Plastic Surgery on College Campuses on the Rise

December 20, 2006

Nowadays, college-aged students want to improve more than just their grades—they want to improve their self-confidence. As plastic surgery gains acceptance in society, more and more Americans—including adolescents and young adults—are choosing to undergo procedures to augment their breasts, correct their noses, and flatten their bellies.

In fact, aesthetic surgical procedures have increased by 119 percent since 1997, and 24 percent of the patients are between 19 and 34-years-old, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Alan Gold, a Long Island plastic surgeon said that the rate of young Americans undergoing cosmetic surgery has risen in proportion with the general increase in plastic surgeries countrywide.

“Plastic surgery is becoming more openly discussed and accepted by society. Prominent media outlets have brought it attention with many shows about surgery,” Gold said.

Ethics vs. Self-Improvement

Plastic surgery procedures offer a number of benefits including a vast improvement in self-confidence. Many young adults appreciate what these procedures can do for them and dive in head first with no regrets.

However, some experts question the ethics behind performing plastic surgery on adolescents or young adults, claiming they have yet to mature mentally and physically.

Plastic surgeons such as Gold believe that if a patient shows a level of maturity and is realistic about the results of the procedure, then there is no question of ethics. “There are some adults that are so immature I wouldn't operate on them,” he said. “While a 15 or 16-year-old may be very mature.”

Considering Plastic Surgery?

Please contact us today to learn more about your cosmetic options or to set up a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

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