Cosmetic Surgery-Is it Right for You?
Is it “look as good as you feel” or “feel as good as you look?” Regardless, there is a relationship between the two. If you feel good about yourself and your appearance, in general you feel good—period. But, the truth is, if you don't like yourself to begin with, no amount of plastic surgery can change that. Narrowing our focus to our outward appearance and its affect on our self-perception opens an array of avenues to explore. In this issue we turn our attention to the burgeoning world of cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery has caught on, and it's no longer just for the rich and famous, nor is it only for women. Let's take a look at the figures on cosmetic surgery for 2004.*
In the U.S., there were 8 million cosmetic surgery procedures performed on women in 2004, compared to 1.2 million cosmetic surgery procedures performed on men that year. Americans spent almost 8.5 billion dollars on these procedures.
Top five female surgical procedures in 2004:
- Liposuction (325,000)
- Nose reshaping-Rhinoplasty (305,000)
- Breast Augmentation (264,000)
- Eyelid surgery (233,000)
- Facelift (114,000)
Top five male cosmetic procedures in 2004:
- Nose reshaping-Rhinoplasty (109,971)
- Hair Transplantation (43,054)
- Eyelid Surgery (32,667)
- Liposuction (32,489)
- Breast Reduction (13,963)
Improvements in surgical techniques and a growing acceptance of the procedures have allowed more openness and less stigma among Americans. If you've had an eye for enhancing your appearance, there's never been a better time to consider cosmetic surgery. Consultations with a qualified cosmetic surgeon are often complimentary, or if there is a fee, it is customarily applied to the procedure you elect to pursue.
*American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASAP) Procedural Statistics represent procedures performed by ASPS Member Surgeons certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery as well as other physicians certified by American Board of Medical Specialties-recognized boards.
Considering Liposuction?
If you are considering liposuction, the following information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure. It won't answer all of your questions, since much depends on your individual circumstances. Please ask your doctor if there is anything about the procedure you don't understand.
What exactly is liposuction, and what is the end result?
Liposuction is basically the mechanical removal of fat cells through small incisions. It is performed by physically breaking down fat cells and using suction to aspirate them from the body. This results in a change of body contour.
What are the different types of liposuction, and describe each type?
Liposuction nearly always employs the use of region that is going to be suctioned. This fluid helps to significantly reduce the amount of blood loss from the procedure. The ratio of the infiltrated fluid to aspirated volume is described in terms such as wet, superwet, or tumescent. Most surgeons use a superwet technique that indicates a 1:1 ratio of infiltrate to aspirate. Tumescent refers to a 3:1 ratio and wet is less than a 1:1 ratio. Ultrasonic liposuction differs from traditional liposuction by using ultrasonic energy to break up fat cells instead of mechanical energy. It carries some additional risks to the patient, but requires less effort than traditional liposuction.
Who are the best candidates for liposuction?
The best candidates for liposuction are people who would like improved contour of isolated areas of the body. It is not a useful treatment for weight loss. It can be performed equally well for men and women. The best results occur when it is performed on people who are in good health.
Realistically, what results can a person expect from liposuction?
People can expect to experience noticeable improvements in body contour for the treated areas. It is not reasonable to expect a dramatic weight loss.
When fat cells are removed, does the body compensate for that by storing extra in the remaining cells?
The body can store additional fat in the remaining cells after liposuction. It is for that reason that people need to make good diet, exercise and lifestyle choices to maintain and even improve their body contour after surgery.
Be honest—How bad does it really hurt, and how long does it take to recuperate?
There is certainly some pain after liposuction. This is still surgery and operations generally cause some pain. The amount of post-operative pain varies widely between individuals and it is different for various regions of the body. Most people have well-controlled pain after surgery and they rarely require prescription medications beyond the first week.
What are the side effects, and what can be done to reduce these?
Bruising and swelling, numbness, etc. Post-operative swelling can be decreased with the use of compression garments for the first few weeks following liposuction.
Generally, how long before a person that has undergone liposuction can they return to work?
Many people return to work in a few days to a week.
Resume more strenuous activity?
It is longer before very strenuous activity is recommended. Heavy lifting and exercise is gradually increased from 2-4 weeks after surgery.
Achieve full recovery from bruising and swelling?
Everyone will have some bruising and swelling. Much of this will resolve in the first 2-3 weeks, but end results of the surgery are not fully realized for 3-6 months.
What are the real risks?
There are certainly risks of major complications that can accompany any surgery, but these are reduced by selecting healthy individuals and aspirating modest volumes during surgery. More common risks can include post-operative numbness,
contour irregularities, unmet expectations, skin discolorations, or the need for additional touch-up surgery.
Length of the surgery?
Length of surgery varies by the amount and location of the liposuction, but it commonly requires 1-2 hours.
On what part of the body can liposuction be performed?
Liposuction can be performed on nearly any part of the body, but it is most commonly used on the abdomen, hips and thighs.
What type of Anesthesia is used?
General anesthesia is used for most of these surgeries. In selected individuals who desire only small volumes, it can be done under local anesthesia and possibly sedation.
Is it done as in or out patient?
Most patients go home on the day of surgery unless they have had a large volume of aspirate or an additional procedure done concurrently.
What are the side effects?
Most patients are very satisfied with the results of surgery. The commonly associated issues can be prolonged swelling or numbness. These will resolve with time.
Answers provided by Kenton Schoonover, MD FACS (Plastic Surgery) at Advanced Aesthetics by Wichita Clinic.
Cosmetic Surgery-Is it Right for You?
Kenton Schoonover, MD FACS
Originally published in WOMEN’S FOCUS MAGAZINE
Sep/Oct 2005
(Granted permission for reprint).
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