Infographic: Rise in Teen Plastic Surgery

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, young people seek plastic surgery as a way to fit in, whereas adults seek plastic surgery as a way to stand out.

Dr. Thomas Loeb, a board certified plastic surgeon in NYC has seen a 30% rise in teen plastic surgery, ages 13-18, seeking cosmetic surgery as a solution to bullying and has created the following infographic:

Some of the key and startling statistics include:

160,000 children miss school each year as a result of bullying
39% of children bullied as a result of their appearance
236,000 teenagers had plastic surgery in 2012
30% rise in teen plastic surgery over past 10 years

Dr. Loeb has seen teens significantly improve self-esteem after fixing a physical deformity, which he feels helps them in many ways, although does not address the underlying problem.

Bullying and plastic surgery has been a hot topic in the media recently, CNN recently aired a segment where Piers Morgan interviewed Dr. Thomas Romo and one of his clients about offering plastic surgery to bullied kids.

Dr. Thomas Romo, who is part of The Little Baby Face Foundation says children diagnosed with facial birth defects, who have lost self esteem and are bullied can be candidates for free plastic surgery, all expenses paid. Afterwards children may still need counseling to deal with the years of bullying.