Forget about cuff links, desk sets or even that shaving kit. A recent story on MSNBC.com reveals that the newest, hottest item to get teens and graduates is....plastic surgery? 244,124 operations on teens (aged 13 -19) have been performed from 2002 -2006, and although they still only make up a small percentage of patients, those numbers continue to rise at a steady pace.

From the article:

(Dr Roxanne Guy, American Society of Plastic Surgeons president) and other experts say the desire for teen cosmetic surgery has been fueled by television shows depicting extreme makeovers, as well as society's growing acceptance of plastic surgery in general. "Teens certainly are more aware of plastic surgery options now," says Guy.

Is this too much too early? Or can plastic surgery help young adults through a particularly awkward period of growing up? In light of the previous discussion on this blog about how men with more appealing appearances make more money than those who don't, there's a definite importance placed on taking care of yourself and maintaining good grooming and style. But does this extend to the realms of cosmetic surgery as well?

DG