Incisions, scars, pinching, stitching and healing are all things that teenagers often undergo when undergoing cosmetic surgery. Rates of cosmetic surgery among adolescents have skyrocketed and continue to rise. People claim that an acclaimed sense of self-worth and confidence can be achieved by having cosmetic surgery because they then "fit in", but is that really a good enough reason for teenagers to put their bodies under the knife? Adolescents should not be allowed to undergo such extensive surgery with such weak intentions. Cosmetic surgery, also known as cosmetic plastic surgery, consists of common procedures such as breast implants and liposuction, to more exotic procedures such as butt lifts and cheek implants. Some other cosmetic surgery procedures often performed may include rhinoplasty (nose removal), reconstruction of the mouth or chin, and removal of wrinkles or blemishes. Now, plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are two different things; plastic surgery is performed for medical purposes while cosmetic surgery is solely to correct a perceived flaw in physical appearance. This procedure has become an important part of teenagers' attempt to achieve the ideal beauty portrayed in today's media around the world. In 2008, nearly 48,000 cosmetic surgery participants were under the age of 18, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Surgery. This total includes only invasive procedures, during which surgeons cut into a patient's tissue. It does not include non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections or laser hair removal. The total number of operations peaked in 2003, with 66,142 surgeries performed on individuals 18 years of age or younger, before declining in 2006 to 40,464 surgeries. Overall, 50,066 cosmet......middle of paper......ss from every perspective, along with peer pressure from other teens trying to conform to society's "normality." 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 real friends will not be the ones who wait until the surgery makes a person compliant to recognize their existence. Therefore, adolescents should not base their decision to undergo surgery on the hope of acquiring the types of friends who appreciate only superficial beauty instead of pure beauty that comes from within. Additionally, teenagers should not undergo surgery at such a young age due to not only the health risks, but also the possible future problems they may face. The acclaimed sense of self-worth and confidence cannot and should not outweigh the many risks and side effects of teenagers undergoing cosmetic surgery..