Marc Pacifico, consultant plastic surgeon and comparethetreatment.com expert, investigates more ways to ensure safe – and successful – cosmetic surgery… This time using the letters, I, J K and L!
Injectables – Would it surprise you to learn that there are no qualifications legally necessary when it comes to who can and who cannot administer injectable cosmetic treatments? Botox (Botulinum toxin) and dermal fillers are non-invasive treatments that slip under the radar when it comes to statutory regulation. There are, however, ways to ensure you find a reputable practitioner who is properly trained and offers the treatment in a safe and clean environment.
Information and the internet– Quite simply, do your homework. There is an abundance of information on the internet and not all of it is reliable. This website is designed to offer you a safe route to cosmetic treatments. You can also visit the website for the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons – baaps.org.uk – an organisation set up for the sole purpose of ensuring the advancement of education and safety in aesthetic surgery.
Injury – All surgery comes with risk and complications but, by seeking a properly qualified and experienced surgeon, you reduce the chances of negative outcomes. Do check your practitioner has the appropriate training and insurance for the procedure you’re considering. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Justice – The growth in the popularity of cosmetic procedures has also, sadly, seen a boom in the number of negligence claims. Whilst there are companies who will help you seek compensation should things go wrong, prevention (as always) is better than cure. Therefore, please do your homework. Comparethetreatment.com offers you a safe route to cosmetic treatments and you can also check to see if your surgeon is a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).
Kardashian effect – The reality stars have a lot to answer for and, with the abundance of social media platforms, their love of cosmetic surgery has not gone unnoticed by the majority of us. Therefore, they have inspired a much younger generation of women (mostly) to consider cosmetic treatments in a bid to emulate their look. These so-called millennials (aged 18-34) are inspired by celebrities who use Instagram and Twitter to share photos of their makeovers and even film the whole process of surgery.
Lips and labia – The era of the selfie means we see the results of celebrity makeovers and also have more opportunities than ever before to scrutinise our own appearance. Studies show that mouths, lips and teeth are the first things people notice about us and probably offer the easiest opportunity for cosmetic treatments and anti-ageing procedure. A newer trend is cosmetic surgery on our lips ‘down below’. Functional reasons for labiaplasty (such as chafing or discomfort) are often described, but some women have aesthetic concerns about the appearance of their labia. This may be due to marked asymmetry or significant protrusion and these concerns can be addressed too. As with any procedure, it is essential the patient is well informed about the risks and understands their realistic outcomes.
