TL;DR:
- Otoplasty (ear correction): Can be done from age 6/7; ideal seasons are autumn/spring; possible in adulthood too.
- Breast augmentation: Recommended after age 18 when breast development and hormones stabilize; emotional maturity is vital; consultation with a surgeon is essential.
- Gender correction: Requires reaching majority age for legal and medical processes; involves consultations with a psychologist, sexologist, and endocrinologist, plus hormone therapy.
- Upper age limit: No fixed limit; based on health, surgery type, and expectations; realistic results are key.
- Surgeries on minors: Rare; requires strict assessment and guardian consent; physical/emotional readiness and informed decision-making are necessary.
- General advice: Consultations provide guidance on procedures, recovery, and outcomes; expectations and health suitability must align.
Plastic surgery is a topic that raises many questions. One of them may be the age at which one can decide to take such a step. Of course, it all depends on the type of plastic surgery. Today we will suggest when it is worth considering plastic surgery, and when it is better to wait.
Otoplasty: can protruding ears be operated on in children?
Protruding ears are a problem that can affect both adults and children. For younger patients, especially those who have to face judgment from their peers, protruding ears can become a source of complexes. Fortunately, there is a solution, such as otoplasty, or surgical ear correction. If you're wondering whether to operate on your child's protruding ears, it's worth knowing that there are some guidelines. Otoplasty can be performed as early as 6/7 years of age, but you should consider the right time of year. It's best to do it in autumn or spring, as frostbite can occur in winter, and it's more difficult to maintain hygiene during the summer heat. Of course, the lack of otoplasty in childhood does not mean that you have to accept the complexes associated with protruding ears. You can choose to have the surgery even in adulthood.
When can you opt for breast augmentation?
Not every woman is happy with the natural size of her breasts. Breast augmentation is, of course, an available option, but it's not worth rushing into it too much. Plastic surgeons suggest that one should wait until at least age 18 with such decisions. First of all, the shape and size of breasts continue to change until adulthood. Their appearance at puberty is not yet definitive, so it is better to hold off on surgical intervention. Second, hormonal stability also matters. Hormones affect the development of the breasts, and during adolescence their levels continue to fluctuate. It is better to wait until the hormonal system stabilizes. Another important aspect is the patient's emotional and psychological maturity. Breast augmentation surgery is a serious decision that will affect the appearance and change the proportions of the entire figure. The patient must be prepared for this and ready to make an informed decision, for example, regarding the size of the implants. It is worth emphasizing that any decision about plastic surgery should be thoroughly discussed with an experienced plastic surgeon. During consultations, our surgeons help patients understand the course of the operation, limitations during recovery or possible contraindications.
Gender correction procedures
Transgender people eagerly wait until they can begin the process of transition: legal, social, hormonal and surgical. Unfortunately, such steps must be put on hold until they reach the age of majority. Only then can the legal side of the transition begin legally: this involves changing documents and PESEL numbers. Besides, this is the right time to visit a psychologist, sexologist and endocrinologist to qualify for hormone replacement therapy. Another step that transgender adults take is to schedule feminization or masculinization treatments.
Is there an upper age limit when performing plastic surgery?
It is impossible to set a rigid upper limit after which plastic surgery can no longer be performed. Everything depends on the state of health, the patient's expectations and the type of surgery. An assessment of the patient's overall health plays a key role. Before any surgery, the plastic surgeon must order tests, based on which he determines whether he can qualify the patient for the procedure. At the consultation, one should also expect to be asked about chronic diseases and supplements taken on a regular basis. It is also extremely important to be realistic about the results of the procedure. Plastic surgery can visually turn back the clock by up to a dozen years, but it cannot stop the aging process or remove signs of the passage of time 100%. It is worth having realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. Choosing the right type of plastic surgery is also crucial. Some procedures, such as a facelift, may be more suitable for older patients who want to improve the overall appearance of their face and neck. Less invasive methods of aesthetic medicine are also effective, but their results are usually satisfactory for younger people whose signs of aging are not as visible.
Why are some surgeries performed on minors?
The vast majority of surgeries are not performed on people under the age of 18. However, there are some exceptions, such as otoplasty, which can be performed on teenagers or children as young as a few years old. It is worth remembering, however, that minors cannot decide on their own that they want to apply for plastic surgery: written consent from a legal guardian is necessary. A teenager or child cannot make decisions on their own, potentially affecting their health. The situation is similar in our activities as a clinical research center: adults can participate. The qualification procedures for plastic surgery in minors are particularly stringent. In addition to health and physical readiness, the plastic surgeon must also pay attention to the patient's emotional maturity. It is important to make sure that the decision to have surgery is a conscious and well-considered one, and not the result of peer pressure or unrealistic expectations. A minor patient should be aware of the convalescence he or she will have to undergo and the possible negative consequences of the procedure. Any plastic surgery should be carefully considered, so our surgeons at consultations inform not only about the preparation and course of the procedure, but also the possible results and recovery. However, the final decision rests with the patient, and if he is a minor – with his parents.
Conclusion
Deciding on plastic surgery is deeply personal and requires careful thought and timing. This blog explored key procedures like otoplasty for children, breast augmentation for adults, gender correction after legal age, and considerations for seniors. Every case requires medical, emotional, and physical readiness, with guidance from a trusted plastic surgeon. The right decision comes from understanding the procedure, setting realistic expectations, and ensuring full maturity—whether emotional or physical. Plastic surgery is not just about change; it's about making an informed choice for yourself or your child. Always prioritize safety, consultation, and long-term impact over quick fixes.
