City’s burgeoning fashion scene encourages cosmetics surgery among early teenagers

Dr Karthik Ram, Chief Cosmetic Surgeon, Chennai Plastic Surgery, who deals with teenagers on a regular basis, says, “There are many instances of youth coming as soon as they hit their teens and asking for cosmetic procedures — but we try to avoid them until they reach at least 16 years of age. The reason is that the body is still developing until a certain period and it’s not recommended that changes are made until then. Apart from very few instances, we reject most such clients”

He adds, “Unless and until there is a psychological problem with the teen due to an issue with the body -- be it a deformity, gynecomastia (man breasts), a cleft or so on -- that really affects their daily routine and upsets them - we don’t advise cosmetic surgery to youngsters.”

Adolescents reaching puberty is also a tough time. Sixteen-year-old Vasundhara (name changed) recently got a rhinoplasty (nose job) as the teen is acting in short films. She feels it was a good decision to help her fledgling career. “I have wanted to do this for the last three years, and my mother, who is very supportive of my dreams, actively supported me. I’m not sure if it is suitable for other teens, but we went to a highly-recommended doctor and my family also approved of the surgery. It wasn’t a drastic change or anything, and I’m thrilled with the results.”

Cosmetic gynaecologist Deepa Ganesh says that most clinics try their best to dissuade youngsters who inquire about such services, but if they are adamant, doctors eventually agree after informing them of the consequences. “If you see in the west, procedures like labiaplasty are very popular among even girls as young as 13. This is because they start wearing swimsuits early or enter the fashion industry. However, it doesn’t work in India. Several secondary sexual characteristics keep developing and surgeries before 18 could cause permanent nerve damage. But if it is for medical reasons such as scar removals, then it is okay.” The cost of surgeries varies. A nose job could be anywhere between Rs 60,000 to 80,000; for liposuction, it is around Rs 70,000.