U.S. Plastic Surgery Groups Fail Minors
Following up on yesterday's story about Australian bans on plastic surgery for minors, it is fast becoming clear that surgeons' groups here in the USA have no plans to follow suit. Or to even consider the matter.
The American Medical Association, which has no policy positions on under 18s according to a spokeswoman, and does not plan to even consider the pros and cons of a ban, despite the skyrocketing numbers for cosmetic procedures ranging from breast augmentations to botox.
The American Society for Plastic Surgeons has no formal position on surgery for minors, and neither does the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The latter states: "Most experts agree that for appropriately selected teenage patients, cosmetic plastic surgery can have a positive impact on physical and emotional development." But a spokeswoman declined to cite references for those experts.
Watch this space as we look further into training and guidance provided to accredited plastic surgeons with regard to minors (or the lack thereof) . Oh and remember, a doctor doesn't have to have any special training or be board certified in order to call him or herself a plastic surgeon.
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