Too Young for BOTOX®?

So I recently heard the accusations against Sharon Stone for wanting to give Botox to her 8-year-old son. It was supposedly to prevent foot odor, not to tighten up baby fat, but even so, the idea of Botox for an 8-year-old leaves many of us going, "Whaa...?" So it got me thinking, how young is too young for Botox, or for cosmetic procedures in general?

The number of teens getting plastic surgery procedures has risen in the last decade, with the most popular treatments being rhinoplasties, tummy tucks, liposuction, and breast implants. The popularity of Botox is also increasing, but still not at the rate of the others. Mostly because, well, crow's feet just isn't much of an issue when you're all of 19. The legal age for implants and other procedures is 18, but many still feel that's too young for cosmetic enhancement.

Most plastic surgeons reportedly question younger patients more extensively than adults about their reasons for wanting surgery, as a way of gauging maturity and understanding. Teens want to feel confident in their appearance just as much, if not more so, than we do. I mean, who can't remember the days when a pimple was the equivalent of a social apocalypse? Young stars and role models like Ashlee Simpson, who recently got a rhinoplasty, are show-and-telling their streamlined features to fans, telling teens their plastic surgery was a personal choice rather than a decision made for someone else. Since Simpson was already an attractive, chart-topping pop singer before her nose job, I'm inclined to believe her.

Teens getting plastic surgery will always be a touchy topic for some. I think parents on both sides of the issue should play an active role in reinforcing their kids' self-esteem, no matter how in touch and confident their children appear to be. Because once they hit 18, it's a teenager's decision what to do with his or her body, whether we like it or not; but the impact of parental support and guidance should never be underestimated. And at any age, the risks and benefits of a surgical procedure should always be well-researched before proceeding.

Me, I think pre-pubescent plastic surgery is just nutty. But older teens looking into cosmetic surgery can go about it smartly if they do their research, and if supportive parents can encourage safe precautions without quashing independence. So, I guess you could say I support everyone's right to be wrinkle-free, but that's just one Botox-lover's opinion.