The Plastic Surgery Boom
Twenty-eight-year-old Heather has had two plastic surgery procedures – first a tummy tuck and later a breast augmentation. After having two kids, Heather felt some nips and tucks would improve her body and her self-esteem. "I decided this is what I need to do for me to feel better about myself," said Heather, who did not want to be identified by her last name.
Heather is part of a growing trend. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says 8.7 million cosmetic surgery procedures were performed in 2003, up 32 percent from 6.6 million the year before. That trend is reflected in a boom of reality TV makeover shows during which men and women go under the knife for head-to-toe plastic surgery.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Gwen Maxwell said the shows can be misleading.
"With the reality TV shows, it's become even more prevalent,” Dr. Maxwell said. “They seem to think they can get their tummy tucked, their breasts done, their brow lifted, their rhinoplasty and eyelids all in one sitting.”
Dr.Maxwell says that kind of surgery is possible, but risky. In fact, every surgery comes with some sort of risk -- even a highly-performed surgery like a breast augmentation.
"We do try to caution patients that the larger the breast implant, the higher the complication rate,” Dr. Maxwell said.
“So, there's a trade-off for everything." Breast implants are not permanent. “It's a medical device and it will fail,” said Dr. Maxwell. “So, the minute I operate on a patient, she guarantees herself another surgery regarding her breasts.” Many patients are also opting for less risky, non-invasive procedure like Botox injections and chemical peels.
Dr. Maxwell also says her patients are getting age-maintenance surgeries -- like face lifts -- at a younger age. "When patients get older -- in their 60s and 70s -- a face lift doesn’t last as long and the results aren't as profound,” said Dr. Maxwell. “So, there is a trend for a little bit earlier intervention for a little bit better result." And, it seems plastic surgery isn't a taboo topic anymore.
A survey of 1,000 adults conducted by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery showed 54 percent approved of plastic surgery and about 75 percent said if they had cosmetic surgery, they wouldn't be embarrassed if others knew. In fact, 25-year-old Noel is proud of the results of her breast augmentation. "My self-confidence went through the roof,” Noel said. “I can wear a bathing suit and look wonderful to me and I'm not ashamed of the way I look anymore."
Before you go under the knife, doctors encourage patients to research their doctors, get recommendations from friends and get a second opinion.
Marianne Martinez, KOLD News 13 Reporter Posted 4-14-05
http://www.kold.com/global/story.asp?s=3217208&ClientType=Printable
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