Ethical Aspects of Cosmetic and Body Enhancement Surgeries in Adolescents and Minors: An Opinion Article

Abstract

Recently, social awareness of improvements in surgical techniques has caused an increased demand for cosmetic surgeries for different reasons among teenagers and adolescents. In my opinion, physical appearance and aesthetics are now more valuable than other core personal values. Psychosocial factors and peer pressure are major drivers of this trend. Mainstream media and the internet are also playing a crucial role in advertising and glamorizing cosmetic surgery procedures. I strongly believe that the adolescent has not fully developed the needed psychophysical balance to make such choices. In my submission, doctors should evaluate every case within a proper ethical and professional context and should turn down unnecessary requests for cosmetic surgery by teenagers and adolescents even if consent has been duly obtained from parents and legal guardians.