Call to raise Norway's beauty-op age limit
With requests for plastic surgery surging over the summer, a Norwegian psychologist wants to raise the minimum age for beauty operations from 18 to at least 20, saying many would-be patients need therapy, not surgery.
"It is more likely that you are more mature in your thoughts and your emotions once you've reached your twenties," psychologist Marianne Iversentold the Bergens Tidende on Wednesday.
"Then most people are able to make a decision based on a bit broader and deeper knowledge.
Norwegian plastic surgeon Christian Busch said the 20-25 age group makes up about half of his patient group, but that his hospital already advises the younger patients to hold off on surgery.
Iversen, meanwhile, said that particularly young women battle poor self-image, which had been evident to her two decades of practice.
"I've asked myself many times whether these girls weren't in need of a psychologist, because society's beauty ideals are so strict and unforgiving."
Her proposal did not sway the head of Norway's Plastic Surgery Association, however, with surgeon Thomas Kristian Sjøberg stating that the current age limit was appropriate.
Comments
See Also
"It is more likely that you are more mature in your thoughts and your emotions once you've reached your twenties," psychologist Marianne Iversentold the Bergens Tidende on Wednesday.
"Then most people are able to make a decision based on a bit broader and deeper knowledge.
Norwegian plastic surgeon Christian Busch said the 20-25 age group makes up about half of his patient group, but that his hospital already advises the younger patients to hold off on surgery.
Iversen, meanwhile, said that particularly young women battle poor self-image, which had been evident to her two decades of practice.
"I've asked myself many times whether these girls weren't in need of a psychologist, because society's beauty ideals are so strict and unforgiving."
Her proposal did not sway the head of Norway's Plastic Surgery Association, however, with surgeon Thomas Kristian Sjøberg stating that the current age limit was appropriate.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.