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Teens
& Facial Plastic Surgery
According
to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgery (AAFPRS), over 10 percent of their patients
undergoing facial plastic and reconstructive surgery are
under 20 years of age. Fortunately for teenagers, facial
plastic and reconstructive surgery can provide solutions
to problems such as severe acne breakouts and scars, prominent
or enlarged ears or noticeable facial scars. For adolescents
who are mature enough for surgery, facial plastic and
reconstructive procedures can help boost self-esteem at
a time in life when the slightest body flaw can bring
torment and teasing, and help them face the future with
confidence. As the world's largest association of facial
plastic and reconstructive surgeons, the AAFPRS is committed
to ensuring that teenage patients make informed and educated
decisions when undergoing facial plastic surgery, and
offers the following guidelines:
- Teens
should have a mature facial skeleton prior to undergoing
facial plastic surgery. The lower jaw is one of the
last facial bones to fully mature so this must be
taken into account when planning facial surgery in
teens.
- Teens
should have appropriate expectations when undergoing
facial plastic surgery. Expected healing and possible
complications should be discussed with the patient
and the parents. Computer imaging is very helpful
in educating patients about appropriate facial contour
and balance.
- Care
must be taken to identify patients with body dysmorphic
disorder. Patients with this disorder must undergo
appropriate counseling before considering
surgery.
- Parents
should not pressure their teens to undergo facial
plastic surgery. This is a personal decision that
must be made by the informed patient.
About
the AAFPRS: The AAFPRS is the world's largest association
of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons with more
than 2,600 members - whose cosmetic reconstructive surgery
focuses on the face, head and neck. Academy fellows are
board-certified and subscribe to a code of ethics. In
addition, the AAFPRS provides consumers with free information
and brochures and a list of qualified facial plastic surgeons
in their area by calling 1-800-332-FACE or by visiting
the AAFPRS Web site, www.FACEMD.org.
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