SmartLipo for Teenage Daughter?

I am a mother of a 14 year old daughter going on 15, and I've been considering SmartLipo for her. Now I know this sounds crazy and extreme, but I want her self esteem to go up. She hates the way she looks and almost tried to kill herself because of her body image. I don't want to rush into things, but I just want what very mom wants, for their child to be happy. Would this be the right thing?

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by MyTurn2010 in Texas

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Liposuction is not the best response to psychological problems.

Hi there- I'm so very sorry you and your daughter are experiencing this unrest. I know as a parent that seeing your child in pain is very difficult. I do not think, however, that even perfectly executed plastic surgery is the answer. Most likely her psychological issues will persist, because the underlying problem is in fact psychological. I advise you to seek a good counselor first. Once her head is in the right place and she has gained the maturity necessary, it may... more

Teenager with poor self esteem and liposuction

Your description of your daughter does not mention if she is overweight or if she has a poor and unrealistic image of herself. If she is overweight and therefore has the correct image of herself, she may benefit by having care by a team of an endocrinologist, nutritionist and exercise trainer. It is less difficult to work towards a goal if there are people to whom you have to report and who follow your progress. If it is just the person trying to watch their own weight, they don't have to... more

SmartLipo for teenage daughter

You should seek professional mental advise before considering cosmetic surgery upon a teenager. There is a risk that even with the surgery her self image will still be depressed. From MIAMI Dr. B

No - This is the wrong thing altogether

Self esteem is the reason that she is having weight issues, not the result of it. In my experience, if you do liposuction without getting the mental/physical/mind-body under control, this will be a disaster. Add to that the fact that few, if any, teens are actually candidates medically for this and the fact that even the best adjusted are poor candidates for this and you have all the makings for a true problem. Sorry - your heart is in the right place, but this isn't the answer.... more