Ban Plastic surgery for teens

The state of queensland australia has announce its decision to ban cosmetic surgery and tanning beds for under 18 with the exception of those done to correct deformities or disfiguring injuries as well as procedures to improve medical, psychological or social well-being.

Appearance enhancing procedures such as breast implants and liposuctions etc, will be out of reach to teens under 18.

Premier Anna Bligh was heard to have said in parliament : " I appreciate that this can be a difficult time, especially in a young woman's development, but to resort to a surgeon's blade is an adult response best left until one is an adult ".

The move is well received by the Australian Society for Plastic Surgeons, Austrailia's professional platic surgery professional organization.

The move is likely the most sweeping acton taken by a government as yet, in view of the increasing numbers of teens undergoing the knife for cosmetic enhancements.
 
But others worry that similar legislation, if it ever comes to pass in the United States, would draw a largely arbitrary line — and could needlessly restrict some teens from procedures that would help their self-esteem.

"The age 18 is an unrealistic marker," agreed Dr. Garry S. Brody, professor emeritus of plastic surgery at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles.

"The decision for any such surgery depends upon the maturity of the patient, their motivation and realistic expectations. Is the girl with asymmetric breasts any more deserving than the girls with very small breasts, who won't go to gym or swim because of her 'deformity'?"

And New York plastic surgeon Dr. Frederick Lukash said that even absent an outright ban on cosmetic surgery for teens in the United States, the situation set up by the Queensland law already somewhat resembles what is happening in this country.

"Very few under 18-year-olds are making their own decisions regarding surgery," said New York plastic surgeon Lukash, who wrote the position paper on teenage plastic surgery for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "They do not have the financial independence to do so. Parents are involved in the decision-making process and usually maintain good judgment.

"Responsible surgeons will use good judgment and operate on appropriate individuals for the proper situations. A law banning surgery will not alter that."