Teenagers and the Plastic Surgery Epidemic

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Today, an overwhelming number of American teenagers choose to alter their body in order to fit the unrealistic standard of physical attractiveness created by our beauty-obsessed culture. Teens feel an immense amount of pressure to look “beautiful” from the media, peers and even parents. Teenagers are going to extreme lengths to reach this physical perfection, but when it comes down to it, just how far is too far? The numbers of teens going through with plastic surgery is startling and will continue to rise as America falls in to a beauty obsessed epidemic. The most drastic method used for mega alterations among teenagers is plastic surgery. There are two types of plastic surgery: reconstructive and cosmetic (Monohan). Reconstructive procedures are carried out in order to correct defects on the body. Cosmetic procedures alter a part of the body that a person is not satisfied with. There has been a huge increase with the number of teens that get cosmetic surgery in America within he last decade. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) estimates that more than 333,000 cosmetic surgeries were performed on patients 18 years or younger compared to approximately 14,000 in 1996 (Zuckerman). Some teenagers turn to plastic surgery to correct a physical defect or to change part of their body that they aren’t satisfied with. The most common procedures teens choose are nose reshaping, ear surgery, scar treatment and breast reduction. Although breast augmentation and liposuction are less popular for those under 18 they are more controversial because of the higher complication rates, long-term financial aid, health risks and concerns about “body sculpting” on bodies that are not done developing (Zuckerman). In additi... ... middle of paper ... ...e entire nation. Works Cited Boodman, Sandra G. "For More Teenage Girls, Adult Plastic Surgery (washingtonpost.com)." Washington Post - Politics, National, World & D.C. Area News and Headlines - Washingtonpost.com. Web. 11 Feb. 2011. . Mann, Denise. "Plastic Surgery and Teens on MedicineNet.com." Web. 11 Feb. 2011. . Monohan, Kate. "Teen Plastic Surgery." Plastic Surgery Cosmetic Surgery Beverly Hills Los Angeles California. Web. 11 Feb. 2011. . Zuckerman, Diana. "Teenagers and Cosmetic Surgery." Breast Augmentation, Breast Reconstruction, and Breast Implant Information Website. Web. 11 Feb. 2011. .

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