14 year old daughter wants surgery
- ASPS
- ASPS
Dear Mrs. Figgins:
My 14 year old is really into basketball, she’s a freshman
in highschool and she wants to join the team. The only problem is
that she’s been having problems with her chest when she tries to play
and we were told by her doctor that there is no way she can play this
year without a reduction surgery. She has a F cup bust size and she
is eligable for the surgery but I still feel like she is too young
and might regret it later in life. Dispite the pain, she still
practices every day and I would feel so bad telling her no. Any
advice you could give to me would be appreciated.
Thanks
SK
Dear SK:
Breast augmentation – breast reduction – is a major step for most women, and not uncommon in young women. It often plays a very positive role helping boost self-esteem and body image.
Your daughter may benefit greatly from breast reduction.
However, the need for careful screening by a board certified doctor is critical. It is not just the physical examination; it’s also an assessment of patients’ emotional and mental health and stability. Remember the consultation is a 2-way street. You should assess the surgeon to determine whether he or she is competent, caring, and appropriate. And the surgeon assesses the patient for appropriateness for the surgery.
Do your homework!
You should never do surgery — at any age or in any patient — unless the benefits outweigh the risks and the improvement that’s possible is greater than the costs and risks of surgery.
“The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world. Founded in 1931, the society is composed of board-certified plastic surgeons who perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.”
Whether you’re considering cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery, you want the skill of an ASPS Member Surgeon—a doctor with more than six years of surgical training and experience, with at least three years specifically in plastic surgery. Their training and experience make them uniquely qualified to perform your cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.”
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Media/Briefing_Papers/Plastic_Surgery_for_Teenagers.html
