The Use and Misuse of Cosmetic Surgery

By Belinda and Kelsie

Have you ever thought about getting

cosmetic surgery of any kind?

Let’s see if this changes your mind...

What is cosmetic surgery?• Corrective, restoration, enhancement• Cosmetic surgery vs. Reconstructive surgery• Aesthetic gain vs. functional ability• “surgery” can include lasers and veneers, not

necessarily surgical procedures

Types of surgery

• Lifts- face, neck, thigh, arm, eye • Rhinoplasty ( nose job) • Breast augmentation, reduction, reconstruction • Liposuction• Skin grafts• Botox• Laser- tattoo removal, hair removal, skin

rejuvenation• Otoplasty/microtia – ear reconstruction• Permanent makeup

Cosmetic misuses• Impossible ideal of beauty• Conform to society’s view of “normal”• Reduce ethnic differences – nose, eyes, facial

contouring• Body dysmorphic disorder• Surgical addiction

Ethnic plastic surgery“Imperialism of a culture to the detriment of another”

Ethnic Asian face contouring Ethnic rhinoplasty

Double eye lid surgery

CelebrityCosmetic Abuse

Pete Burns

Michael Jackson

Donatella Versace

Jocelyn WildensteinLizardman

Michaela Romanini

Reconstructive uses

• Sophie Delizio – positive, functional outcomes• Improve disfigurements – cleft palate• Breast cancer – breast reconstruction

- femininity• Blepharoplasty (drooping eye lids) – eye sight• Trauma and emergency corrective surgery

Reconstructive uses

Sophie Delezio (burn victim)

Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy

Blepharoplasty

Cleft palate

Borderline usage• Seeking youthful appearance• Increase job prospects• Reflects society’s value system

Ethical guidelines for a surgeon

• Academic qualifications• Training and experience• Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons• Patient consent versus ethical responsibility• “”do no harm” vs patient request

- number of surgeries- age of patient- risk factors- mental and emotional state of patient

• Full disclosure of procedure information

Ethical considerations as a patient• Recovery time• Financial burdens• Immediate health risks – infection

- nerve damage - bleeding, bruising

• Long term health implications• Botched surgery/disfiguration – reconstructive surgery• Unrealistic expectations – depression

- addiction -psychological trauma

• When to STOP

Implant deformity

How young is too young?

• Elective surgery• No age limitations• Parental agreement/consent• Limited ability to evaluate risks• Further physical and emotional

growth and development• Inability to make mature,

informed decision

Motivations behind surgery• Social and media pressures – idealisation

- commercial consumerism - conformity - peer pressure - racial differences

• Self esteem and self image• Consumer demands/consumer driven• Affordability • Medical reasons – accident

- injury• Work/ career opportunities

Easy access = trivial decision• Online purchasing – Do it yourself• ‘Botox’ parties• Financing availability• ‘back alley’ surgery – unqualified

- any medical degree• Overseas surgery – cheaper

- recovery time

Is anyone still considering getting cosmetic surgery

of any kind done?

References:

Australian Society for Plastic Surgeons. (2011). Retrieved 2011, from Australian Society for Plastic Surgeons: www.plasticsurgery.org.au

De Sousa. (2007). Concerns about cosmetic Surgery. Retrieved 2011, from Indian Journal of Medical Ethics: www.issuesinmedicalethics.org/154co171.html

Dittmann. (2005). Plastic Surgery: Beauty or beast? Retrieved 2011, from American Psychological Association: www.apa.org/monitor/sep05/surgery.aspx

Izenberg, & Dowshen. (2009). Plastic Surgery. Retrieved 2011, from Kids Health.org: www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/beautiful/plastic_surgery.html

Mantese, Pfeiffer, & McClinton. (2011). Cosmetic Surgery and Informed Consent: Legal and Ethical Considerations. Retrieved 2011, from www.michbar.org/journal/article.cfm?articleid=957&volumeid=74

Ray. (2011). Plastic Surgery - A Misused Technology Indicatin a deep social malfunction. Retrieved 2011, from Ezine@rticles: www.EzineArticles.com/?expert=Surajit_Ray

Zuckerman, & Abraham. (2008). Teenagers and Cosmetic Surgery: Focus on Breast Augmentation and Liposuction. Journal of Adolescent Health.

Image References: http://

bodygeeks.com/2011/08/plastic-surgery-gone-wrong-5-guys-who-should have-stuck-with-just-for-men/

http://www.topsocialite.com/the-15-worst-celebrity-plastic-surgery-disasters-you-will-ever-see/

http://celebritygossipclub.com/2010/04/heidi-montags-new-bikini-body/

http://momgrind.com/2009/01/26/plastic-surgery/

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/05/26/1148524853903.html?from=rss

http://www.horvathplasticsurgery.com/gallery/gallery.php?page=Breast%20Reconstruction%20for%20Cancer&num=1

http://www.horvathplasticsurgery.com/html/face.html