Statistics indicate an increase in teen cosmetic surgery procedures. Of the increase, procedures performed for breast augmentation is among the highest. Research indicates that implants for young women under the age of 18 have tripled in the last five years. This means that parents are consenting to this type of surgery as anyone under the age of 18 who would like a cosmetic surgery procedure must have a parent's consent.

There are concerns about teens and plastic surgery, especially where young women getting implants in concerned. No authentic studies have been conducted to see what the long term impact of implants on the lifetime of women could be. Also, many young women are unaware of the many eventualities of augmentation, such as the likelihood of breakage and the condition of implants after a certain amount of time. Also, implants can have an effect on a woman's ability to breastfeed should she want to and the detection of breast cancer.

Certain cultural groups have their natural facial structures altered to fit into the stereo typical mold of acceptable looks for women. From procedures altering noses and eyelids to liposuction for a more streamlined and thin appearance, plastic surgery has taken on a new meaning for many young people.

Plastic surgery isn't limited to cosmetic procedures exclusively. Conditions that require surgery due to birth defects such as corrective outer ear procedures, acute acne and port wine laser techniques and cleft palate, as a few examples, all require cosmetic plastic surgery.