Should 18 year old's Be Allowed to Receive Plastic Surgery

Image By: Diana Polekhina

by: Jasmin Guzman
In today’s fast-paced and everchanging society, it is not uncommon to come across the growing trends of idealistic beauty standards. More and more, the media projects the widespread acceptance of influencers and high society cosmetically changing their bodies to fit a certain social criteria. Due to easy media consumption, just about anyone in this era is exposed to popular and romanticized cultural expectations, especially the youth. If a teenager's favorite celebrity can surgically change their Roman nose for a straight button nose and gain praise for fitting into the beauty standard, why can’t the teenager? Teens are at a time in life in which simply looking different on the outside can be judged harshly by the peers around them. Teens can be vulnerable to psychological issues involving themselves, peers, and their appearance, which begs the question; should teens be allowed to receive plastic surgery? A large focus on this argument has talked about the difference between a teenager or adolescent needing necessary surgery to live a better life, in contrast to that of a teen just wanting to fit the societal “norm.” Many medical professionals agree that teens eighteen and younger should not receive any sort of structurally altering cosmetic surgery, if it is without good reason. An opposing angle expresses that people considered young adults, with parental and medical consultation, benefit from receiving this kind of surgery. This can help them gain a greater sense of self-esteem or quality of life overall. These are both compelling arguments and a middle ground interpretation of both sides can be reached. With careful consideration, in respect to guardians and medical advice, 18 year old's should be able to receive aesthetic surgery when it is medically necessary or after careful medical evaluation that measures physical and mental readiness appropriately.

Summary of source 1 and 2

Though the presentation is quite neutral, one side simply cautions that limiting surgery for 18 year old's, or in general teens for aesthetic/cosmetic purposes, is the wiser choice. Within the article, “Briefing Paper: Plastic Surgery for Teenagers” by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there is shared information about the effects of different kinds of surgery for teens, what procedures are most sought out, and how those cosmetic changes should be considered. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons establishes that unless medically necessary, teens should hold off on aesthetic surgery in order to not jeopardize their health. ASPS says that “[t]eens should have realistic expectations about plastic surgery and what it can do for them. In addition, certain milestones in growth and physical maturity must be achieved before undergoing plastic surgery.” Teens, those considered adults especially, should be at a stage in which they are mature about a decision that cannot easily be taken back. It is important for subjects to recognize what the decision of getting cosmetic surgery is for, what the plan is and why the plan is, and whether by the end of it, it was worth it. Issues can also arise if teens are not mentally well or prepared to manage the process of plastic surgery.

In the article, “Cosmetic Surgery in Teenagers: To Do or Not to Do”, Dr. Singh explains, “Also, we have observed that even in late teens, above legal age of consent, particularly rhinoplasty patients, are more likely to have emotional problems, difficulty in adapting to their new appearance and impatience in the recovery period.” This again highlights that it can be hard for young adults to gauge the gap between rash decision making and beneficial/important decision making. By major theme, it seems more advisable for young adults to be patient, educated, and secure about making a decision that could considerably and permanently change their appearance.

Image By: Joeyy Lee

Summary of source 3 and 4

A general review of other sources on the contrary side proposes that aesthetic surgery for legal teens and adults can be beneficial to improving self-esteem. A comparison study of 184 young adult patients ranging from 12-22 years of age was conducted to gather information through questionnaires on the mental and physical effects for these groups after aesthetic operations. In the academic journal article named “After Plastic Surgery: Adolescent-Reported Appearance Ratings and Appearance-Related Burdens in Patient and General Population Groups” Simis et al. state that “[t]he findings of this study imply that adolescents can be regarded as good candidates for plastic surgery. They gain bodily satisfaction, and they are relieved of many appearance-related burdens ”(9). The study suggests that a decent number of participants gained an enhanced sense of satisfaction whether in reconstructive or especially corrective groups. This also means higher morale for self-image and a better time feeling confident with social interaction which is a boost in quality of life. Similarly, an essential overview of studies supporting the beneficial aspects of aesthetic surgery is recorded in the article, “The Psychological Health Benefits of Aesthetic Surgery”.

Author and doctor Kozlowski mentions that “[a]lthough mental health disorders are often considered a contraindication due to the risk of adverse outcomes posttreatment, the therapeutic benefits of aesthetic surgery are well documented and can lead to the resolution of distress and disorders” (S62). The article further implies that subjects of aesthetic surgery can heal in the realm of mental well-being after surgery. Though it should go without saying that most healthy participants would have known exactly what they were aiming for. This is no take away from the fact that key improvements in mental health, physical health, social health and again overall quality of life have been noticed.

