| " "The teenage years can be extremely tough for kids who are teased about their weight; however, liposuction and tummy tucks are not the answer," said ASPS President Roxanne Guy, MD. "My message to young kids -- proper diet and exercise are still the best ways to slim down." " " According to the PRS editorial, the use of liposuction to improve the health status of an obese individual, regardless of age, is not currently supported by scientific evidence. In fact, a 2004 New England Journal of Medicine study shows the use of liposuction does not provide the same health benefits as diet-induced weight loss in obese people. " " "There is no doubt some teenagers may physically and psychologically benefit from having plastic surgery," said David Sarwer, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, Center for Human Appearance, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and lead author of the PRS editorial. "For example, ear surgery or nose reshaping may significantly improve a teenager's self-esteem and body image. The desire to be thin, no matter how strong, does not justify the use of body contouring procedures to treat childhood obesity when there is no data supporting their effectiveness." " " "Liposuction can be ideal for patients who have reached physical maturity, are at or near their ideal body
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