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Teenagers have many of the same concerns about their appearance that adults have. In fact, during adolescence, these concerns may be especially acute.
Parents sometimes worry that young people are overly preoccupied with their looks. As an adult, you are well aware that many of these fears and concern will fade with time. Naturally, you don't want you child to do something irrevocable that may be regretted later
But if you child has a serious need to change a particular feature; minimize skin blemishes, scars, or birthmarks; or address facial anomalies resulting from injury or disease, you should know that facial plastic surgery might be a valid option.
These are the most common facial plastic surgery procedures done on teenagers:
Rhinoplasty--improves the size and shape of the nose to bring it into harmony with the rest of the face. It is done by removing excess bone and cartilage and sculpting the remaining structures. Breathing problems may be corrected in a combined procedure called septorhinoplasy.
Orthognathic Surgery--often performed on young people who have severe problems with their "bite" or jaw alignment. It may involve cooperation among the child's dentist, orthodontist, and oral or maxillofacial surgeon and is usually considered functional, rather that cosmetic surgery.
Mentoplasty (chin augmentation)--correction for receding chin by inserting a small plastic implant. The procedure often is done in conjunction with nasal plastic surgery, and may be combined with liposuction or lipectomy for removing excess fat deposits from beneath the chin.
Otoplasty--the procedure for "pinning back" protruding ears or correcting ear deformities. This surgery can e done as early as age five or six.
Dermabrasion--a facial sanding procedure that is used to diminish severe acne and other scars.
Blepharoplasty--eyelid surgery for people of all ages who have unusually droopy, closed, or angry-looking eyes.
Reconstructive Surgery--a variety of techniques that includes bone grafts and implants, skin flaps and grafts, tissue expansion, scalp flap surgery, and other procedures that are used to correct congenital deformities and facial trauma. Young people who suffer serious injury in an automobile accident or on a motorcycle,bike, or skateboard, sports injuries or falls; burns; hair loss; attacks by humans or animals; or other facial injuries often can benefit from reconstructive facial plastic surgery procedures.
Scar Revision Surgery--to minimize visible facial scars that will not improve in time.
Birthmark removal--Laser surgery and other techniques to remove unsightly birthmarks, including port wine stains.
The teen years are at a time of change as young people work at developing a sense of physical self-image. They may experiment with new social roles as they try out various "looks."
During this time of life, more than at any other, self-esteem is closely linked with body image. Much anxiety can be generated by any defect or deformity, real or imagined. Young people tend to be self-conscious, and many teens go through periods when they wish they could change something about their face. This doesn't necessarily mean they should have facial plastic surgery, or even that they want to. But these concerns do deserve a sympathetic ear. As your teen matures, he or she will learn that no one is perfect and that perfection is no guarantee of success or happiness.
But what if your does have a facial feature that truly disrupts facial harmony--such as a crooked nose, a receding chin, or protruding ears? First of all, don't emphasize the defect and be very careful before suggestion facial plastic surgery as a solution. Your teenager needs your approval to develop healthy self-esteem. The desire to change a facial defect must come from the individual, not family or friends.
If your child brings up the subject, listen and try to understand his or her concerns. Many young people hesitate to ask about facial plastic surgery, fearing parental disapproval. You may want to assure you child that you are willing to discus possibilities. Talking about surgery doesn't mean a decision has been made.
How do I know the right time to take my child in for a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon?
The time to see a surgeon is when the child expresses serious concerns about a feature that may be corrected through facial plastic surgery. Don't pressure the child. The exceptions to this rule are if your child has protruding ears, a port wine stain, or other birth defects. Parents might encourage early consideration of correction for these problems to save their child a lifetime of teasing. Corrective procedures can be done effectively at a young age.
What if the child is not old enough for facial plastic surgery?
There is always benefit to learning how a problem will be affected by normal growth, and at what point surgical intervention might be helpful. An early consultation with a a facial plastic surgeon will help you learn how to monitor growth and give you time to prepare for surgery if it is needed.
What is the right age for facial plastic surgery?
