Top 5 cosmetic surgery procedures teens are getting

A. Foley on 30 Jul 2010 at 7:13pm

Teens and plastic surgery is always a controversial subject matter. This week the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) put out a press release that cited some hard figures when it comes to teenage cosmetic surgery.

Procedures most commonly done by 18 years old and under*:

1) Rhinoplasty: Nose reshaping is the most requested aesthetic surgical procedure by teens. It can be performed when the nose has completed 90 percent of its growth, which can occur as early as age 13 or 14 in girls and 15 or 16 in boys.

2) Breast reduction: Breast reduction is frequently performed on girls with overly large breasts that may cause back and shoulder pain, as well as restrict physical activity. Breast reduction usually is delayed until the breasts have reached full development.

3) Correction of breast asymmetry: Surgery can be performed when one breast significantly differs from the other either in size or shape. Except in cases of asymmetry and post trauma reconstruction, federal regulations prohibit breast implants for those under 18.

4) Treatment of Gynecomastia: In some teenage boys, excessive breast development (gynecomastia) can become a significant psychosocial problem. Excess tissue can be removed to achieve a more masculine body contour.

5) Chin augmentation: Chin augmentation often is performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty to achieve facial balance.