Pediatric Cosmetic Surgery: When is it Justifiable?

Cosmetic surgery has seen a surge in popularity across all age groups, primarily due to its ability to reverse signs of aging and enhance physical appearance. However, the majority of these procedures are performed on adults aged 18 and above. Despite this, a small but growing number of children and teenagers are expressing interest in cosmetic surgery.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves most cosmetic surgical procedures for individuals aged 18 and above. Consequently, many cosmetic surgeons are hesitant to offer their services to children, given that cosmetic surgery is typically elective. However, there are exceptions where plastic surgery is deemed necessary for children, often related to self-esteem issues that certain procedures can address. Unlike adults, children seeking plastic surgery are not usually interested in procedures like breast augmentation, facelifts, or liposuction. Instead, pediatric cosmetic surgery is often aimed at correcting birth defects that could significantly impact a child's self-esteem.

Correcting Cleft Lip or Palate

One of the most common exceptions to the age restriction on plastic surgery is the correction of a cleft lip or palate. This birth defect affects approximately one in every 700 births. While young children may not experience many issues due to a cleft lip, it can lead to social and psychological problems during adolescence. Additionally, varying degrees of a cleft palate or lip can impact feeding and speech. As such, most cosmetic surgeons recommend correcting a cleft lip soon after birth or during early childhood.

Otoplasty and Birthmark Removal

Otoplasty, a procedure where the surgeon repositions the ears to a more typical alignment, is another common cosmetic surgical procedure for children and teenagers. Similarly, birthmark removal is a popular surgical option for children. Although this can be considered an elective surgery, a large birthmark can significantly affect a child or adolescent's self-esteem.

Pediatric cosmetic surgery may not be as prevalent as adult cosmetic surgery, primarily because most plastic surgeons focus on adult patients. However, both age groups seek plastic surgery for similar reasons - to boost confidence. There are certain circumstances where performing a cosmetic procedure on a child is not only acceptable but also beneficial. Some of the most common cosmetic surgeries for children, such as cleft lip correction, are rarely performed on adults. These procedures aim to correct a birth defect or mark that could negatively impact a child's self-esteem.