How Young Is TOO Young For Cosmetic Surgery? UK

Main Category: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Article Date: 10 Nov 2009 - 0:00 PST

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A national survey carried out by Girl Guiding UK, today revealed that 24% of girls aged 16-21 would consider having cosmetic surgery. The researchers found the turning point was around the age of 10 when it came to worrying about appearances. Between the ages of 7 to 11-year-olds, 2% were not happy with their appearance but this increased to 11% in 11 to 16-year-olds.

According to Dai Davies, Consultant Plastic Surgeon for Plastic Surgery Partners: "Girls are under so much pressure to conform to society's view of what is beautiful, that it's no wonder they are considering plastic surgery so young." Dai has performed rhinoplasty on a patient of 13 and prominent ear surgery on children as young as 7 years old. Dai explains that not only is parental consent needed at these ages but more importantly the patient's consent. Even at such a young age the children must have a clear understanding of what is happening and agree to the procedure, it's not enough for the parents to believe it should be done. When asked how young was too young, Dai referred to the reason why a child was having the procedure done. In the case of rhinoplasty, "if it's merely for cosmetic reasons then I believe they should wait until they're 18 years old. They need to grow into their features and make sure it's the right decision for them".

Dai stressed that a re-education programme is what is crucially needed, not necessarily cosmetic surgery. "Somewhere along the way young girls and women have been led astray, they need to be re-educated about beauty and to understand how the media manipulates its content. Plastic surgery is a great resource for people who have realistic expectations and should really only be an educated decision."

Dai Davies is at the forefront of modern cosmetic surgery. Not only does he hold a wealth of experience having been in the industry for several decades, but he also trains up and coming surgeons in his speciality areas, launching them into an elite group of the world's best. Mr. Dai Davies is a member of the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and the British Hand Society. He is also a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and the Argentinean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He acts as an advisor to the Medical Protection Society.

Source
Plastic Surgery Partners