Teens

photo of beautiful teenage girl

Dr. O'Toole lends years of expertise in helping teens and their parents learn whether plastic surgery is appropriate. In some cases, it is not. In others, it is a viable option with extremely beneficial outcomes. Our Pittsburgh plastic surgery practice treats each potential teenage patient and their parents to a full consultation to determine the best, safest treatment plan to address your concerns.

Here are a few of the most common procedures performed on teenage patients:

ATYPICAL MOLES AND SCARS

Atypical moles, or dysplastic nevi, are benign moles that can resemble melanoma. Individuals with atypical moles are at a higher risk of developing melanomas.

Upon initial evaluation, Dr. O'Toole will help to guide patients through the process of diagnosis and removal of atypical moles. It is critical to determine if moles are abnormal, and if so, compile the best treatment plan. The determination of whether to conduct mole removal surgery, or simply monitoring, is dependent upon a thorough baseline examination.

At O’Toole Plastic Surgery, patients receive extensive follow-up care after mole removal surgery and instructions on self-monitoring at home. Patients who have had moles removed in the past may also opt for scar removal surgery to improve the aesthetics of the treated area.

Teenage Rhinoplasty

There are two reasons that teens and their parents consult with plastic surgeons about rhinoplasty surgery: either to improve the size and/or shape of the nose, or to correct a nasal breathing issue.

Rhinoplasty is the most frequently requested cosmetic plastic surgery procedure among teenagers. Both male and female patients seek rhinoplasty during their teenage years.

Any cosmetic surgery procedure performed on teenagers can be controversial. But with proper patient selection and involvement of parents at every stage of the process, the results can be extremely rewarding. Teenage rhinoplasty can tremendously improve self-confidence, but the patient has to feel emotionally ready for the physical change.

Age is one of the most important criteria for having teenage rhinoplasty. Most teenage rhinoplasty patients are between the ages of 15 and 19.

It is absolutely critical that teenage rhinoplasty candidates not only understand the risks and benefits of the surgery, but also be mature enough for the experience.

Dr. O'Toole will conduct a careful evaluation and detailed discussion with the individual patient and his/her family to decide the best treatment plan possible.

BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY FOR JUVENILES AND TEENS

Hyperplasia, the condition of enlarged breasts at a young age, is caused by a rapid increase in the number of cells in the breasts. This condition, when present in young people, can be extremely uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally.

Enlarged breasts can lead to back and orthopedic issues, tingling in the arms and hands, grooving on shoulders from bra straps, and reduction in the motivation to exercise. These issues can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle and weight gain, which can exacerbate the problem. 

Fortunately, there are options today for young people with enlarged breasts. In fact, many insurance companies now cover surgery for prematurely enlarged breasts, as it impacts the overall health of the individual.  It should be noted that this procedure can impact breastfeeding later in life and should be considered carefully.

Our Pittsburgh cosmetic surgery practice treats juvenile and teen cases of breast hyperplasia, or enlarged breasts, giving young patients renewed health and greater capacity for activity.

TEENAGE LIPOSUCTION

The physical, hormonal, and psychological changes that occur during the teen years can bring undue pressures to their physical appearance.

Dr. O’Toole is exceedingly conservative when considering liposuction for this age group. He would be happy to evaluate the patient’s individual situation, but in most cases will likely not recommend it. It will be considered only on an exceedingly limited basis.

EAR PINNING (OTOPLASTY)

Ear pinning or Otoplasty is an operation designed to correct ears that protrude excessively from the side of the head. Many otoplasties are performed on children so the correction is completed before a child enters elementary school.

Surprisingly, ears reach about 80% of their adult size by age five or six, so an ear pinning operation during childhood is typically appropriate.

Otoplasty is also a straightforward operation for teens and adults. In many cases, the earlier an ear pinning surgery is completed, the more natural the results look.

For children, otoplasty is usually performed while under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis or for a very short hospital stay.

For teens or adults, ear pinning is a very comfortable operation to have as an outpatient procedure and can even be done under local sedation. Pain is typically minimal. Sometimes, the procedure involves earlobe reduction plastic surgery as well.

The most common ear pinning surgical methods leave a scar on the back of the ears that is essentially invisible, unless the ear is folded forward.

Ear pinning is a very commonly accepted procedure for children and teenagers. A consultation at our Pittsburgh cosmetic surgery practice will enable youth and their parents to learn about their options.

AXILLARY AND PALMOPLANTAR HYPERHYDROSIS (EXCESSIVE SWEATING)

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a common disorder that occurs in people who are most often otherwise healthy. Excessive sweating can be rooted in both physical and emotional origins, and can begin in pre-adolescents into the early teen/pubescent years.

There are many treatments for excessive sweating. A personal consultation with a physician will indicate what type of treatment is best for the individual. When treatments such as over-the-counter and prescription antiperspirants make no impact, there are other procedures available that can be administered by a physician during an office visit. 

O’Toole Plastic Surgery administers Botox® injections to prevent those cases of excessive sweating that are unresponsive to other forms of treatment.

Botox® injections create results that last up to six months and are often covered by insurance, as this condition often impedes activities of daily living. Side effects are minimal and recovery time is very rapid.