When Is Someone Too Young to Undergo Cosmetic Surgery?

Cosmetic surgery is becoming more popular among young people. It’s not just for adults anymore; teenagers and even kids are starting to be interested in changing how they look with surgery. But this raises an important question: When is someone too young for cosmetic surgery?

Young people are still growing up and learning about who they are. Deciding to change their looks with surgery is a big choice and has many things to think about, like the law, what is right and wrong, and how it might make them feel inside.

What is the youngest age for cosmetic surgery?

When we discuss the youngest age for cosmetic surgery, we are typically referring to the age at which individuals can safely undergo cosmetic procedures with a reasonable expectation of both physical and psychological readiness. This concept encompasses not just the legal aspects of consent but also the medical and ethical considerations of performing surgery on a developing body and mind.

The common understanding is that while 18 years old is generally accepted as an appropriate age for cosmetic surgery, this can vary based on the individual’s unique circumstances. Surgeons may perform procedures on individuals as young as 13 to 17 years old, but only when it is medically necessary, such as for reconstructive purposes or to correct functional impairments.

For elective cosmetic procedures, the timing is crucial. For facial procedures, for instance, the facial bones must stop developing, which typically occurs around 16 years of age in women and 17 years of age in men for procedures like rhinoplasty. For other surgeries, such as breast enhancements, it’s recommended to wait until the breasts are fully developed, which can be around 22 years of age.

Legal age for cosmetic surgery

The legal age for cosmetic surgery varies across different countries and regions. Generally, individuals must be of legal adult age, typically 18 or older, to undergo elective cosmetic procedures without parental consent. However, some countries have specific age requirements for cosmetic procedures. Here are a few examples:

• In Singapore, the minimum age for cosmetic surgery is 21.
• In Japan, the minimum age is set at 20.
• In countries like Canada, Norway, Australia, Malta, Italy, Finland, Greece, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, the minimum age limit is 18.
• In the United States, most plastic surgeons require patients to be at least 18 years old for cosmetic procedures without parental consent.
• In the Netherlands, New Zealand, Ireland, and Lithuania people aged 16 or more can undergo cosmetic surgery without parental consent. 
• In Denmark and Slovenia, the youngest age at which you can have cosmetic surgery without needing your parents’ approval is 15.

For underage individuals, parental consent is strictly required. 

Does reaching legal age mean you can have any cosmetic procedure?

Reaching the legal age of majority allows an individual to make decisions about cosmetic surgery without parental consent. However, this does not mean there are no other considerations regarding age. Surgeons will still evaluate a patient’s physical maturity, psychological readiness, and the specific risks associated with the desired procedure before proceeding.

There can be instances where the legal age is different from the minimum age for surgery. For example, in some places, there might not be a specific legal minimum age for cosmetic surgery, meaning that with parental consent, a minor could potentially undergo a procedure. However, ethical considerations and medical guidelines suggest waiting until a person is fully developed and can fully understand the implications of such a decision. Take breast augmentation for example. While a person may legally be allowed to get silicone breast implants at 18, surgeons might recommend waiting until the breast has fully developed, which could be in the early 20s. (In fact, the FDA recommends 22 as the right age for silicone implants and 18 for saline implants.)

Even after reaching the legal age, certain procedures may have additional age recommendations based on the average age of physical maturity or the nature of the surgery. Surgeons also take into account the patient’s level of maturity and may suggest psychotherapy sessions to help deal with physical insecurities if the surgery is not deemed necessary.

All in all, even if legally allowed, surgeons will consider the patient’s level of maturity and may suggest counseling to help deal with physical insecurities if the surgery is not deemed necessary. The boundaries between medical necessity and purely cosmetic operations can sometimes be unclear, and the decision to proceed with surgery is taken with careful consideration of all these factors.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is not solely based on age but also on individual factors such as health status, emotional maturity, and the specific motivations for seeking surgery. Surgeons often conduct thorough consultations to ensure that the patient understands the implications and is making an informed choice. It’s a deeply personal choice that should be made with the guidance of qualified medical professionals and a thorough understanding of the potential outcomes and implications.

Minimum age for safe plastic surgery

The minimum age for safe plastic or cosmetic surgery is the youngest age at which a person can safely undergo a specific procedure, no matter whether or not they need parental consent. For example, some surgeries like otoplasty (ear surgery) may be performed on children because the ears have reached their full size by a certain age. However, other procedures, such as rhinoplasty, usually require the patient to be at least 17 years old due to concerns about physical maturity and growth.

The minimum age for cosmetic surgery, based on medical maturity and safety, varies depending on the specific procedure and the individual’s physical development. Here are the minimum age limits for some of the most popular cosmetic procedures:

Surgical procedures

• Otoplasty (ear surgery): Can be performed on children as young as 5 to 6 years old, as the ears typically reach their full size by this age.
• Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping): Usually recommended for girls who are at least 15 or 16 and boys who are at least 16 or 17, as the nose may not be fully developed before these ages.

