Liposuction to Treat Childhood Obesity?

November 15, 2006

Recent concerns have been raised about plastic surgery for young patients after an obese 12-year-old female underwent liposuction to lose weight. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) released a statement announcing that liposuction is indeed not the solution to childhood nor adult obesity, but rather a procedure to contour the shape of a healthy individual who has small fat deposits that won't respond to diet or exercise.

Furthermore, liposuction clinical studies show that the procedure doesn't offer the same types of health benefits as good ol' diet and exercise, such as a reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease including metabolism benefits.

According to J. Peter Rubin, MD, of the ASAPS's Body Contouring Committee, children undergoing liposuction to combat fat is a cause for concern. “This treatment plan sends a dangerous message to our young people, that plastic surgery is a cure for being overweight,” he said. “I would questions the ability of a 12-year-old girl to fully appreciate the scope of possible complications and make a reasonable decision about an elective cosmetic procedure.

Plastic Surgery Considerations For Young Patients

While liposuction is not the recommended treatment for childhood obesity, many experts claim that cosmetic plastic surgery may prove extremely beneficial for appropriately chosen younger patients. But all patients need to be physically mature and psychologically healthy.

All teenagers considering cosmetic surgery must:

• Thoroughly explore the risks and benefits of each procedure including expected recover time, scarring, etc.
• Assess physical development – performing surgery on a physical feature that hasn't fully developed can impact its growth and work against the benefits of the surgery later on.
• Evaluate psychological maturity to ensure you understand both the benefits and limitations of the procedure, and maintain realistic expectations.
• Choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon that is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Considering plastic surgery? Please contact us today to set up a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

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