With increasing fashion consciousness, advances in the cosmetic industry, and the advent of minimally invasive surgical procedures, it was only a matter of time before cosmetic surgery would also make its way into middle class households. Operations such as breast augmentation, liposuction and wrinkle injections with botulinum toxin (Botox) or hyaluronic acid have long since become established and are comparatively inexpensive even for the average consumer. But which procedures are necessary when, which operations make sense and where can good cosmetic surgeons be found?
What is cosmetic surgery?
By and large, the field of cosmetic surgery includes all procedures that are not vital or serve the preservation and recovery of life and limb, but pursue only a cosmetic goal. The term cosmetic surgery is not precisely defined in Germany, and the professional title “cosmetic surgeon” is not protected. By and large, the field of cosmetic surgery includes all procedures that are not vital or serve the preservation and recovery of life and limb, but pursue only a cosmetic goal. Here, however, the boundaries are blurred with plastic surgery, which is used, for example, for accident victims with severe injuries and burns, or for people with extraordinary psychological stress due to a disfiguring physical anomaly, such as a very large, disproportionate nose, which represents a psychological burden for the affected person from childhood.
Function, effect and goals
The areas of application of cosmetic surgery are varied. Basically, anything on the body can be surgically beautified. From face lifting and wrinkle-reducing injections to the enlargement or reduction of the bust to surgical beautification of the labia, knees or calves, everything is conceivable and feasible today. Doctors of all specialties offer cosmetic procedures, so the dermatologist not infrequently injects botulinum toxin (Botox(R)) or hyaluronic acid or performs liposuction, even dentists, ophthalmologists or otolaryngologists can offer cosmetic surgery procedures, because the terms are just not protected. It does not necessarily mean that a “non-specialist” doctor would perform the procedure worse. What counts here is not only extensive and regular training, but also the know-how gained from years of surgical experience in this field. While liposuction is still relatively easy to perform, nose corrections, for example, are a very sensitive matter. Theoretically, anyone who does not find something about themselves beautiful enough can have a cosmetic surgery procedure performed on them, provided they can afford it. The areas of application therefore go far beyond plastic surgery for accident victims. The application procedures are also as numerous and varied as the interventions themselves. Each operation is preceded by a detailed consultation with the operating physician. In the case of breast augmentations and breast reductions, liposuction, facelifts, nose corrections, etc., a “real” operation takes place, usually under general anesthesia. The pre- and post-operative care here is no different from a medically necessary procedure. Wrinkle injections, on the other hand, are minor procedures that require little local anesthesia and hardly affect the client afterwards. With cosmetic surgery operations, the primary goal is to achieve customer satisfaction, preferably with an aesthetically acceptable result. However, everyone knows the pictures of “overoperated” Hollywood stars. The subjective beauty does not always conform to the aesthetic ideas of the doctor, here a lot of diplomacy is required.
Risks, side effects and dangers
Like all surgical procedures, cosmetic surgery has its risks, dangers and complications. Encapsulation and inflammation can occur when implants of any kind are inserted, and inflammation, scarring, thrombosis and embolism can occur with any incision made with a scalpel. Botulinum toxin injections, which paralyze the facial expression muscle to reduce wrinkles, can result in mask-like facial features. Also, no matter how well the procedure is performed, the result may not be pleasing in the end. Or an addiction to more and more beautification of one’s body may develop.Cosmetic surgery can achieve wonderful results and really help many people. However, it also has its pitfalls and dangers, and every procedure needs to be well thought out, professionally performed, and thoroughly and competently advised. Even second opinions can not hurt. And the best way is still word of mouth and exchange with people who were satisfied with this and that procedure at this and that doctor.
