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There's a great deal of controversy on whether or not teenagers should be allowed to have cosmetic plastic surgery. The recent appearance of Lindsay Lohan's younger sister, 17-year-old Ali Lohan, has brought new attention to this issue. I'm not referring to plastic surgery for a deformity or gross asymmetry (such as one breast being larger than the other). I'm talking about plastic surgery to improve a normal body part that is unacceptable in appearance to a teenager. It is not unheard of in some echelons of society for parents to give a rhinoplasty (nose job) or breast augmentation as a "sweet 16" birthday present.
Teenagers are a special group. As they are still young, it is particularly important that they understand both the short-term and long-term repercussions of their chosen procedure.
If you are a parent who has a teenager considering plastic surgery, the best outcomes arise when both the patient and parents are fully informed. Read about some helpful guidelines in What To Do If Your Teenager Wants Plastic Surgery.