Mexico proposes ban on elective cosmetic surgeries for minors

A legislative initiative presented in the Mexican Senate by Morena Senator Miguel Ángel Yunes Márquez proposes a nationwide ban on elective cosmetic surgeries for individuals under the age of 18. The proposal seeks to amend six articles of the General Health Law to prohibit surgical interventions performed exclusively for cosmetic purposes that do not address health issues, congenital malformations, accidents, or the restoration of anatomical integrity.

The initiative specifically prohibits breast implants and gluteal fat transfers for aesthetic purposes in minors. Exceptions would be made for reconstructive or functional procedures necessitated by congenital malformations, trauma, or diseases affecting organic function or psychosocial development. In such cases, the proposal mandates a multidisciplinary evaluation involving specialists in plastic surgery, pediatrics, and child or adolescent mental health.

To prevent impulsive decisions, the proposal introduces several safeguards, including the requirement for a second independent opinion from a pediatric-experienced plastic surgeon and a mandatory 30-day reflection period between the medical evaluation and the procedure. Additionally, the initiative aims to restrict the advertising of cosmetic surgeries targeted at minors, including content on social media.