Protruding ears and some birth defects most frequently are corrected before a child starts school. If the child has a functional problem--such as an underdeveloped lower jaw--see the doctor early to determine what the appropriate course of treatment should be. Other procedures are not done until the face has reached its full growth. This is usually 14 or 15 of age for girls and 16 or 17 for boys.
What kind of people have facial plastic surgery? I don't want my child to be vain or preoccupied with perfection.
Teens who are seeking perfection or who wish to look like someone else--say a movie star or a particular model--are not considered good candidates for facial plastic surgery. Most people who have surgery are well adjusted individuals who basically like themselves but wish to change a feature with which they are dissatisfied.
How can I know whether surgery is right for my child?
The surgeon you consult will spend as much time as necessary to help you and your child make this decision. The child's emotional and physical well-being will be discussed as it relates to his or her being a good candidate for surgery.
Is there any way to predict how my child's features will change with maturity, or how my child will look after surgery?
Since healing differs with each individual, the surgeon cannot promise a specific result. However, facial plastic surgeons use several methods to show how a person's unique bone structure and covering tissues may react to surgery. These techniques--including sketching, use of mathematical measurements, and computer imaging--also may be used to demonstrate how a feature may change as a child matures.
It is important to choose a surgeon with whom you and your child feel comfortable and confident. You may want to get a referral from your family doctor or ask friends and relatives who have had facial plastic surgery. Try to find a doctor who relates to teenagers, who listen well and takes plenty of time to answer any questions you or your teenager might have.
Be sure to look for a facial plastic surgeon who specializes in the particular procedure your child wants and who consistently gets good results.
Surgeons from many specialties have developed plastic surgery procedures. These specialties include otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, general surgery, dermatology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, ophthalmology, and neurosurgery. Consequently several specialties are qualified to perform plastic surgery.
Facial plastic surgeons specialize in performing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery on the face, head and neck region. As a group, facial plastic surgeons, who, for the most part are board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, do a major share of all facial plastic surgery performed in the United States. Because of their specialized training and in-depth knowledge about the face, head, and neck, these surgeons possess unique qualifications to provide patients with special insight and expertise into the conditions they treat.
During the initial visit, the surgeon will make a thorough evaluation of your child's problem, discuss possible treatment options , and talk about risks and cost. He will candidly answer all of your questions, so you can make a decision.
Many facial plastic surgery procedures can be performed safely on an "outpatient" basis in an office surgery an ambulatory surgery center. Some procedures may be done in a hospital, especially if the patient is very young or nervous.
Facial plastic surgery cannot produce a miracle. Anyone who expects it to be the answer to personal problems is likely to be disappointed. Facial plastic surgery can minimize facial problems and improve appearance. The improvement, in turn, may enhance self-confidence. But surgery should not be expected to improve a teenagers social life or solve other problems.
The final results depend on the skill and experience of the surgeon, as well as the age, health, skin texture, bone structure, and healing capacity of the patient. A positive emotional attitude also is important. Young patients generally heal quickly and experience good results.
The risks involved in most facial plastic surgery are minimal. There are inherent risks in any surgical undertaking, of course, and thee should be discussed thoroughly with your facial plastic surgeon. Many thousands of these procedures are performed successfully on young people each year.
Fees for facial surgery vary widely and depend on the individual surgeon, the complexity of the procedure, and where the surgery is being done. Your facial plastic surgeon and his staff will discuss costs with you before you decide to proceed.
Surgery that is done for cosmetic reasons usually is considered elective and is not covered b insurance. Full or partial coverage may be granted when there is a functional reason for the surgery. This may apply to Orthognathic surgery, some types or rhinoplasty, and certain reconstructive procedures. You should consult your insurance company whether your company will consider a claim. Those expenses that are not covered by insurance can be taken as an itemized tax deduction.
Most facial plastic surgeon require payment in advance. If procedures are not covered by insurance, ask about other payment options. A growing number of surgeons, for example, accept payment by major credit card. A few have special loan plans with area banks.
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FACIAL PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE
SURGERY. INC.
1101 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 404
Washington,DC 20005
(202) 842-4500