Plastic Surgery Becomes Popular Gift for Grads

One of the latest trends in plastic surgery is for teens to receive a procedure as a graduation gift, according to Crain’s New York Business’s recent article “Pomp and rhinoplasty honor grads.”

The demand for plastic surgery among teens has grown in the last few years, and it’s becoming a popular graduation gift for high school and college grads.

Over  8,000 U.S. teenagers aged 18 and 19 had breast enlargements in 2009—more than triple the number in 2001, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The increase was seen during the recession, at a time when there was a drop in the overall number of plastic surgeries.

Teens make up just 2 percent of all cosmetic surgery patients in the United States, but their numbers are growing. Surrounded by reality shows like Extreme Makeover and an increasing openness in America about plastic surgery has led to more teenagers asking their parents for nips and tucks according to Crain’s.

“In the past few years, I’ve seen more younger people doing more plastic surgery than ever before,” says Dr. Andrew Jacono, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York City. “There’s a lot of pressure on young people to look a certain way, and when kids go away to college, it’s a chance to start all over.”

The most popular procedures for teens include nose jobs, liposuction and breast augmentations. “Breast surgery is at the top of the list for graduates now,” said Dr. Mauro Romita, a plastic surgeon in Manhattan.

Stephanie Michelle, who graduated from the University of Buffalo this year, first asked for a nose job for her high school graduation present. Her parents said no, but they promised to pay if she still wanted the surgery when she graduated from college. Now the family is researching doctors.

“This is the perfect time to do it,” says Ms. Michelle. “I am going to be on my own and moving to the city and becoming an adult.”