Should teenagers get plastic surgery? Dr. Frederick N. Lukash says yes.

Dr. Frederick N. Lukash, M.D.,FACS, FAAP, has consistently been voted one of “America’s Top Doctors,” by the Castle Connolly guide, and by the Consumer Research Council of America (www.bestdoctors.com). A board-certified cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon in practice in Manhattan and Long Island since 1981, he is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Dr. Lukash achieved board certification by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

A strong sense of service to the community here and worldwide has motivated Dr. Lukash to volunteer his expertise to organizations such as Surgical Aid to Children of the World and Operation Smile. He has been honored by the Chief Executive of Nassau County for his service in reconstructing children from war torn Afghanistan. His giving also includes surgical service to local adoption agencies where correction of physical deformities has enabled unplaceable children to find homes. The United States Olympic Committee has recognized Dr. Lukash for his volunteer service at the summer Olympic Games.

In addition to writing and speaking, Dr. Lukash has an exhibit called “Operation Art” that has been featured at many Children’s Museums around the country. This exhibit depicts emotions through non verbal medium of art in children before and after undergoing plastic surgery.

Dr. Lukash holds staff appointments at Long Island Jewish Medical Center / Schneider Children’s Hospital, North Shore University Hospital, Winthrop University Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and Lenox Hill Hospital. He has also served as a plastic surgical consultant to the New York Islanders hockey team and the New York Jets football team.

His latest book is The Safe and Sane Guide to Teenage Plastic Surgery.

You can visit his websites at www.drlukash.com and www.teenageplasticsurgery.com.

Thank you for this interview, Dr. Lukash. Why do you feel teenagers are flocking to plastic surgery more so now than in the past?

I do not think they are "flocking". The numbers are steady. What is changing is the intense media exposure. What was once a very personal and private decision is now in the forefront. There is a drive for perfection and beauty that permeates into the mainstream media that brings more attention to plastic surgery- and trivializes it - making it seem like a trip to the beauty parlor

What’s the youngest age one can have plastic surgery and how old was your youngest patient?

Structural "quality of life surgery" can occur at many different yet appropriate ages. Ears are fully developed by age 6- an ear pinning could be done then - if the emotional drivers were present. Facial surgery is done in the early teen years and breast surgery in the later teen years - when development is complete. Sometimes we bend the rules if the emotional component to the physical "deformity" is taking over their life.

What is the strangest request you have had from a teenager as far as changing his or her looks?

As a responsible plastic surgeon in the mainstream - strange requests do not get into my office - they are filtered out in advance. Sometimes individuals with BDD (body dysmorphic disorder) - a psychiatric issue slip into a consultation. They need to be sorted out - they need psychiatric care not surgery

What’s the most common procedure teenagers ask to have done?

Ear pinning, nose jobs, breast reductions

Do you feel it’s more of a cosmetic need or physical need for most of these teenagers?

I look at is quality of life surgery. It is mostly structural - not rejuvenatory.

Have you ever turned down a patient for plastic surgery?

Many times. for me it has to be a perfect fit. We have to be on the same page throughout the process and the family has to be part of the process. Any "red flags" and I bow out

Thank you for this interview, Dr. Lukash. Do you have any final words for teenagers who just want to feel “normal”?

Read my book The Safe and Sane Guide to Teenage Plastic Surgery and get a more in depth view of what should and should not be done.

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