Legal Measures for Regulating Cosmetic Surgery in Adolescents

Abstract

This research consists purposes were 1. to examine the background, concepts, and theories related to cosmetic surgery in adolescents 2. to study legal measures regulating adolescent cosmetic surgery in Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom and Thailand 3. to analyze and compare these legal measures between foreign countries and Thailand and 4. to propose recommendations for improving Thailand’s legal framework. This study employed a qualitative research design, based on a comprehensive review of textbooks, academic documents, laws, statutes, regulations, guidelines, and relevant official announcements. Data obtained from these documentary sources were systematically analyzed using content analysis. The findings reveal that 1) concepts and theories of adolescent cosmetic surgery originate from reconstructive and therapeutic surgery and later developed into cosmetic procedures for aesthetic purposes 2) Australia has comprehensive guidelines and legal measures covering pre-operative to post-operative stages with penalties, Germany provides clear legal protection for adolescents’ rights in sex-related surgery and the United Kingdom regulates non-surgical cosmetic procedures for adolescents measures that are absent in Thailand 3) Thailand lacks clear and specific legal measures to regulate cosmetic surgery in adolescents and 4) Thailand should establish and improve legal measures, including penalties, to effectively regulate adolescent cosmetic surgery.