it can be distressing to be confronted with an aesthetic abnormality in their children. However, we take the view that cosmetic surgery is warranted in children only for reasons of developemental psychological such as damaging peer pressure. Under the age of 18, a written informed consent procedure from at least one parent is at all times required.
WHEN APPEARANCE COMPROMISES THE YOUNGSTER
PLASTIC SURGERY FOR CHILDREN
FOR THE PARENTS
THE CRITICAL AGE OF SELF CONSCIOUSNESS
FROM 7 ONWARDS
children start to develop their sense of human form. Children with a certain oddity of appearance will normally not suffer from peer discrimination until the age of 7. However, after that the psychological pressure of bullying as a result of abnormalities possibly as simple as prominent ears can be a cause of lifelong developmental damage. This is why usually the view is taken that cosmetic surgery is indicated from that age onwards. Of course, much earlier operations for appearance are performed on the specific request of the parents. |
