Many teenagers struggle with their self-image and feel self-conscious for various reasons about their appearance. One of the biggest struggles that teenagers face when it comes to their physical appearance is their weight. Because of this struggle, many teens and their parents often look for cosmetic solutions, such as liposuction, to help them with their weight frustrations. It’s important to recognize upfront that a great majority of cosmetic surgeons will recommend that liposuction patients be at least 18 years old to undergo the procedure; however, there are special instances in which younger people are considered for the liposuction and it will depend on the surgeon and the teen’s individual circumstances.
Should it be an Option?
Before even considering liposuction as a possible option for a teen, a proper diet and exercise program should be given a solid effort first and foremost. Many cosmetic surgeons will also suggest that teenagers who are struggling with their body image and weight see a professional counselor who is trained in treating teenagers with negative body images.
Liposuction can help in creating a more contoured body but a healthy lifestyle is required to maintain results even after liposuction. For teenagers who are significantly overweight or obese, bariatric surgery may be a better option that liposuction.
It’s important for teenagers and their parents to realize that teenage bodies are still developing and undergoing many changes including changes in weight and body shape. Many of these changes are completely natural and healthy so liposuction should likely be postponed as an option until the body is done fully developing and growing.
Risks of Teenage Liposuction
Another thing for parents and teenagers to keep in mind are the risks associated with liposuction. Swelling around the areas of operation, dizziness due to a loss of fluids, bruising, scarring, dimpling of the skin and infections are all possible side effect risks that can sometimes occur as a result of liposuction. Depending on how invasive the liposuction method, there may be up to a couple weeks of downtime required which can be difficult to manage with a teenager’s schedule with school and activities.
If you’re a teenager who is curious about whether liposuction may be an option for you, or a parent who is considering looking into liposuction for their teenager, be sure to schedule a consultation to discuss the possibility as well as the associated risks with a professional cosmetic surgeon at our offices for more information and insight.