The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) cautions that liposuction and tummy tucks are inappropriate procedures for weight loss for teenagers.  In a recent article in the Journal Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 2007, The authors discuss the lack of scientific data supporting the use of body-contouring procedures to fight childhood obesity. 

"The teenage years can be extremely tough for kids who are teased about their weight; however, liposuction and tummy tucks are not the answer," explains ASPS President Roxanne Guy, MD.  Her message to young kids:  Proper diet and exercise are still the best ways to slim down. 

"There is no doubt some teenagers may physically and psychologically benefit from having plastic surgery", says David Sarwer, PhD, associate professor of psychology, Center for Human Appearance, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.  "For example, ear surgery or nose reshaping may significantly improve a teenager's self-esteem and body image.  The desire to be thin, no matter how strong, does not justify the use of body-contouring procedures to treat childhood obesity when there is no data supporting their effectiveness."

Guy says liposuction may be a good choice for patients once they are adults.  "Liposuction can be ideal for patients who have reached physical maturity, are at or near their ideal body weight, and have stubborn, localized deposits of fat they want removed".  "The best candidates for a tummy tuck are those bothered by a large fat deposit or a loss of skin elasticity resulting in loose abdominal skin that will not respond to diet or exercise". 

Only 2% of all cosmetic plastic surgery procedures done in 2006 were performed on teens, according to ASPS 2006 statistics. 

The top three procedures for teens were nose reshaping, male breast reduction, and ear pinning.