How Young is Too Young for Plastic Surgery? A Young Adult’s Guide to Cosmetic Surgery

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In the age of selfies, high-definition cameras and television, it’s no longer rare for teenagers and young adults to seek plastic surgeons who will provide cosmetic surgeries to them. Given the rise of social media, there seems to be pressure to look perfect among the younger generation.

For years, plastic surgery used to be exclusive for individuals who were advanced in age. Now, however, young people are using plastic surgery as a means to look gorgeous on and off cam – even if it’s just for Instagram.

This begs the question, can individuals as young as 13 to 17 get plastic surgery? When it comes to plastic surgery, timing is everything. While many cosmetic surgeons agree that 18 years old is an acceptable age for plastic surgery, this depends on the patient’s unique case. Surgeons may operate on a person as young as 13 years old, but only when it is medically necessary.

Good Age for Plastic Surgery

A consultation with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to determine if you are fit to get a certain type of cosmetic surgery procedure. In most cases, there is an appropriate age for different cosmetic procedures. Here’s an age guide to the most common procedures.

  • Rhinoplasty

Ideal Age: 20 and up

Rhinoplasty is best performed when the facial bones have stopped developing. This occurs normally around 18 years of age in women and 19 years of age in men. It’s advantageous to get rhinoplasty at the ideal age because young skin readapts to the new structure quite easily than individuals who are 50 years of age or older.

  • Eyelid Surgery

Ideal Age: 19 and up

Fixing sagging upper eyelids or removing dark under eye circles can make a huge difference to your appearance. Unless sagging upper eyelids are causing vision problems, it’s best to wait until you’re old enough to have blepharoplasty.

  • Tummy Tuck

Ideal Age: 35 and up

For women, it’s best to wait until the last pregnancy. The reason is it’s pointless to have this surgery when the stomach will be extended again due to pregnancy.

  • Breast Enhancement

Ideal Age: 25 and up for breast augmentation

45 and up for breast lift

Depending on the type of implants, Dr. Lee may accept breast augmentation patients who are at least 18 years of age. However, it’s best to wait until the breasts are fully developed before getting implants. For a breast lift, it’s best to wait until after childbirth and breastfeeding.

Plastic surgery can enhance your features or reconstruct what is defective or injured. Nevertheless, timing is crucial to its success. If you want to know if a certain procedure is suitable for you, please consult with Dr. Ben Lee.