So Your Philadelphia Teen Wants Cosmetic Surgery?

Sixteen used to be the age that most kids wanted a car. Now all too many kids want a nose job or liposuction instead. In this world of reality TV, where we are so often treated to the image of a young woman going under the knife on Monday and turning into a beautiful swan on Friday, it's no wonder some teens think plastic surgery is an answer to all their problems.

If your Philadelphia teen is nagging you for cosmetic surgery, there are some issues you might want to consider.

Does your teen genuinely have a physical defect that might be improved with surgery?

Some children are born with conditions such as cleft lips and palates, club feet, or other embarrassing circumstances. Other teens may feel embarrassed after an accident or injury that left them severely burned or missing a limb. If your child has an obvious defect, get in touch with a place with experience treating kids in similar situations. Your best bet is probably the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for cosmetic surgery. A program like this can discuss options with you and your teen.

Does your teen have run-of-the mill cosmetic problems?

Let's face it. Everyone wishes for a slightly bigger bust, or five pounds less around the tummy, or a smooth face without a single line or wrinkle. I wouldn't mind looking like Angelina Jolie for a day or two myself. If your Philadelphia teen wants cosmetic surgery for a relatively minor issue, have him or her talk to a plastic surgeon who is used to working with teens and has no trouble turning them away if they don't meet criteria for plastic surgery. One possible resource is the Center for Human Appearances at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Is your teen obsessed with her or his body in other ways?

Does she spend her days eating and her nights throwing up? Does he skip meals until he almost disappears into his clothes? If so, your teen could have a more serious body image problem. Take him or her to talk to a qualified Philadelphia mental health professional who discourages cosmetic surgery and teaches your teen to love his or her body the way it is.

Has your teen simply lost track of his or her priorities?

When all your friends are chattering about body work and the latest reality show on TV, it can be hard not to join in. You as a parent can be a gentle voice in the wings reminding your child what's really important. Encourage him to think what that $10,000 he was planning to spend on cosmetic surgery would do if donated to, say, The Philadelphia Zoo, a homeless or drug rehab shelter, or to support programs for vets returning from Iraq, many of whom are truly in desperate in need of cosmetic surgery for severe injuries.

Keep reminding your child about the things that are really important, and it won't be long before that Barbie or Ken doll changes back into the happily flawed person you love so much.

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