ASPS Warns Against Childhood Liposuction

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently released a statement saying that operation such as tummy tucks and liposuction are not appropriate for children or teenagers. This is mainly because young bodies continue to develop- even after puberty, and patients must wait until they reach maturity before considering any major cosmetic surgery.

The larger problem is that many people feel that plastic surgery is the answer to rapid weight loss. In fact, liposuction is not used for weight loss, but rather to get rid of excess fat in problem spots, where it just doesn’t want to disappear. Tummy tucks tone and contour the body after weight loss caused by diet and exercise, or by a bariatric procedure.

These cosmetic procedures can greatly improve self-confidence and boost teenagers self-esteem, but there have been no studies to prove their effectiveness for the individual’s health. Only two percent of all cosmetic procedures were performed on children in 2006, and all of these were done for reconstructive purposes.

For more information, contact your plastic surgeon today!