior such as eating disorders.

Psychologists advise one to think through before surgery and only consent to cosmetic surgery if necessary. After a certain period of time, most people who preferred surgery in their teenage change their minds. It is therefore necessary to wait until one is old enough as the changes made are permanent. One should avoid starting early on procedures that require repeat treatments such as juvederm as they cost you more and expose you to risks of surgery at an early age.