Teen Bullying Survey Shows 68 Percent Would Give Their Child Plastic Surgery to Prevent Harassment

SEATTLE, Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bullying among teens has always been a problem, and now some students, parents and other organizations are taking significant, appearance-altering action in an effort to prevent a teen from being bullied. On the heels of a recent story about a 14-year old Georgia girl who was granted complimentary plastic surgery from a foundation to help ward off school bullies, the issue has sparked notable controversy and debate, and RealSelf.com took a poll to gauge how the public felt about this topic.

The data was collected online by RealSelf.com, the largest online community for sharing and learning about cosmetic surgeries and treatments. The survey findings reveal that while many are completely against adolescent surgery, others would be comfortable allowing their teen to undergo surgical procedures to alleviate harassment by peers. The poll surveyed more than 650 people and asked if they would allow their child to undergo a procedure to help decrease bullying. According to the results, 68 percent were in favor of plastic surgery for teens when it comes to bullying, while 32 percent were not.  When asked about potential procedures, 24 percent stated they felt both nose jobs and ear pinning for a teen would be appropriate, if it could help prevent them from being bullied.

Whether due to bullying or other motivations, teens are undergoing surgery in record numbers to modify their looks. From acne scar treatment and laser hair removal to rhinoplasty and overall body modification, adolescent surgery in gaining popularity.

The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) reported that nearly 132,000 cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed on teens between 13 and 19-years old in 2011, up 5 percent from 2010.

"It was interesting to see the results of how many people would allow cosmetic surgery as a possible option," said Alicia Nakamoto, Vice President of Community and Marketing for RealSelf. "RealSelf is here as a resource to help consumers make confident and well informed decisions on all medi-beauty topics for both adults and adolescents. Every person deserves to feel happy and confident about the way they look despite the reasons why. Our community fosters a positive space for users to gather information, ask questions and make a decision that is best for them."

About RealSelf
RealSelf is the leading consumer resource within the $30B medical-beauty industry, which represents everything from elective cosmetic surgery to obesity management to cosmetic dentistry. RealSelf takes the "whisper conversations" associated with these interests and has built a roaring online conversation that helps people discover what's worth it, and what's not. Over 4,000 board-certified doctors and medical specialists also contribute to RealSelf, lending their expertise to answer questions and to offer opinions. Learn more at www.realself.com.  

SOURCE RealSelf

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