Patients Urged to Consider Cosmetic Surgery as Medical Treatment
Cosmetic doctors have urged patients to consider cosmetic surgery in the same light as medical treatment, warning that cosmetic surgery should never be “trivialised.”
Dr Kieren Bong, from the Essence Medical Cosmetic Clinic, warned patients never to trivialise cosmetic surgery because it carries the same risks as medical procedures and should never be taken lightly.
Cosmetic surgeons are required to outline the risks associated with cosmetic treatment to all patients and they take time to talk to patients about the treatment process, how the procedure works and what they can expect when they come around from the anaesthetics; it is important for patients to have a realistic expectation of the results so that they are not disappointed following treatment and they understand that procedures are designed to enhance what is already there, rather than completely alter somebody’s appearance.
Things to consider
A patient would never expect to go into hospital and have a surgical procedure without being aware of what the operation involves and the potential side-effects and risks and the same should be true for cosmetic surgery. Patients are urged to ensure that they visit a reputable clinic and ensure that they are 100 percent happy to go ahead with the procedure before they sign on the dotted line.
Dr Bong said that procedures are becoming simpler, safer and quicker thanks to advances in science and technology. However, as with all surgical procedures, there is still a risk and it is important for patients to do their research before they make a final decision on where to go for treatment.
Recent figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) show an increase in the popularity of cosmetic surgery; in 2011 alone, more than 43,000 procedures were carried out. Breast augmentation was the most popular treatment, with more than 10,000 women opting to have the procedure. In light of the recent PIP breast implant problems, a group of experts from the BAAPS has also called for a ban on the advertisements for cosmetic surgery in tabloid newspapers and magazines.
