Plastic Surgery and Youth

April 5, 2006
According to reports, more and more young people are seeking plastic surgery procedures than ever before. Dr. John Poser, a board certified plastic surgeon in Florida claims that as many as 30 to 40 percent of his patients are college-aged students.

The most commonly sought procedures of these youthful patients--breast augmentation and rhinoplasty.

Breast augmentation, rhinoplasty and other cosmetic procedures are not however a small expense. Breast augmentation, the most frequently requested cosmetic procedure of young people, typically costs over $4000.

Dr. Poser comments on his patients, “They'll use loans and max out their credit cards,” if necessary. He adds also that he does not necessarily agree with the negative criticism that youth sometimes receive for seeking cosmetic enhancement. “It can change peoples lives,” Poser comments on the hefty investment.

However, not all young plastic surgery patients are carrying the debt of these expensive procedures. “Over the last 10 years, parents have been more liberal. Instead of buying a car, they'll buy them a nose job,” Poser adds. Graduation presents and other major gifts for young adults, particularly in states like Florida and California, are beginning to include cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Michael Seagle emphasizes the importance of caution when undertaking a particularly young plastic surgery patient. “You have to look at their motivation,” he comments. People who appear to be hopelessly discontented with their looks or are striving for unrealistic results are typically unhealthy candidates for cosmetic surgery.

College junior Alexandra Sarpoolaki claims that her decision to undergo plastic surgery for her nose had nothing to do with the hype to have a perfect look and sexier physique.

“Every time I looked in the mirror it was the first thing I looked at. I didn't want a nose that looked worked on. It's not the teeny, tiny American nose. I got what I wanted and I feel like I made a good choice,” said Sarpoolaki.

Sarpoolaki's rhinoplasty surgery amounted to just over $11,000. Her insurance company however, was able to cover part of the cost due to her crooked septum, which was deemed a medical problem.

To learn more about plastic surgery, you may wish to speak with a qualified board certified plastic surgeon regarding your questions and concerns.

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