Minors in Andalucía who wish to undergo cosmetic surgery may soon have to undergo a preliminary test before any operation can be performed.
The minor will have to undergo a psychological assessment carried out by an independent professional not connected to the health centre or facility where the operation is to be performed. The test will assess the maturity of the individual as well as checking that requests for surgery are not based upon ‘pressure’ or disorders associated with body image.
Minors aged between 16 years and 18 years will be able to sign the necessary consent form for surgery but parents would be informed and their views would be taken into consideration by the doctor.
For minors aged between 12 years and 16 years, their views would be taken into consideration by the doctor but parents or guardians would need to authorise the surgery.
For minors under 12 years of age, the decision to operate would rest exclusively with the parents or guardians.
It is also proposed to set up a database of all such operations with a view to keeping a record of such operations and their success rate.