Can minors get excess skin removal surgery?

Question

I'm 16 and I've lost 180 pounds in the past two years. I have a healthy bmi, and no health problems whatsoever. I have loose skin around my stomach, thighs, arms, and breasts. I experience back pain, abscesses, and pinching skin in clothing all related to my excess skin. Will any doctors preform a body lift/ excess skin removal surgery on someone my age?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether minors can get excess skin removal surgery. The answer is yes; minors can get excess skin removal surgery. You would need consent from your parents or legal guardian because you are under 18. Otherwise, you can have these procedures. Often skin removal surgeries are done for underage patients after they have lost a significant amount of weight. In my opinion, you are a perfect candidate for these procedures. Specifically, I would suggest the tummy tuck, thigh lift, brachioplasty, and mastopexy. Therefore, since you are under 18 years old, you can undergo these procedures if you get parental or legal guardian consent. Please seek an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Minors are often great candidates for body sculpturing to remove fat disproportion. You will require an approval from your parent or guardian until you reach 18.Best, Dr. Karamanoukian

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Yes, this is certainly something you can have done but it will require parental consent. I advise seeking a consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has extensive experience with body lifts to discuss your situation.

Bradley A. Hubbard, MD · Answer

Great work on the weight loss! 180lbs is quite an accomplishment. After that degree of weight loss there is no question that you would benefit from skin tightening procedures. You will need the consent of your parents for the procedures, but there is no medical reason to stop you from having surgery. Good luck!

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, as long as your parent provides consent. You must be at a stable weight for 6 months to a year. The recovery requires at least a few weeks, so try to schedule your surgery when you are on summer/christmas break from school.

Can minors get excess skin removal surgery?

Answers (7)

Answer: 16yo post-massive weight loss

Answer: 16yo post-massive weight loss

Answer: Can minors get excess skin removal surgery?

Answer: Can minors get excess skin removal surgery?

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Everything you need to know about Body Lift

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Can minors get excess skin removal surgery?

Answers (7)

Answer: 16yo post-massive weight loss

Answer: 16yo post-massive weight loss

Answer: Can minors get excess skin removal surgery?

Answer: Can minors get excess skin removal surgery?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Body Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.