Image By: Getty Images

Points of agreement

While there are differing views on this topic, there are still many points of agreement between the “yes” and “no” sides. For example, Dr. Singh says, “There are psychological studies which have reported a reduced psychological burden in teens undergoing cosmetic surgery, most significantly in the breast surgery group” This acknowledges the fact that there is indeed a real improvement in psychological health for young adults in this specific area and circumstance. Furthermore, Simis et al. agrees that “[m]ore specifically, the ‘breasts’ group benefited most from the operation, indicating that breast corrections are rewarding interventions” (15). This indicates that generally speaking, the highest levels of satisfaction are documented for young adults after receiving this type of aesthetic surgery. There is evidence of positive effects across many sources for breast reduction or augmentation surgery, however there is consensus that the opposite is always plausible because young adults, especially, merit guidance and consultation.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states, “Not every teenager seeking plastic surgery is well suited for an operation. Teens must demonstrate emotional maturity and an understanding of the limitations of plastic surgery. ” The text cautions that high risk and danger can arise for young adults thinking of receiving cosmetic surgery if they aren’t self-aware. Likewise Kozlowski explains, “Although the therapeutic benefits are substantial for the majority of aesthetic surgery patients, positive outcomes are not a universal experience” (S63).This further confirms that there is no guarantee all will be satisfied and cured after this possibly life changing decision, there is importance in being informed. The opposite of positive mental effects can take its toll on the minds of young adults not satisfied after aesthetic surgery. And so, it’s clear that all sources show an understanding of positive and negative aesthetic surgery results.

Points of Disagreement

Both sides of this specific question are capable of realizing the good and bad parts of the topic, but they may put greater emphasis on certain practical considerations for deciding to perform aesthetic surgery on adolescent patients. Dr. Sign and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons lean towards a more strict hold/limitation on cosmetic type surgeries for adolescents. Dr. Singh claims that “[o]nly, very essential surgery should be done for teenagers… A cooling off period, informed consent under parental supervision, and a time to rethink is essential.” Singh points out the need for appropriate timing for young adults to reconsider as well as get guardian involvement as there must be reasonable grounds for aesthetic surgery on young patients. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says, “Teens must demonstrate emotional maturity and an understanding of the limitations of plastic surgery.” This highlights the concern for the stage at which it is acceptable for an adolescent to make a decision on altering their appearance through surgery, which can be an extreme in and of itself.

In comparison, Simis et al. and Kozlowski are lenient on risks because there is the claim that deciding on cosmetic surgery can be manageable with the proper safeguarding and through this adolescent patients have greater chances of positive postoperative results. According to the study Simis et al. conducted, young adult patients who received “corrective” or aesthetic type surgeries had seen “A significant decrease in burdens …on all domains…” post-surgery (14). This found that adolescent patients for this group mostly reported a better overall experience with lower “appearance-related burdens” for their post-surgery questionnaire compared to their initial one. As well as compared to the reconstructive group. Health assessments for the patients had shown a great improvement. Kowalski also advocates for proper medical screening to determine whether adolescent patients are good candidates for aesthetic surgery. Ultimately, Kowalski claims that “aesthetic surgery yields significant therapeutic benefits” especially if there is “The utilization of psychological screening tools” which helps in “mitigating potential risks to patient and clinician and optimizing positive posttreatment outcomes” (S64). On the one hand, a side prefers high caution against allowing adolescents to receive cosmetic surgery and on the other the preference lies in allowing cosmetic surgery for select young adults when conditions are deemed medically right.

Image By: sasint

Strengths and Weaknesses of Source #1 & 2

The article “Briefing Paper: Plastic Surgery for Teenagers” by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a strong source because it is a very credible one. The article provided by this organization of thousands of board-certified plastic surgeons, relays information on the considerations and guidelines for teens, and parents of teens that are thinking of getting cosmetic surgery. Very importantly this source communicates to those reading on informed consent and understanding reaching maturity milestones first. While this source quickly mentions some positive and negative effects of cosmetic surgery in teens, the source is mainly focused on the common types of surgery in teens and recommended precautions. This does not necessarily give the opposite view of teens and cosmetic surgery a chance because the article misses the input of actual young adults doing better psychologically and socially as a result of aesthetic surgery.

