Both age limit and age of consent are not essentially considered in cosmetic surgery. However, if an underage individual desires to undergo surgery for purely aesthetic reasons, a number of conditions must be fulfilled prior to the procedure.
What is the minimum age for cosmetic surgery?
Parental consent is strictly required for underage patients who wish to seek out cosmetic surgery. While in some countries, the legal age is eighteen (18) years old, in others the patient has to be twenty-one (21) of age before considering the surgery. Regardless of country policies, parental consent is required up to a certain age.
It is important to note that the age limit for cosmetic surgery depends on the type of procedure. For a
rhinoplasty (surgery of the nose) or an
otoplasty (surgery of the ears), the patient should achieve full growth before considering the surgery. If the patient desires to undergo
breast augmentation, she has to reach eighteen (18) years of age at least.
A third factor that is taken into account by the surgeon is the patient’s level of maturity. For this, the surgeon will discuss with the young patient their real motivations, and find out whether the surgery is duly needed or not. If not, the surgeon will suggest psychotherapy sessions to help the patient deal with their physical insecurities.
What is the maximum age for cosmetic surgery?
There is no maximum age for cosmetic surgery. However, an octogenarian cannot possibly benefit from face surgery (
facelift,
blepharoplasty, etc.). Undergoing cosmetic surgery generally depends the patient’s overall cardiovascular health.