Liposuction in NYC is one of the top most popular options for men and women looking to get rid of unwanted fat and achieve a well-shaped body. According to the 2017 annual statistics report of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), liposuction ranked second among the five top procedures, and saw a 5% increase from 2016. But is liposuction an option for children and teens who are concerned about their weight? What is the minimum age for liposuction and other cosmetic surgical procedures?
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) states that liposuction should not be used to treat childhood obesity. Children below 13 and teens who are concerned about their weight should achieve weight reduction through proper exercise and a healthy diet. Liposuction is a body contouring option for adults and not a weight loss solution for people of any age. Moreover, if someone is overweight, they would have to lose some excess weight before they have liposuction. The procedure only removes stubborn localized deposits of fat that do not respond to even strenuous diets and exercise.
As the teenagers are still growing, plastic surgeons do not operate on structures that are not fully developed. Plastic surgeons perform both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery on teens subject to certain conditions. According to www.healthychildren.org, reconstructive surgery such as a cleft palate is performed to improve functional ability, while cosmetic surgery on teens may be done to enhance their appearance to improve self-image or confidence. However, parental consent is required for patients under 18 and therefore parents are responsible for helping their children take an informed decision. There could be situations like a 15 or 16 teen who is obsessed with their weight asking for liposuction. In such situations, counseling can be very helpful to make understand the patient the pros and cons performing lipo at that age.
While liposuction is not a first weight loss option for younger patients, there may be certain situations when removing excess fat tissues is a consideration such as in gynecomastia or excessive male breast development. Even so, plastic surgeons generally delay gynecomastia surgery or liposuction breast reduction until full development of the male breast, which could around an age of 18 years, after the effects of adolescent hormonal development on the breasts stops.
If a teenager wants a cosmetic procedure, plastic surgeons assess several factors before determining if it would be appropriate for them:
- Their ability to voice their concern about a specific problem and have realistic expectations about the outcomes – for instance, a request for a cosmetic procedure may be considered if the teen’s goal is to address a certain aspect of their appearance and achieve realistic improvements, possibly to overcome self-esteem issues.
- To fix medical problems – certain cosmetic procedures can also address medical issues, providing relief or improvement for teenagers experiencing specific medical conditions.
- The candidate is mature enough to understand the procedure, its risks, and the constraints that recovery period will pose.
- The patient initiates the request for the procedure and wants to have it to address a specific concern that is bothering him/her. They must not be requesting it because someone else is pushing them to it
If you are considering liposuction New York City, find an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery facility that has experienced and skilled plastic surgeons. After determining your candidature, the right surgeon will provide safe, customized treatment to help you achieve your goals.
