Plastic Surgery Pitfalls

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure is BOTOX® injection. Small amounts of the botulinum toxin are injected into an area to relax the muscle. With relaxation, the treated muscle can no longer contract (tighten) and pull on the skin (causing a visible wrinkle). The effect of BOTOX injections is temporary and repeat procedures are usually needed every 4 to 6 months to maintain the effect.

Dermabrasion is the intentional scraping of the surface of the skin to remove the outer layers of skin. It is used to treat wrinkles, acne and areas of sun-damaged skin. Newer skin cells underneath the top layers are plumper and give the skin a fresher appearance. Multiple sessions are often needed to obtain maximum benefit. Recovery time is about 7 to 10 days and results are usually long lasting. A variation of the procedure, microdermabrasion, removes less skin surface but has little or no recovery time. It is best for fine lines, crow's feet, age spots and acne scars. Treatment effects are temporary.

A chemical peel uses abrasive chemicals applied to the surface of the skin to cause intentional damage and "peel" away the outer layers. There are different strengths ranging from a superficial peel to deep peels. Recovery time depends upon the depth of the peel.

Soft tissue fillers are popular procedures to fill in lines and wrinkles. There are several different types of fillers available. The effects of some of the newer products last for one to two years.

Surgical Cosmetic Procedures There are several procedures for patients who choose or need more invasive cosmetic options. The most popular surgical cosmetic procedure is liposuction. A hollow needle with a vacuum attachment is inserted through the skin into a pocket of underlying fat. The needle is used to break up the fat and the vacuum suctions the tissue out of the body. Liposuction can be used to remove areas of unwanted fat and to sculpt the body. Most patients are back to work within one to two weeks. With weight maintenance and exercise, the effects of liposuction can be permanent.

Breast augmentation is a surgical enlargement of the breasts. It is a popular procedure for women with small or disproportionate breasts. The procedure is done with an implant made from a person's own tissue or from a man-made pouch filled with saline.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a procedure to correct drooping eyelids or puffy under-eye "bags." Recovery occurs within 10 days and the effects are usually long lasting.

Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, is the fourth most common cosmetic surgical procedure. The results of the treatment are permanent. Recovery time is 7 to 10 days.

Cosmetic surgery is becoming more of an accepted option for men and women in the U.S. A survey by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found 51 percent of women and 42 percent of men approve of cosmetic surgery, and 34 percent of women and 14 percent of men would consider having one or more cosmetic procedures. In 2003, there were more than 8.2 million cosmetic procedures (surgical and non-surgical) performed in the U.S. Women continue to dominate the client field, accounting for 87 percent of all cosmetic surgery patients. Cosmetic procedures are most popular among those 35 to 50.

Cosmetic Cautions While cosmetic procedures have always been popular among the rich and famous, the advent of less invasive procedures and popular reality makeover shows has increased the interest among others as well. Those who specialize in aesthetic plastic surgery caution that consumers who seek cosmetic services really need to understand what they are getting into. All procedures carry some risk even those marketed as "mini-" or "lunchtime" procedures. Even a "safe" treatment can have unexpected complications and unpredicted outcomes. Therefore, potential clients need to fully investigate the surgeon's qualifications, risks of the procedure and location of the treatment.

Experts offer some important advice:

1. Ask about the physician's qualifications. Look for a plastic surgeon who is board certified and has experience in the particular procedure you desire. Expertise is important. When results are less than satisfactory, it can be more difficult for another surgeon to correct the problem. The surgeon should fully explain where and how the treatment will be done, describe anticipated results and list potential side effects and risks of the treatments. Ask for references from other patients. Be aware there is no guarantee of results.

2. Find out where the treatment will be given. Surgical procedures should be performed in a hospital or certified surgical facility. If the procedure is to be carried out in a freestanding surgical unit, make sure the physician has privileges in a nearby hospital in case you develop complications and need to be transferred. If your procedure requires the services of an anesthesiologist, make sure that person is board-certified as well.

3. Carefully consider all your options. Cosmetic surgery is still surgery no matter how "easy" or quick the procedure. No one should undertake such a serious step without thought or consideration of alternative options. Also remember that while cosmetic surgery may change outer appearance, it has no effect on the inner self. People who expect sudden popularity from cosmetic procedures will still be the same old self at heart.

For general information on cosmetic procedures: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, http://www.surgery.org American Society of Plastic Surgeons, http://www.plasticsurgery.org