A recent poll from the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital highlights a growing trend among parents who support non-surgical cosmetic procedures for their teenagers, sparking a conversation about both the benefits and risks associated with these treatments.
The poll found that one in six parents would permit their teenager to undergo non-surgical procedures—such as laser hair removal, teeth whitening, or dermal fillers—if the teen had parental approval. However, while these procedures are often considered safer than surgical alternatives, medical professionals caution that they still carry risks.
Dr. Susan Woolford, the pediatrician who led the poll, emphasized that even though these cosmetic procedures are less invasive, they are not free from danger. “Potential problems include burns, scarring, infections, or allergic reactions,” she warned. “These issues are more likely to arise if the procedures are performed by unskilled or inexperienced providers, or in environments that don’t adequately prioritize patient safety.”
The survey also revealed that many parents expressed concerns about long-term effects, including the possibility of their child regretting the procedure or seeking further cosmetic treatments in the future. Dr. Woolford added that the pressures of social media are often a driving force behind teens’ desires to alter their appearances. “Teens are constantly exposed to digitally enhanced images that set unrealistic standards of beauty, often impossible to achieve naturally,” she explained.
For many teenagers struggling with self-image, Dr. Woolford pointed out that altering their appearance may not necessarily improve their mental outlook. “Changing one’s appearance does not guarantee a change in one’s life,” she said, advising parents to engage in open discussions with their teens to understand the underlying reasons for their desire to undergo these procedures.
The poll also revealed that parents are divided on whether improving a teen’s mental health is a valid reason for cosmetic treatments. Half of the respondents believe that being bullied is not a sufficient reason for a teen to seek non-surgical procedures, while the other half expressed more ambivalence on the issue.
As the debate over teen cosmetic procedures continues, medical experts urge parents to weigh both the physical and psychological risks, ensuring that decisions are made with their children’s long-term health and well-being in mind.
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