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Teens
& Facial Plastic Surgery
According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic
and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), over 10 percent
of their patients undergoing facial plastic and reconstructive
surgery are under 20 years of age. Fortunately for teenagers,
facial plastic and reconstructive surgery can provide
solutions to problems such as severe acne breakouts
and scars, prominent or enlarged ears or noticeable
facial scars. For adolescents who are mature enough
for surgery, facial plastic and reconstructive procedures
can help boost self-esteem at a time in life when the
slightest body flaw can bring torment and teasing, and
help them face the future with confidence. As the world's
largest association of facial plastic and reconstructive
surgeons, the AAFPRS is committed to ensuring that teenage
patients make informed and educated decisions when undergoing
facial plastic surgery, and offers the following guidelines:
- Teens
should have a mature facial skeleton prior to undergoing
facial plastic surgery. The lower jaw is one of
the last facial bones to fully mature so this must
be taken into account when planning facial surgery
in teens.
- Teens
should have appropriate expectations when undergoing
facial plastic surgery. Expected healing and possible
complications should be discussed with the patient
and the parents. Computer imaging is very helpful
in educating patients about appropriate facial contour
and balance.
- Care
must be taken to identify patients with body dysmorphic
disorder. Patients with this disorder must undergo
appropriate counseling before considering
surgery.
- Parents
should not pressure their teens to undergo facial
plastic surgery. This is a personal decision that
must be made by the informed patient.
About the AAFPRS: The AAFPRS is the world's largest
association of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons
with more than 2,600 members - whose cosmetic reconstructive
surgery focuses on the face, head and neck. Academy
fellows are board-certified and subscribe to a code
of ethics. In addition, the AAFPRS provides consumers
with free information and brochures and a list of qualified
facial plastic surgeons in their area by calling 1-800-332-FACE
or by visiting the AAFPRS Web site, www.FACEMD.org.
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