Teen Cosmetic Surgery

Teen Cosmetic Surgery Cosmetic Surgery is often done to improve physical flaws or to achieve an ideality in society. In the United States, cosmetic surgery is an important concern. Nearly 219,000 procedures were performed as of 2010 (“Plastic Surgery” 1). The risks involved with cosmetic surgery can sometimes lead to death. Many scientists believe that cosmetic surgery is dangerous for developing teenagers. However, others say that teens can gain confidence from cosmetic surgery and it can raise their self-esteem. It wasn’t until the 19th and 20th century when cosmetic surgery was first established in United States and Europe. America’s first surgeon, Dr. John Peter Mettauer, developed his own equipments and first performed cosmetic surgery in 1827. Cosmetic surgery was originally performed as treatments for skull and facial injuries during the World War I (Hait 1). Teens perform many different kinds of cosmetic surgery procedures. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Rhinoplasty, more commonly known as nose reshaping, is the most operation done by teenagers. ASPS also goes on to say that “nearly 35.000 rhinoplasty [nose job] procedures were performed on patients age 13-19 as of 2010.” In otoplasty, another type of cosmetic surgery, ears that stick out are pinned back. ASPS states that otoplasty make up about “eleven percent of all surgical procedures with more than 8,700 procedures.” Otoplasty may be performed anytime after the age of five (1). Teenagers who seek cosmetic surgery have different reasons than adults. Teens often have cosmetic surgery wan to look similar with other peer and want to blend in if they have any physical flaws (“Plastic Surgery 1”). In addition, teens are not satisfied with their looks and a lot of times have insecurities (Winkler 16). Heidi Montag argues that she was “teased when she was younger” because she was not pretty (qtd. in Garcia 83). Although there are some teens that want to blend in, there are