Safe and Sane Teenage Plastic Surgery

Book Review:  Frederick N. Lukash, M.D., "The Safe and Sane Guide to Teenage Plastic Surgery"

If you have children, even preteens, this book offers, as advertised, safe and sane information for you to draw on when your child moans "I hate my nose" or you see signs of withdrawal or acting out because his new nickname is "Dumbo".  Dr. Lukash, who has all the board certifications and honors you could ask for, explains teen plastic surgery for you, so you have some intelligent way of addressing your child's concerns.

The book is straightforward and easy to read, with plenty of diagrams, illustrations, and examples.  Part I:  Deciding if plastic surgery is right for your teen; Part II: Procedures; Part III:  Post Surgery.  WNL appreciated the section in Part I addressing body image issues, and he includes a terrific list of bullet points entitled "Nonverbal Cues That Your Teen May Have Body Image Issues."

(Because teens around the world have body image issues, and the book, regrettably, is not available to everyone, WNL decided to post the list, with the caveat that it is just part of Dr. Lukash's excellent discussion of body image, and acquiring the book is preferable.)

Nonverbal Cues That Your Teen May Have Body Image Issues

• refuses to go shopping
• refuses to go to camp
• refuses to go to the beach
• refuses to engage socially (e.g., won't go to school functions, be involved in clubs, or participate on teams)
• acts out in school (e.g., becomes "class clown", "class bully," or "class dummy")
• begins to dress differently (e.g., wearing all black or loose cover-up clothing)
• changes hairstyles or keeps his head slouched to cover up features he is unhappy about, such as his ears or nose
• changes eating and exercise habits in an attempt to lose weight in some area (e.g., make breasts smaller or larger)
• avoids conversations about appearance or fails to communicate in general
• attempts to take control of her body with defiant acts (e.g., piercings, tattoos)
• becomes resentful and jealous of others who have what she wants
• becomes frustrated over any situation that he cannot control
• starts doing poorly in classes

Published in 2010, the guide has the latest, including ethnic plastic surgery, procedures done to minimize ethnic characteristics, and the latest plastic surgery wrinkles, which will be available for teens as well as grownups, like fat grafting, lasers, gender surgery, genital surgery, hair and tattoo removal, and the rise of the "medical spa" where storefronts offer Botox and more, as accessible as the grocery and dry cleaners.

In conclusion, here are Dr. Lukash's thoughts about permanent makeup, something you, as well as your teen, may be considering:

"Imbedding ink for eyebrows, eyeliners, and lip colors is no different from other tattooing.  The results are permanent.  Teens should not consider these procedures because they have yet to experience the effects of aging.  Once skin loosens and sags, the permanent makeup will be out of position and cannot be removed."

WNL:  How great that you can have such an extended conversation with an expert plastic surgeon right in your own home, answering questions you never even knew enough to ask.  Can you tell I really liked it?

For dozens more bookmarking and share options, click on the post headline and use this link from the post's individual page