Can a 13 year old girl get laser lipo for banana rolls? (photos)

Question

My daughter is turning 13 this May, and she's always had these stubborn pockets of fat underneath her buttocks, ever since she was a baby. She always complains about how she can't wear swimsuits or shorts that don't reach mid-thigh. She's not fat; her thighs are actually quite muscular. It's just the "banana rolls" that are her biggest insecurity. So can a 13 year old get lipo or laser lipo for banana rolls?

Peter Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

It would be helpful to see some photographs of your daughter to better understand the anatomy specific to your daughter's concerns. However, even in their absence, your question raises some interesting issues.  The first is that, in my experience, one of the most common complications of liposuction I see, whether it be laser liposuction, vaser, body jet liposuction, etc., is over-suctioning of the banana rolls.  Not only can this cause divots and irregularities of the posterior and lateral thighs, but it can also make the inferior pole of the buttocks become flat, as well as making the buttocks noticeably asymmetric, particularly in swimsuits. So my advice in general, to both patients and surgeons performing liposuction, is to approach the banana rolls with caution, and to be conservative in treating them.The second point to be made is that in the United States, not all, but most girls aged 13 are still growing, and the contour issues that you see now can often be resolved by further growth of your child's body.  Finally, a thirteen year old girl is still a child, and, even with the consent of her mother, she is not yet ready, nor should she be subjected to the physical and emotional effects of surgery and the recovery therefrom.  When all is said and done, this is, after all, an ELECTIVE procedure, not a surgical emergency.  Rather, you should focus your conversations with her on issues like maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, protecting her skin from too much sun exposure, and making a habit of regular exercise, sports and fitness.  She will have plenty of time for elective aesthetic surgery in the future, if she decides to pursue this avenue as a well informed adult.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes liposuction and skin tightening can be used under the buttock/roll but at 13 years old she is not developed fully yet and exercise should be done first. She should wait till she is older to decide if it really would be necessary unless there is a grave disproportion.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

Every plastic surgeon has their own ideas and beliefs as to when it is appropriate to do cosmetic surgery. In my opinion I believe that your daughter is too young for liposuction and that 13 banana rolls can be improved as she grows.   I would wait at least 3 to 4 years prior to thinking about doing this procedure. Best of luck.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Thanks for your concerns.Certain plastic surgeries can be performed in  teenagers under 18.At twelve she is still undergoing a lot of body changes so she will need to wait.You may need to take her to a PS to examine her and encourage her to wait if she keep up the pressure. See if you can bye some time.Hang in there Mom.Best wishes.

Can a 13 year old girl get laser lipo for banana rolls? (photos)

Answers (4)

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