Cosmetic surgery not worth risks
March 27, 2008
What would you be willing to risk for a slimmer nose? A bustier chest?
Some people will dip into their life savings, spending up to $10,000 on a nose job. Others will go so far as to take a second job or apply for a loan to fund corrective surgery.
You probably won’t catch anyone admitting they would risk their life, however. Plastic surgery, like any procedure that uses anesthesia, can be fatal. This proved true for South Florida teenager Stephanie Kuleba, who died on Saturday - 24 hours after her corrective breast augmentation surgery.
It is suspected that she suffered from malignant hyperthermia, which is an increase in the body temperature that can be brought on by anesthesia.
And yet, cosmetic surgeons in Florida say they are seeing more teenagers for plastic surgery than ever before. In 2005, more than 3,500 girls under the age of 18 had breast implants. I attribute this trend to celebrities and pop culture influencing the youth of America and expressing that corrective surgery is acceptable. If no one in Hollywood has a hooked nose, then why should a young girl find hers attractive?
In 2004, more than 326,000 boys and girls under 18 had corrective surgery to fix something that made them self-conscious, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Despite the popularity of breast augmentation, it has a high rate of complications and often requires additional surgery within five to 10 years of the original procedure.
- Source: The Independent Florida Alligator, Mar. 27, 2008
Information about Cosmetic Surgery
If you are considering cosmetic surgery, you need to look beyond the ads and the marketing brochures. It pays to be informed before you see a doctor. Knowing the terminology of cosmetic surgery, your options, as well as the pros and cons of various procedures will help you avoid potential pitfalls.
Straight Talk About Cosmetic Surgery
The public’s recent exuberance toward cosmetic surgery has spurred an unprecedented demand for appearance-changing procedures. But how can an average consumer discern the hype from solid truth? Which of the many treatments available can fulfill the promise of a more youthful look, or more beautiful skin, or a more pleasing body shape? Which procedures don’t work at all?
In this up-to-the-minute guide, Dr. Arthur W. Perry, a practicing plastic surgeon for more than two decades, examines in close detail each of today’s surgical and nonsurgical procedures. In everyday language, aided by more than a hundred illustrations, he assesses the benefits and potential complications of legitimate treatments. He also identifies and frankly discusses ineffective treatments.
Dr. Perry’s empowering book guides you through the seductive and somewhat slick world of cosmetic surgery. He offers criteria for selecting good doctors and facilities. In short, he has written an essential book for anyone who is contemplating cosmetic surgery or other skin-care procedures.
Includes expert advice on:
• Facial rejuvenation including lifts, wrinkle fillers, and peels
• Body contouring from liposuction and tummy tucks to breast implants, reductions, and lifts
• Botox and laser treatments
• Avoiding fraud and procedures that don’t work
• And much more
Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery: Things You’ll Never Learn From Your Plastic Surgeon
Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery: From the bedroom to the boardroom, over one hundred women share refreshingly candid stories of how cosmetic surgery impacted their lives. Through memoir, journalism and research, it explores provocative themes such as post surgery sexuality, amorous feelings toward one’s plastic surgeon, ambivalences, misperceptions and more.
Reaching beyond the typical tell-all book, this author brings the anecdotal into sharp focus by using her finely honed humor, interviews with respected professionals and cutting edge research to deliver content as rich in entertainment as in authenticity. As a bonus for anyone considering cosmetic surgery, ten invaluable reproducible forms are included.
The Makeover Myth
The Makeover Myth provides you with information and tools to help you get past the glitz, learn about cosmetic medical care realities, and find a capable physician who has your best interests at heart.
Bethanne Snodgrass, M.D., FACS, is a successful plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She has lectured at events sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Ohio Academy of Science, and the Jewish Working Women’s Network. The author of When Less Is More: The Complete Guide for Women Considering Breast Reduction Surgery, she lives in Ohio.
Dr. Snodgrass draws on her years of clinical experience to address issues such as: the misinformation portrayed in reality shows like Extreme Makeover and The Swan; the risks and complications that your doctor may not tell you and that you certainly won’t hear about on the reality shows; the truth about the proliferation of physicians performing cosmetic surgery and related procedures who were not trained in plastic surgery residencies; the most common procedures, medical and non–prescription products and other hot topics in cosmetic medicine; and what really matters when you choose your provider and place of service.
