Plastic Surgery Moderation

April 30, 2006 Cosmetic plastic surgery is any type of procedure to improve an aspect of appearance. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports 10.2 million cosmetic plastic surgeries were performed in the U.S. last year (an 11 percent increase over 2004). More than 1.8 million cosmetic procedures were performed surgically. The top five most popular surgical cosmetic procedures in 2005 were liposuction, nose reshaping, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery and tummy tuck. Minimally invasive procedures are becoming very popular. The number of these reached 8.4 million in 2005, an increase of about 13 percent over the previous year. Plastic surgeons say there are several possible reasons for the rising popularity. Minimally invasive procedures can be done in an outpatient facility without the need for general anesthesia. Recovery time is fast and the treatments are often much less expensive than surgical options. The top five minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures are BOTOX® injections, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal and sclerotherapy (removal of spider veins). In the past, many Americans werent willing to admit to having cosmetic surgery. Today however, cosmetic procedures are much more accepted. A recent report from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found 79 percent of men and 82 percent of women would not be embarrassed if anyone beyond their close network of friends and family found out they had undergone cosmetic plastic surgery. Obtaining Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Looks can play an important role in self-esteem. For thousands of years, humans have used various methods (make-up, dress, hair-style and clothing) to change their looks. At one point, only the very wealthy could afford to have cosmetic surgery. But as cosmetic procedures have become safer and more accessible, people from all walks of life are seeking better ways to improve their looks. A recent survey by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found women who underwent cosmetic surgery not only improved their self-image, but their sex life as well. Some recent television shows have popularized drastic makeovers using cosmetic surgery. However, some experts say the shows may give consumers a false sense of expectations. Plastic surgeons, Valeria Ablaza, M.D. and Allen Rosen, M.D. have co-authored a book, called Beauty in Balance, to remind the public that balance and safety are key factors in satisfaction with cosmetic procedures. Television shows sometimes sensationalize results to gain viewer interest, profiling subjects whove had several major surgeries to dramatically change their appearance. Those patients endure a long recovery time and face an increased risk of infection, bleeding and other complications due to the sheer volume of surgical manipulation. Ablaza and Rosen say patients should make sure they choose a board certified physician when seeking a consultation for cosmetic procedures. Board certification means the doctor has received adequate training and experience in the field. A good physician will carefully explain the anticipated outcome of a procedure as well as the risks. While some procedures can be combined (like a facelift and eyelift, or liposuction on the hips and thighs), others are best done in separate stages. A board-certified physician can help a patient determine which procedures are safely done in combination and which should be done separately (and in what order). In general, the authors say patients should be able to get out of bed and walk around within a few hours after surgery and return to public activity in seven to ten days. Ablaza and Rosen also say "ultimate" makeovers sometimes portrayed on television are often so dramatic that patients dont look like themselves any more. While the "shock" factor may look good for the television audience, in reality, its too much of a drastic change for most people. The plastic surgeons recommend smaller, more subtle changes - and a healthy lifestyle - for a balanced, more natural look. AUDIENCE INQUIRY The book, Beauty in Balance, by Allen Rosen, M.D., and Valerie Ablaza, M.D., can be purchased through local and online book retailers. Information is also available on the web at http://www.psg1.com For general information on cosmetic surgery: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, http://www.surgery.org American Society of Plastic Surgeons, http://www.plasticsurgery.org BIBLIOGRAPHY "Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Patients Chose Needle Over Knife," Arlington Heights: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, downloaded from website (http://www.plasticsurgery.org), March 24, 2006. Ferraro, G., et al., "Self-Perception and Self-Esteem of Patients Seeking Cosmetic Surgery," Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, May-June 2005, Vol. 29, No. 3, pp. 184-189. Friedman, Oren, M.D., "Changes Associated with the Aging Face," Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, August 2005, Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 371-380. Grossbart, T., and D. Sarwer, "Psychosocial Issues and Their Relevance to the Cosmetic Surgery Patient," Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, June 2003, Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 136-147. "New Survey Suggests Patients No Longer ‘Embarrassed by Cosmetic Surgery," New York: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, downloaded from website (http://www.surgery.org), March 24, 2006. "Perfectionism and Interest in Cosmetic Surgery," Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, May 2005, Vol. 115, No. 6, pp. 1806-1807. "Psychological Aspects: Your Self-Image and Plastic Surgery," Arlington Heights: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, downloaded from website (http://www.plasticsurgery.org), March 24, 2006. Rosen, Allen, M.D., and Valerie Ablaza, M.D., Beauty in Balance, Kansas City: Midpoint Trade Books, Inc., 2006. "10.2 Million Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures in 2005 - Up 11%," Arlington Heights: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, downloaded from website (http://www.plasticsurgery.org), March 24, 2006. "2000/2002/2003/2004 National Plastic Surgery Statistics," Arlington Heights: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, downloaded from website (http://www.plasticsurgery.org), March 24, 2006. Von Soest, Tilmann, et al., "Psychosocial Factors Predicting the Motivation to Undergo Cosmetic Surgery," Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, January 2006, Vol. 117, No. 1, pp. 51-64. "Womens Self-Image and Sexual Satisfaction Increases After Cosmetic Surgery," New York: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, downloaded from website (http://www.surgery.org), march 24, 2006.