Teen Cosmetic Surgery: The Case for Parental Consent

Introduction

In today's contemporary society, cosmetic surgery is more popular than ever. Studies including those by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons suggest an increasing number of teenagers and young adults are seeking cosmetic surgery to enhance or change their figure or parts of their body. Many people are opposed to this trend, arguing that teenagers should not have the choice to pursue cosmetic surgery. This paper argues that teenagers should have access to elective cosmetic surgery when they have their parents' permission, as parents are more likely to understand the potential side effects of surgery and to help the patient make a secure, well-considered decision. Patients who do not have parental consent should not have the option of cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic surgery may undoubtedly benefit patients' interpersonal relationships and self-esteem, which ultimately leads to a better quality of life. This is especially true when the patient suffers from a birth defect or other abnormality that affects their appearance. However, cosmetic surgery is not something to be taken lightly, as for many it can prove very damaging and have long-lasting side effects. Adults undergoing surgery are more likely to make wise decisions because their brains are fully matured and because their bodies have stopped growing.

Risks and Concerns About Teen Cosmetic Surgery

Opponents of teenage plastic surgery suggest it is not moral or ethical to perform surgery on someone under age 25 whose brain and other vital organs have not fully matured (Blum, 2003). Opponents also note that many teenagers are unable to articulate their exact needs, which can lead to "gross over or under correction and negligence" that permanently scars a patient for life (Blum, 35). There are accounts of young women who visit negligent plastic surgeons who take a patient's money and perform one or more procedures that may leave the patient disfigured. This forces the teenager to seek help from another surgeon offering a "fix" for the previous wrongdoings, which ultimately results in further scarring (Blum, 36).

Opponents also note that teenagers often visit cheaper plastic surgeons who may not uphold the highest standards of clinical care. Still others (Allen, 1997) note that younger adults are more prone to asking a surgeon to perform complex procedures because they want to resemble young "Hollywood" stars who are regularly made up by professional makeup artists to conceal any perceived flaws the camera might capture. This gives young teenagers — women especially — poor body image that may drive them to seek a plastic surgeon for a quick "fix" (Adams, 5).

Nichols and Good (2004) note that the media and those involved in capitalism often do not concern themselves with the well-being of the individual; rather, they focus on the financial gain realized by targeting young consumers. It is no surprise that the media is interested in targeting young people with the financial means to purchase whatever they desire, including a more "perfect" appearance (Nichols & Good, 30). The influence of body image messaging in popular media is therefore a significant contextual factor in understanding why teenagers seek elective procedures.

Legitimate Benefits and Medical Necessity

It is important to note, however, that when handled appropriately, cosmetic surgery — even for teenagers — can prove remarkably beneficial. Plastic surgeons do much more than breast augmentations and nose jobs, after all. Many teenagers suffer from congenital problems that require correction; in such cases they should have the ability to seek quality care if they so desire, whether the procedure is elective or medically necessary (Milner, 42).

Young adults, especially teens, are often more vulnerable and suffer from the teasing and taunting of their peers. As Milner (2004) notes, it is increasingly difficult for children to socialize with what many would call the "cool kids," and much easier for teens to find themselves among the "freaks and geeks" — a label that may apply to any teen because of their attitude, personality, features, appearance, or other external factors (Milner, 30). The reality, however, is that many teens are capable of making smart and independent decisions without the risk of cosmetic addiction. This can be achieved through the implementation of a national policy that prohibits surgeons from operating on teenagers without parental consent (Milner, 2004; Apple, 1995; Arnstine, 1987). While it may appear that our culture is concerned only with capitalism and economic surplus (Bell, 1975), there are many genuine reasons why young teenagers seek surgery.

Conclusion

Bell, Daniel. The Cultural Contradictions of Capitalism. New York: Basic Books, 1975.

Blum, Virginia L. Flesh Wounds: The Culture of Cosmetic Surgery. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2003.

Blum, Virginia L. "Becoming the Other Woman: The Psychic Drama of Cosmetic Surgery." Frontiers: A Journal of Women's Studies, vol. 26, 2005.

Milner, Murray. Freaks, Geeks and Cool Kids: American Teenagers, Schools, and the Culture of Consumption. New York: Routledge, 2004.

Nichols, S. L., & Good, T. L. America's Teenagers — Myths and Realities: Media Images, Schooling, and the Social Costs of Careless Indifference. Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2004.