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Cosmetic surgery for teens needs stronger regulation |
A cool off period for teenage cosmetic surgery is a positive step but a minimum condition. The NSW Government should consider bans on unnecessary and invasive procedures as proposed in Queensland, AMA (NSW) said today.
“Teenagers are not mature and their bodies and minds are still undergoing development. Cosmetic surgery, like any other surgery, involves physical risks. There is also a psychological dimension involving body image in the impulse to seek cosmetic surgery,” said AMA (NSW) President Dr Andrew Keegan.
“These factors should be discussed openly to ensure that any surgical procedure is for the benefit of the patient. “Last week, the Queensland Government announced plans to ban unnecessary, high risk and invasive cosmetic surgery for young people under 18, and proposed to introduce a Bill into parliament later this year.
“AMA (NSW) would welcome nationally consistent legislation,” Dr Keegan said. Dr Keegan said patients should approach cosmetic surgery with caution.
“Any person planning on having a cosmetic surgery procedure should consult with their family and their general practitioner and consider their motivations and the impact on their health in the longer term.
They should also check the qualifications of the cosmetic surgeon and seek a second opinion if in doubt,” he said.
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