Teens in UAE seek nose jobs due to social media
Noor Bassam, who is now 18 years old, underwent a rhinoplasty procedure at the age of 17. She underwent rhinoplasty procedure because she "disliked" her nose. Although Noor attempted contouring methods to conceal what she perceived as an imperfection, she still felt unable to attain her desired appearance.
Eager to build up her self-assurance before beginning college, she managed to persuade her parents to give their consent for the procedure, despite the disapproval of her doctors. Minors must have parental permission to receive these treatments.
At first unhappy with the outcomes, Noor has come to value her changed look and now feels more self-assured. She is among a rising number of young individuals in the UAE choosing to undergo cosmetic treatments.
Her cousin, Zain Osama, had rhinoplasty at 17 as well, however, her situation was not the same. At 20 years old, Zain wishes he had waited longer. "It has been three years, and my nose does not appear as we had agreed upon with the doctor." "I do regret not waiting," she expressed.
Even after the operation, she is even more self-conscious about her nose than she was previously. "Despite minimal physical changes, there have been significant emotional shifts." I believed I would gain confidence, but instead I feel even more self-aware. When I look at myself, all I can see is my crooked nose," she admitted.
Both Noor and Zain acknowledge the significant impact of social media on their choices.
Being exposed to "flawless models with balanced faces" motivated them to pursue cosmetic alterations at a young age.
The statements made by doctors
Dubai-based clinical psychologist Sneha John explained to Khaleej Times that young people's beauty standards are impacted by social media exposure. Continual exposure to filters and celebrity posts on social media platforms such as Instagram leads to a greater acceptance and interest in cosmetic procedures.
She mentioned that research demonstrates a connection between frequent filter usage and increased willingness to undergo cosmetic procedures.
Should teenagers under 18 be encouraged to have invasive procedures such as rhinoplasty or Botox?
Specialist dermatologist Dr. Mayur Bhobe from CosmeSurge Hospital in Dubai cautions against cosmetic procedures for individuals younger than 18, citing their "limited psychological development."
He mentions that approximately 5 percent of his patients are teenagers looking for these treatments, typically motivated by self-esteem problems or birth-related issues.
Dr Bhobe warns about the possible effect of the procedures on facial growth, stating: "Products such as Botox and fillers may alter the movement and development of facial muscles." Excessive use of Botox on younger patients may change their natural expressions by temporarily paralyzing muscles. Fillers can alter facial shapes and impact the way the face develops over time. The potential long-term consequences are not completely known, with possible risks such as allergies, infections, or negative reactions from tissues.
Permissible solely for medical purposes
According to Dr Jaffer Khan, Botox can be used for medical purposes such as treating hyperhidrosis, but fillers should not be used on individuals under the age of 18.
Usually, I refrain from giving filler treatments to individuals who are under the age of 18. "I wouldn't approve those procedures even if I were a parent," he stated.
Both the surgeon and the patient typically assess aesthetic outcomes. If the patient is not fully engaged, has not been adequately briefed, or lacks understanding of the doctor's advice because of immaturity, they may be dissatisfied with the outcomes. He emphasized that this is a crucial issue when carrying out treatments on younger patients.
Dr. Khan, with 25 years of experience, stated that it is fairly common for young patients to request rhinoplasty. Even though cosmetic procedures are commonly desired for enhancing appearance, they can also be vital for treating medical issues.
Procedures are advantageous for serious deformities or conditions that result in emotional distress. Dr Manoj Kumar, a plastic surgeon at International Modern Hospital in Dubai, mentioned that procedures like treating gynaecomastia in teenage boys or correcting prominent ears can greatly boost self-confidence.
He stressed the importance of approaching cosmetic procedures carefully, with involvement from mental health experts and approval from parents.
Legitimate justifications for undergoing cosmetic procedures
Dr Adel Quttainah, a plastic surgeon at Dubai's Quttainah Specialized Hospital, also explained legitimate reasons for undergoing cosmetic surgery, such as congenital deformities, trauma, or breathing problems. Other cosmetic concerns include intense emotional suffering or extensive acne scarring that needs thorough evaluation.
Ultimately, it is essential for doctors to reach a common agreement in order to effectively address the attitudes of young patients. It is important for them to grasp the consequences of cosmetic procedures, and to secure permission from a parent or guardian.
Fresh point of view
Zain's advice is that minors should carefully research cosmetic treatments and not let social media easily sway them.
She warned to ensure the decision is genuinely yours, and not influenced by a doctor or celebrity. She regretted having surgery at a young age.
In spite of the difficulties, Zain has acquired a fresh outlook. The rhinoplasty taught me to embrace my true self. I realize it may be a common idea, but focusing on visible imperfections will never lead to satisfaction. I've undergone two additional treatments but still don't feel as beautiful as I had hoped. The main focus is on acknowledging and discovering inner satisfaction within oneself.
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