Quite like source one, source two, “Cosmetic Surgery in Teenagers: To Do or Not to Do” by Kuldeep Signh is mostly informative. This article does a good job on touching base with a lot of pros and cons as well as encouraging ethical measures for young adults and thoughts of aesthetic surgery. The article seems quite neutral on the topic, however by the end, Signh agrees that it is better “to defer cosmetic surgery, where not absolutely necessary…till they are 20 or above, and may still require parental guidance…” This source is much more casual and opinionated, where it feels based on advice rather than better quantitative data.

Both sources provide very wise and reasonable stances on the subject of young adults and cosmetic surgery. By involving policy and ethical awareness they educate readers on the potential health risks and teach them about informed consent, the priority lies in the patient's safety. Even so, both sources do not provide enough evidence on long-term effects like the other sources do. Granted these are short and informative articles, it would be much more beneficial for readers or curious young adults to view a bigger picture of pre and post-operative effects.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Source # 3 & 4

Kuni J. Simis et al. presents a study they conducted in the academic journal article titled, “After Plastic Surgery: Adolescent-Reported Appearance Ratings and Appearance-Related Burdens in Patient and General Population Groups.” This source provides a great amount of comparison data on the real life satisfaction results of aesthetic surgery from adolescent groups. This is valuable information that gives insight to the most prominent psychosocial benefits for young adults after surgery. While a big pro for this source is its quantitative data, it also admits within the text that conclusions and calculations can be faulty. Simis et al. states, “First, they did not use comparison groups that were studied with the same time interval,...Second, the studied groups were homogeneous regarding diagnostic features,...Third, no studies compared the results of interventions that were performed for corrective versus reconstructive reasons.” Because of these limits, not all positive results may be fair to take as absolute truth.

The article, “The Psychological Health Benefits of Aesthetic Surgery” by Dr. Lucy Kowalski goes into more depth of the psychological aspects of aesthetic surgery. Dr. Kowalski specializes in psychology which allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the, for the most part, beneficial mental impact cosmetic surgery has on people. Although there is an abundance of good evidence in this article from several sources, the research is very broad, which makes it hard to compare positive results of cosmetic surgery in this article to those in a young adult age group.

Sources three and four are good at providing tons of evidence that support the positive outcomes of post-surgery effects. They can both admit that there is some nuance present in their studies but that research has still widely supported the fact that appropriate candidates have good outcomes. However, all around positive effects aren’t always going to be the final verdict. Both sources were not able to provide evidence for long-term results or follow-ups on aesthetic surgery for young patients.
Opinion/Conclusion/Compromise

Both sides of the argument can be acknowledged as valid in their own ways. Young people who are legally adults should have the freedom to receive plastic surgery but I do believe that should always come with responsible, informed and safe decision making. One side of the argument was more strict about being careful due to adverse psychological and physiological risks. The other side was more open about the positive psychological, social and physiological effects that can be present after the appropriate health steps and assessments are taken. Both agree that there is evident positive and negative in this scenario. The question is quite complex and sources are capable of leaning towards a “yes” or “no” side and listing pros and cons. The overarching theme is that it depends on the patient themselves, how healthy they are, how mature they are and how it will eventually affect them. In the compromise of both sides, I can say that ultimately, 18 year old's should take necessary precautions through medical evaluations such as physical and psychological screening to be allowed to receive plastic surgery. With the help of guardians and professionals, young adults should be able to make that choice for themselves in the end.

Works Cited

“Briefing Paper: Plastic Surgery for Teenagers.” American Society of Plastic Surgeons,

www.plasticsurgery.org/news/briefing-papers/briefing-paper-plastic-surgery-for-teenagers.

Accessed 5 Feb.2026.

Kozlowski, Lucy. “Psychological Health Benefits of Aesthetic Surgery” Oxford Academic, issue Supplement_2, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, vol. 45, 9 Aug. 2025, pp. S62 - S65.

https://academic.oup.com/asj/article-abstract/45/Supplement_2/S62/8228850?redirectedFrom=fulltext.

Simis , Kuni. “After Plastic Surgery: Adolescent-Reported Appearance Ratings and Appearance-Related Burdens in Patient and General Population Groups.” issue 1 of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, vol. 109, Jan. 2002, pp. 9-17. https://research.vu.nl/files/1791451/Simis%20Plastic%20and%20Reconstructive%20Surgery%20109(1)%202002%20u.pdf.Singh, Kuldeep. “Cosmetic Surgery in Teenagers: To Do or Not to Do.” Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2015, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4411597/.