We know that plastic su
rgery is growing in popularity all over the world, for both sexes and all ages but an interesting recent trend is that more and more high school graduates are getting plastic surgery procedures as gifts. It perhaps should not really come as a surprise in our beauty and celebrity obsessed culture that young people are more frequently asking to get their nose done or their breasts enlarged instead of for their first car or a vacation with their friends after they graduate.
“I’m not shocked completely because there’s a growing trend for plastic surgery in all age ranges,” said plastic surgeon Jennifer Walden. “And basically, with teenagers getting plastic surgery, it kind of goes along with plastic surgery being more accessible, pervasive in our media.”
As they are young and do not yet need the services of a plastic surgeon to fight the signs or symptoms of aging, for teenagers the most popular procedures include:
- Rhinoplasty
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
- Liposuction
As they are young it is crucial that teenagers are emotionally ready for a permanent change in their body after undergoing surgery. They need to fully understand the implications and seriousness of surgery. In addition, they need to carefully discuss the decision with their parents who should be in agreement and supportive.
It is not a decision to be taken lightly by anyone but for a teenager the change really will last a lifetime so they need to be in full possession of the facts and know it is the right decision for them. There are also practical considerations, like not being able to participate in normal activities in the period following surgery.
“They should’ve researched the procedures out and be able to take the time off of sports, camps, any type of summer school they may be doing to recover from these procedures so they don’t end up with a complication,” said Walden.
Tips for recovery
- Teens need four weeks off sport activities
- They must take off six weeks for contact sports, such as football
- Use sunblock for those sun-exposed areas
- Some good rest and relaxation


