subject: Is Underage Liposuction A Problem? [print this page] As more celebrities undergo various nip and tuck procedures, the audiences that follow their lives also start to consider these methods. Celebrities often have a large influence on the choices of young people and this reflects in an added number of underage patients asking for liposuction and other cosmetic surgeries.
While it's probably harmless to allow teenagers' choices of cosmetics or clothing be influenced by celebrities and their choices, it's probably not okay to let them be examples for how to treat your body.
Interestingly enough, there is no age requirement to undergo lipectomy at this time. In November of 2006, a young, obese, twelve-year-old underwent lipoplasty and sparked the debate over how young is too young for this type of surgery?
Most surgeons hold seventeen or eighteen as personal standard for anyone wishing to have this sort of surgery done. The claim for this is the possibility of serious underlying psychiatric problems like body morphic disorder that no amount of physical procedures will fix. If any minors go in to discuss the possibility of surgery with a doctor, this doctor will probably recommend psychiatric treatment of any perceived condition that may affect the patient's expectations and almost all doctors require parental approval.
Underage patients who claim to need or want liposuction often suffer from serious body issues and/or are looking for a quick fix to solve their weight problems rather than dedicate them to living a healthy lifestyle. One source states, "Personally, I think this sends absolutely the wrong message to teens -- you don't have to take responsibility for your decisions, we can bail you out with a quick fix." Surgery is never a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
Although many sources speak out against performing cosmetic surgeries on underage patients, not many point out serious risks involved. Although there is always a risk of infection or complication with any surgical patient, underage patients may have added chances of complication if their bodies are not yet fully adjusted to adulthood. These risks could prove dangerous but the possibility remains that these risks are not any worse than the chances of infection shown in adult patients. One source is quoted saying, "True, no one knows what effect this may have on puberty and development, but we will never know without trying. From what we do know, my guess is that the long-term benefits of health and social development will outweigh the risk."
As of yet, there are no age limits to liposuction. However, until proof can be given that the risks are not as high as the medical community thinks, doctors will still ask for counseling and a parent's permission before performing any surgery. This is probably the safest option.
