Whether a minor can decide to undergo cosmetic surgery alone requires comprehensive consideration of legal, psychological, ethical and other factors. The following is a detailed analysis： ### 1. **Legal level** -**Guardian consent requirements**: In China, the written consent of the guardian is usually required for medical treatment of minors (under the age of 18). Cosmetic surgery is a medical operation and is subject to the "Regulations on the Administration of Medical Institutions" and the "Law on the Protection of Minors". Hospitals generally will not implement it without the permission of their guardians. -**Exceptions**: If the operation involves repairing birth defects or trauma (such as cleft lip and palate, burn repair), it may be considered medically necessary, but the guardian is still required to participate in the decision-making. ### 2. **Physical and psychological maturity** -**Physical development risks**: The body of a minor has not yet fully developed, and surgery may interfere with natural growth, such as the effects of rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, etc. on bones or tissues. -**Insufficient psychological preparation**: Adolescents may make impulsive decisions due to unformed aesthetic concepts, affected by social media or peer pressure, and are prone to regret or psychological gaps after surgery. ### 3. **Ethics and social responsibility** - **Doctor's Code of Ethics**: Formal medical institutions follow the principle of ”medical necessity first" and are cautious about pure cosmetic needs (such as double eyelids and liposuction), and may refuse minors' surgical requests without good reason. -**Social concept orientation**: The society generally advocates that minors focus on natural growth and avoid premature surgical changes in appearance to reduce physical and psychological risks. ### 4. **Postoperative responsibility and support** -**Nursing depends on a guardian**: Postoperative recovery requires the care of a guardian. Unauthorized surgery may lead to lack of nursing care and increase the risk of complications. -**Hidden dangers of legal disputes**: If there is an accident during the operation, it is difficult for minors to independently bear legal and economic responsibilities. The consent of the guardian is an important part of avoiding disputes. ### 5. **International reference and special cases** -**Autonomy in some countries**: For example, some states in the United States allow adolescents over the age of 16 to decide on their own medical treatment under certain circumstances, but cosmetic surgery still requires the consent of their guardians. -**Considerations for approaching adulthood**: Minors aged 16-17 may have part of the right to speak in the assessment, but the final decision remains with the guardian. ### Conclusion **Minors cannot decide on cosmetic surgery alone**. The law clearly requires the consent of guardians, and from the perspective of protecting their physical and mental health, doctors, parents and society should jointly guide adolescents to treat their appearance rationally, and then make independent decisions after adulthood. If there are serious psychological problems (such as physical disorders), it is recommended to seek psychological counseling instead of surgery as a priority.