Also Read: What Is The Right Age For Rhinoplasty?

Breast augmentation: Generally advised for individuals who are at least 18 years old for saline implants and 22 years old for silicone implants, as the breasts should be fully developed before considering this procedure. 

• Liposuction: Can be performed on patients 18 years of age or older.
• Tummy tuck: Recommended for patients 18 years of age or older.
• Facelift: While technically can be performed for younger patients, it is usually performed on patients 40 years of age or older due to the nature of the aging process that the surgery addresses.
• BBL (Brazilian butt lift): Typically, patients should be at least 18 years old, ensuring that their body has stopped growing.
• Brow lift: Often performed on individuals over 40 years old, but can be considered for younger adults depending on individual circumstances.
• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery): Generally, candidates are at least 30 years old, but younger individuals may be considered if they have specific issues that surgery could address.
• Facial implants: No specific minimum age is set, but it’s essential that the facial structure and jawbone have stopped growing, usually around 18 for females and 20 for males.

Non-surgical procedures

• Botox: Approved for use in patients 18 and older.
• Dermal fillers: Approved for use in adults 22 years of age or older.
• Laser treatments: There is no specific minimum age for laser treatments as it depends on the condition being treated. For example, port wine stains can be treated during infancy, acne scarring can be treated in teens, and superficial wrinkles can be treated as early as the 20s and 30s. For laser hair removal, the accepted minimum age can be as young as 14 years old, but most experts recommend waiting until the teen is through puberty.
• CoolSculpting: Generally, CoolSculpting is not performed on children under age 18 as their bodies have not finished growing. However, there may be exceptions with parental consent.
• Microdermabrasion: There is no specific minimum age for microdermabrasion, but it’s a gentle, non-invasive treatment that many healthy adults can undergo. It’s important to consult with a dermatologist to determine if it’s right for younger individuals, especially those with certain skin conditions or who have recently taken certain acne medications.
• Microneedling: While microneedling is generally safe for individuals of all ages, there are specific considerations for younger patients, particularly those in their teens or early twenties. Since younger skin tends to heal more quickly and produce collagen more efficiently, the benefits of microneedling may be less pronounced compared to older individuals.

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines and the actual decision to proceed with the procedure will depend on a thorough evaluation by a qualified plastic surgeon or skin specialist. The specialist will assess the patient’s physical maturity, emotional readiness, and the stability of their self-image before recommending surgery. Adolescents experience significant changes in body image perception, so it’s crucial to ensure that their desire for cosmetic surgery is consistent and well-considered.

Also Read: When to Get Botox Injections and Dermal Fillers?

Risks and psychological impact of cosmetic surgery on adolescents

Cosmetic surgery for adolescents involves both physical and psychological risks. Physically, young patients face the same surgical risks as adults, such as infection, scarring, and complications related to anesthesia. However, because their bodies are still developing, they may also be at risk for specific issues like interference with natural growth patterns or future changes that could alter the results of the surgery.

Psychologically, the impact of cosmetic surgery on adolescents can be significant. While some may experience an increase in self-esteem and confidence after the procedure, others may face disappointment if the results don’t meet their expectations. There’s also the risk of developing a distorted body image or becoming more focused on perceived imperfections. Adolescents are still forming their identities, and the influence of cosmetic surgery on this process can be profound.

It’s crucial for medical professionals to assess the maturity and motives of young patients seeking cosmetic surgery. Counseling and thorough discussions about the potential risks and realistic outcomes are essential steps before any decision is made.

Tips for parents

When young children express a desire for cosmetic surgery, it’s a significant moment that requires careful consideration and guidance from their parents. Here are a few tips for parents in this situation:

• Understand the motivation: Engage in an open and honest conversation with your teenager to understand why they want the surgery. It’s important to discern whether the desire is driven by a functional need, self-esteem issues, or external pressures.
• Assess maturity: Consider whether your child is emotionally mature enough to handle the surgery. They should be able to understand the procedure and the risks involved and have realistic expectations about the results.
• Seek professional advice: Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with pediatric patients. Verify the surgeon’s credentials and discuss the potential physical and emotional impacts of the surgery on your child.
• Explore alternatives: Before deciding on surgery, explore non-surgical alternatives that may address your teenager’s concerns. Sometimes, less invasive treatments can provide a satisfactory outcome.
• Prioritize mental health: Ensure that any underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, are addressed before considering surgery. A teenager’s mental health can significantly impact their post-operative satisfaction and recovery.
• Consider timing: Timing is crucial. In many cases, it’s best to wait until your child is older and their body has fully developed before undergoing cosmetic surgery.
• Educate about risks: Make sure your child understands the risks and potential complications associated with the procedure. They must be aware of both the short-term and long-term implications.
• Support your child: Provide emotional support throughout the process. Whether you decide to proceed with the surgery or not, your child should feel loved and accepted regardless of their physical appearance.

Remember, the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is a personal one and should be made with the best interests of the child in mind, considering all the medical, psychological, and social factors involved.