The number of teens who have plastic surgery has increased dramatically in the past five years.
In 2005, over 333,000 adolescents age 18 and under had a cosmetic procedure.
Many experts estimate that the reason is because the pressure on teens to look or act a certain way is higher than ever - and, plastic surgery is becoming more accepted with every passing year.
Although many of the 333,000 procedures were non-surgical, such as laser hair removal or chemical peels, one of the most popular surgical procedures was breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure used to change the size and shape of breasts.
The surgical techniques used to achieve this include inserting a breast implant of pre-determined size above or below the chest muscle.
The implant is usually inserted through an incision under the breast, around the areola, through the armpit or through the belly button.
After the procedure, the breasts are larger and fuller and many patients report that they look better in clothes, have increased self-confidence and feel more desirable.
The FDA has approved breast augmentation for any woman age 18 or higher, but there are important factors to consider before a teen should opt for breast augmentation.
The most important factor is that breast development can continue until the early 20s, so an 18-year-old's breasts could become larger after the surgery takes place.
Another factor that should be considered is that a teen's body image tends to improve the older he or she gets.
So, the ideal teenage candidate for breast augmentation is someone who has realistic expectations of the results, understands that her body may still change after the surgery and is in good mental and physical health.
"Although breast augmentation is a common and safe cosmetic procedure, it is important that teens understand the potential long-term impact of their decision," explains Dr.
Robert V.
Mandraccia, a renowned plastic surgeon from Fort Myers, Florida.
"I only recommend breast augmentation for emotionally mature and physically healthy teens.
As part of the consultation process, I advise teens to do a lot of their own research, talk with their parents about the risks and benefits and talk honestly with me about the factors behind what drove their decision.
" While every surgical procedure carries risks, it is especially important for teens to understand what these risks are before opting for breast augmentation surgery.
Some of the most common complications include bleeding, infection, scarring, rupture and capsular contracture (scar tissue that can form and harden around the implant).
In 2005, over 333,000 adolescents age 18 and under had a cosmetic procedure.
Many experts estimate that the reason is because the pressure on teens to look or act a certain way is higher than ever - and, plastic surgery is becoming more accepted with every passing year.
Although many of the 333,000 procedures were non-surgical, such as laser hair removal or chemical peels, one of the most popular surgical procedures was breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure used to change the size and shape of breasts.
The surgical techniques used to achieve this include inserting a breast implant of pre-determined size above or below the chest muscle.
The implant is usually inserted through an incision under the breast, around the areola, through the armpit or through the belly button.
After the procedure, the breasts are larger and fuller and many patients report that they look better in clothes, have increased self-confidence and feel more desirable.
The FDA has approved breast augmentation for any woman age 18 or higher, but there are important factors to consider before a teen should opt for breast augmentation.
The most important factor is that breast development can continue until the early 20s, so an 18-year-old's breasts could become larger after the surgery takes place.
Another factor that should be considered is that a teen's body image tends to improve the older he or she gets.
So, the ideal teenage candidate for breast augmentation is someone who has realistic expectations of the results, understands that her body may still change after the surgery and is in good mental and physical health.
"Although breast augmentation is a common and safe cosmetic procedure, it is important that teens understand the potential long-term impact of their decision," explains Dr.
Robert V.
Mandraccia, a renowned plastic surgeon from Fort Myers, Florida.
"I only recommend breast augmentation for emotionally mature and physically healthy teens.
As part of the consultation process, I advise teens to do a lot of their own research, talk with their parents about the risks and benefits and talk honestly with me about the factors behind what drove their decision.
" While every surgical procedure carries risks, it is especially important for teens to understand what these risks are before opting for breast augmentation surgery.
Some of the most common complications include bleeding, infection, scarring, rupture and capsular contracture (scar tissue that can form and harden around the implant).
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