Pressure to be Perfect - Teenagers Looking for a Surgical Solution to their Problems

    /24-7PressRelease/ - NEW YORK, NY, May 10, 2008 - Teenagers in our society face unique and often unbearable pressure to look and act a certain way. At such an awkward time, they are forced to figure out who they are while their bodies are making the transition into adulthood. They juggle school, peer pressure, and family while trying to find their independence at the same time. And in the midst of it all, they may not like all the changes they see and can become increasingly self-conscious about their bodies or certain facial features.

Because teenagers' bodies are adapting to "adulthood" and learning how to be more comfortable in their own skin, the teenage years may be ideal for cosmetic surgery to correct certain features. Cosmetic surgery may be discussed as a solution to a lifetime of self-consciousness and decreased self-confidence and/or self-esteem thanks to a particular feature. Cosmetic surgery may also be a great solution to correct deformity or traumatic injury.

• Rhinoplasty is a very popular procedure in teens dealing with overly large noses, bumpy or odd-shaped noses, or noses that do not seem to balance well with the other facial features
• Liposuction may be able to help overweight children reduce certain areas of fat, allowing them more mobility to lose the extra pounds through activity and exercise
• Otoplasty is a good solution for children who have large or protruding ears
• Breast reduction may be a solution for young women with overly developed breasts who are experiencing back, neck and shoulder problems
• Reconstructive surgery can be performed on almost any bodily area to correct genetic deformities or traumatic injury sites. Cleft lip and palate surgery is one of the most common reconstructive procedures

Cosmetic surgeons who perform procedures on teenagers require a special capacity to help patients and their parents deal with the emotional issues that come from dramatic body changes. A focused perspective on healthy self-image and the ability to embrace differences should be integrated into the pre and post-operative meetings. Your cosmetic surgeon should also discuss the ramifications of surgery with your child and ensure he or she understands the emotional issues of changing aspects of the body. Most importantly, the doctor should avoid presenting cosmetic surgery as a "quick-fix" and do all he can to make sure you and your children have realistic expectations.

As a parent, you wish you could protect your children from all of the small-mindedness, peer pressure to look a certain way, and cruelty others can engage in.

For more information on cosmetic surgery for teenagers, visit the website of New York-based cosmetic surgeon Dr. Howard T. Bellin, a respected physician who has helped thousands of patients achieve high quality surgical results.

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