What is the Minimum Age for Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Around the World?

Global Healthcare Inequalities in Numbers:
Minimum Age for Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Around the World

Understanding global regulations on cosmetic surgery is crucial for patient safety and healthcare equality. This overview, part of our “Global Healthcare Inequalities in Numbers” research, examines which healthcare systems prioritise patient equality based on laws and regulations.

Study Insights

Our study assessed healthcare systems worldwide, focusing here on cosmetic surgery age regulations. Higher scores were given to countries with higher minimum ages, reflecting a commitment to patient safety and maturity.

Take a look at our infographic below for an instant snapshot of the minimum age for cosmetic surgery around the world:

Country Breakdown

Singapore (21 years): Leads with the highest age limit, scoring 5.5/10 in healthcare equality. Despite lower overall equality rankings, stringent cosmetic surgery laws contribute to this score.

Japan (20 years): Second-highest minimum age, scoring 5/10. Despite restrictive hormone treatment regulations for transgender individuals, Japan maintains a strong stance on cosmetic surgery.

Countries with 18 years minimum age: Includes Canada, Norway, Australia, Malta, Italy, Finland, Greece, Hong Kong, UK, South Korea, and UAE. The trend of undergoing surgery at a young age can lead to potential regrets and health risks.

No minimum age: Spain, Poland, USA, Sweden, Austria, Iceland, Cyprus, Luxembourg, and Germany have no age restrictions, raising concerns about the decision-making capacity of minors and healthcare inequality, especially for transgender individuals.

Healthcare Inequality and Transgender Issues

The lack of minimum age requirements in some countries contrasts sharply with stringent regulations for transgender individuals seeking hormone treatments. This highlights significant disparities in healthcare equality.

What Do Our Experts Have to Say on the Subject?

Hayley Levene, Head of Marketing at Radar Healthcare, emphasises the role of technology and data in improving healthcare decision-making. Collaborations with organizations like Public Policy Projects aim to address real-world healthcare inequalities through evidence-based policies.

“Radar Healthcare partners with organisations such as Public Policy Projects who are learning from experience (both their own and others) to make contributions to the policy debate which address real-world choices on the basis of real-world evidence.

“As a healthcare supplier, Radar Healthcare is passionate about helping to make a difference and delivering improved outcomes. Working with PPP to produce reports such as ‘The Social Care Workforce: averting a crisis’, ‘The Digital Divide: reducing inequalities for better health’ and ‘Integrating Health and Social Care: a national care service’ is vital in helping to drive change and improve some of these health inequalities.

“For example, technology could offer oversight that 80% of patients or healthcare workers themselves are having suicidal thoughts – and this could prompt a process to be followed to tackle it, which will encourage decisions of change.”

Conclusion

Regulatory age limits for cosmetic surgery are crucial for ensuring patient safety and consistency in healthcare practices. Continued research and technological advancements are essential for addressing these disparities.