Is Underage Plastic Surgery Ethical? By: Tania Lecona

Plastic or Cosmetic? Cosmetic surgeons can have one or two cosmetic surgeries in their history after medical school and can be qualified to label themselves as “cosmetic surgeons.” Plastic surgeons require at least 5 more years of practice after medical school in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries before being allowed consideration to join the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Here’s the Facts.... In 2011, 13.8 million plastic procedures were performed. That’s a 5% increase from 2010. A total of 16% increase from 2007. And 5.5 million of these were reconstructive. That’s 39.85% of the plastic procedures done; not even half! 2% of the people that had procedures performed, were between the ages of 13 and 19.

More Facts! While the 2% (230,617) of the people having plastic surgery done has been constant these past 5 years, we should keep in mind, that the number of procedures have increased; therefore the number of teens getting cosmetic surgery done is also going up. Think about what this means, what it says about our young generation of Americans, and the doctors that not only allow this, but do the surgery themselves!

Jenny Lee Burton

Jenny Afterwards

Let’s Play Imagine That! Think about the 13 year old Billy that wants a nose job, or the 15 year old Jane that wants liposuction. Imagine if what happened to Jenny, happens to Jane or Billy. Now imagine if the plastic surgeon that performed their surgeries had said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t do this because it is against my ethical code.”

But Wait! Plastic Surgeons DO have an ethical code! In the Bylaws of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, they have a “Code of Ethics” section. No mention of minors No mention of underage children No mention of “between the ages of _ to _.” No mention of “under the age of 18 or what is considered as an adult.”

Question! Are we up to changing or improving the law regarding underage plastic surgery? Should we hold accountable the surgeon if an addiction or any psychological consequence should arise from getting plastic surgery done on a minor? Or should everything stay the same because if as long as the parents give consent to the surgery, it’s fine for the surgeon to perform the procedure?