Patients often want to know, “How old do you have to be to get plastic surgery in the US?” And while the answer is fairly straightforward (18), there are some exceptions to know about.
Difference Between Plastic Surgery Procedure and Cosmetic Surgery
Before we dive into age limits for specific surgical procedures and who is too young for plastic surgery, let’s first examine the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.
Plastic surgery focuses on reconstructive procedures that are necessary for functional or health reasons. Plastic surgeons perform surgeries for injuries, birth defects, or physical malformations. Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, is elective and primarily performed to enhance a person’s appearance. This distinction impacts age restrictions significantly.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Plastic Surgery?
For most surgeries, you need to be at least 18 to undergo plastic surgery. Otherwise, you need consent from a parent. With that said, there are some special cases.
For example, if a child is involved in an accident and requires reconstructive surgery to restore function or appearance, these procedures are almost always deemed acceptable. However, if a young person under the age of 18 seeks cosmetic surgery, such as rhinoplasty or breast augmentation, parental consent is required.
Undergoing plastic surgery is a major decision, and those in the younger age group may not fully understand the drawbacks vs benefits of cosmetic procedures, nor are they physically fully developed in many cases. In this way, it’s also important that parents and others not suggest plastic surgery to young people when it would be inappropriate.
Even with consent, surgeons have the final say and can refuse to perform surgery if they believe it is not in the patient’s best interest. Surgeons regularly evaluate the patient’s maturity, physical development, and psychological readiness before agreeing to any procedure. Therefore, while consent is important, it doesn’t guarantee that surgery will proceed.
Age Limits and Specific Procedures
Certain plastic surgery procedures come with unique age-related guidelines. Some surgeries are more appropriate for younger individuals, while others may require full physical maturity before being performed.
Breast Implants
Breast implants, especially silicone implants, have specific age restrictions. According to FDA regulations, patients must be at least 22 years old to receive silicone breast implants. However, saline implants are allowed for patients as young as 18.
This distinction is based on physical development and long-term health considerations. Surgeons will often assess a patient’s overall body development and emotional readiness before agreeing to breast augmentation surgery.
Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
Otoplasty, or ear pinning surgery, is one of the few procedures commonly performed on young children. This surgery can be done as early as five years old, once the ears have mostly finished growing. Many parents opt for this surgery to correct protruding ears and prevent potential teasing or self-esteem issues.
Rhinoplasty (“Nose Job”)
Rhinoplasty is a procedure that can be performed on teenagers, but it typically requires the facial bones to stop growing. For girls, this usually happens between ages 14 and 15. For boys, the appropriate age is typically between 16 and 17. Surgeons carefully evaluate a young patient’s physical maturity and readiness before considering this procedure.
Breast Reduction
Some young women patients seek breast reduction surgery due to physical discomfort or emotional distress caused by excessively large breasts. In some cases, this surgery may be performed as early as age 15, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis, often depending on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s physical development.
Importance of Deliberation for Minors Considering Elective Plastic Surgery
For minors considering elective plastic surgery to improve their appearance, it’s important to think carefully about the decision. At a young age, insecurities about looks are common, and these feelings often change over time as self-confidence naturally grows.
Instead of turning to surgery, exploring other avenues such as building self-esteem, focusing on personal strengths, or seeking counseling may provide better long-term results. Many young people find that with time, their concerns lessen or even disappear, making surgery unnecessary. It’s essential to be patient and allow time for emotional and physical growth before making such a big choice.
FAQ: Age Limits for Plastic Surgery
Can a 17-year-old get breast implants with parental consent?
Even if a 17-year-old has parental consent, many surgeons are reluctant to perform breast augmentation surgery. Physical maturity is crucial for this procedure, and many surgeons prefer to wait until the patient has fully developed. It’s essential to find a surgeon who evaluates both physical and emotional readiness before proceeding.
Is it okay for a child to undergo ear pinning surgery?
Yes, otoplasty can be safely performed on children as young as five. This surgery corrects the position of the ears and can be beneficial in preventing social or emotional issues related to ear appearance.
Can a young person obtain loans for plastic surgery?
If you are under the age of 18, chances are you would be ineligible for any type of plastic surgery loan. In the majority of cases, you would either need to wait to come of age and apply for a loan or work something out with your parents.
How old do you have to be to get silicone breast implants?
According to FDA regulations, patients must be at least 22 years old to get silicone breast implants.
Set Up a Consultation with Dr. Diehl
Most patients who want to improve their physical appearance with plastic surgeries need to be at least 18 to undergo these procedures in the United States. However, many popular plastic surgery procedures can greatly benefit young people with issues such as overly large breasts, prominent ears, a cleft palate, and more.
If you are interested in cosmetic or reconstructive surgeries, whether you are 18 or not, it’s worth discussing your goals directly with a plastic surgeon before deciding on anything concrete. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Cynthia Diehl has many plastic surgery options available to patients at her Raleigh practice. Call today to schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Diehl.
