ParfumGigi@aol.com
Fri, 29 Sep 2006 15:48:15 EDT
The search for ‘perfection’
30th September 2006, 0:00 WST
The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) lists more than 10 major procedures as being performed by its members across Australia but urges all patients to consider their options carefully before having any work done. They should also ensure they are not going to unqualified operators.
Society president Bill Cockbrun said homebuyers would never dream of a making a purchase without thoroughly doing their homework and the same applied to cosmetic surgery.
People should not be taken in by glossy ads and they should check practitioners’ claims with professional bodies, as well as talking to their GP about being finding a qualified practitioner.
• Ear corrections (otoplasty) — Usually performed after the age of five or six, when they stop growing, protruding ears are pinned closer to the head by remodelling ear cartilage allowing the ear to bend more naturally towards the head.
• Nose surgery (rhinoplasty) — One of the most popular procedures for young men and women, nose jobs usually take between one and two hours. Incisions are usually made inside the nostrils, through which reshaping and trimming of bone and cartilage is performed. External splints and internal nose packs may be used. Some swelling will occur and the final result often takes three to four months to achieve.
• Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) — Aimed at reducing big or sagging breasts to a more comfortable shape and size. Breast tissue is removed to form a smaller, lighter breast. There may be an alteration in sensation of the nipples, which often improves with time. The ASPS says current techniques may preserve the ability to breastfeed but patients should discuss this with their surgeon.
• Breast enlargement (augmentation mammaplasty) — In breast augmentation procedures, saline or silicone gel implants are inserted behind the breast tissue or behind the pectoral muscle. The implant is inserted through a small incision either under the breast, around the nipple or in the armpit.
