Incisions, scarring, pinching, stitching, and recovery are all things that teenagers often experience when undergoing cosmetic surgery. Rates of cosmetic surgery among adolescents have skyrocketed and continue to rise. People claim that a sense of self-esteem and self-confidence can be achieved through cosmetic surgery because then they "fit in", but is that really a good enough reason for teenagers to put on their bodies under the knife? Teenagers should not be allowed to undergo such a major procedure with such weak intentions. Cosmetic surgery, also known as cosmetic plastic surgery, includes common procedures such as breast implants and liposuction, as well as more exotic procedures such as butt lifts and cheek implants. Some other cosmetic surgery procedures often performed may include rhinoplasty (nose job), mouth or chin reconstruction, and removal of wrinkles or blemishes. However, plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are two different things; plastic surgery is performed for medical purposes, while cosmetic surgery is strictly aimed at correcting a perceived flaw in a person's physical appearance. This procedure has become an important part of adolescents' attempt to achieve the ideal beauty depicted in today's media around the world. In 2008, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Surgery, nearly 48,000 cosmetic surgery participants were 18 years old or younger. This total only includes invasive procedures, in which surgeons cut into a patient's tissue. This does not include non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections or laser hair removal. The total number of operations spiked in 2003, with 66,142 surgeries performed on people aged 18 and younger, then dropped in 2006 to 40,464 operations. A total of 50,066 cosmetics... middle of paper ... from all angles, as well as peer pressure from other teenagers trying to conform to society's "normalcy". However, cosmetic surgery should not be the reason why a teenager can interact more freely with so-called "friends", because the people who will be the truest friends are not the ones who wait until after surgery, a no one conforms to recognize. their existence. Therefore, adolescents should not base their decision to have surgery on the hope of making friends who only appreciate superficial beauty instead of the pure beauty that comes from within. Teenagers should also not undergo surgery at such a young age due to not only the health risks, but also the possible future problems they may encounter. The feeling of self-esteem and self-confidence cannot and should not outweigh the many risks and side effects associated with cosmetic surgery in adolescents..