High consumer demand for cosmetic surgery has sparked a dangerous trend that has the potential to end in tragedy. In some cases, including the one noted in our previous post, cosmetic surgery performed by inappropriately trained physicians who have no plastic surgery credentials has caused the needless death of a patient.
Like other medical specialties, plastic surgery (also called cosmetic surgery) is a highly specialized medical field with its own specific course of study, dedicated technology and specialized surgical techniques.
Board-certified Cleveland plastic surgeons are required by the American Board of Medical Specialties, a governing and standards-setting organization that operates under the auspices of the American Medical Association (AMA), to complete several years of additional training and medical residency dedicated to the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery.
What board-certified Cleveland cosmetic surgeons find so disturbing is the influx into their specialty of physicians and surgeons trained in other fields. According to an online article on USA Today, an increasing number of gynecologists, obstetricians, dermatologists, dental oral surgeons and other physicians with no specific training in plastic surgery have begun offering cosmetic surgery procedures such as tummy tucks, liposuction and Botox injections.
Even more disturbing is the trend to offer Botox and other skin filler treatments at beauty salons, spas and even home parties where procedures are performed by people with absolutely no medical training.
Critics claim that the trend is a blatant attempt to cash in on today’s desire to improve personal appearance. There is considerable concern within the plastic surgery community that some non-certified cosmetic surgery providers may be primarily interested in collecting lucrative fees and not in their patients’ health and welfare. Even when this is not true, non-board certified plastic surgeons lack the rigorous professional training to successfully handle problems during delicate cosmetic surgery procedures, often failing to adequately protect the patient’s health or achieve the desired results.
Reality television personality Heidi Montag's revelation on Good Morning America earlier this week that she underwent 10 cosmetic surgery procedures in a single day last November shocked viewers and unleashed a firestorm of outrage and debate in the press and on the blogosphere. Concern seemed to be directed most at the questionable necessity and safety of a 23-year-old woman undergoing so many elective cosmetic surgery procedures and the example Heidi's choices set for young fans who have followed her career since she caught the public's notice during three seasons on The Hills.
Heidi's on-air revelation followed her comment in last week's People magazine that she was "beyond obsessed" with plastic surgery. On Good Morning America, Heidi defended her decision, saying, "I'm living in my skin, and I look in the mirror and it's my career and my life, and you only have one. So, I want to take advantage of everything and be the best me, in and out, every way."
Heidi told Good Morning America she underwent cosmetic surgery procedures to her brows, neck, chin, jaw, nose, cheeks, lips, waist, hips and thighs all in a single surgery session and had previously had a nose job and breast augmentation. She said she plans to go undergo additional cosmetic surgery in the future to further increase her breast size from triple-D to H. When asked how she felt about the results of her cosmetic surgery procedures, Heidi said, "I think I look like myself. I think I just look like a different, improved version of myself."
Some of Heidi's The Hills cast mates were among many who expressed concern about the effect publicity about Heidi's choices might have on young girls. On the All Headline News website, The Hills' Lo Bosworth was quoted as saying, "I hope that girls don't...look at the decisions that Heidi made and think that's normal...I would never want young girls to read that and think it's the standard that they need to be measured by."
The controversy surrounding Heidi's cosmetic surgery choices emphasizes the critical necessity of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon you can trust who has the professional experience and deep commitment to his patients' well-being, safety and good health to educate you about all of the options available to reach your personal appearance goals. A dedicated cosmetic surgeon will take the time to discuss the long-term implications of various plastic surgery options, offer alternatives and guide you toward healthy choices.
Dr. Poblete and the staff at Accentuate Within Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center in Avon Lake, Ohio work closely with each patient to develop a specialized personal care program to ensure that every patient meets her appearance goals effectively and safely. Dr. Poblete may recommend that contemplated surgeries be spaced at intervals to allow the patient to become comfortable with the results of the first surgery before deciding if additional procedures are necessary.
In our Patient Diaries download, you can read Wendy's Story. A 34-year-old Cleveland woman, Wendy came to us seeking a tummy tuck and breast implants to remove post-baby sag, but confessed she wasn't completely comfortable with silicone implants. Dr. Problete listened to her concerns and was able to suggest an alternative he felt would provide even better results. As Wendy says, "To my surprise [Dr. Poblete] informed me I would not need implants and that I would be very satisfied with a full tummy tuck and breast lift." After her surgery, Wendy commented, "I have never felt so good about looking in the mirror at myself...My breasts are lifted and fuller and no longer hide in my armpits when I lay in bed at night. Both my husband and I are happy."
Honorable plastic surgeons like Dr. Problete who value their patients' well-being have your health and welfare at heart and will guide you to the safest, most effective cosmetic surgery procedures to help you achieve your appearance goals.
You can usually recognize a mom by her body shape. Even after spending hours at the gym, a mom's body is distinctive. There's a slight paunch to the stomach and a little droop to the breasts. Belly skin stretched to the breaking point by a growing baby and breasts swollen to bursting during nursing just don't snap back to pre-baby tautness after your baby is born. The sleek body you had before pregnancy – the one that looked great in a tiny bikini – is a wistful memory. Of course you love your baby, but you want your before baby body back.
Accentuate Within offers a special Mommy Makeover program designed to restore your pre-baby body shape and self-confidence in your appearance. With an individually tailored Mommy Makeover you can feel young and sexy again and be proud of the way you look.
Cosmetic surgery can get rid of the loose belly skin, sagging breasts, stretch marks and fatty hip deposits related to pregnancy and the weight fluctuations most women experience while pregnant. After all, you wanted a baby, not a "mature" figure. It's only natural to want your old body back after pregnancy. Many new moms become depressed or embarrassed about their appearance and lose confidence in themselves when exercise doesn't tighten up loose, over-stretched skin. They no longer feel young and vibrant – and sexy? Please! Only with the lights out!
The cosmetic surgery experts at Accentuate Within can help new moms develop a comprehensive program to address and correct the unwanted and often unexpected body changes that follow pregnancy. Breast enhancements, tummy tucks, buttock lifting and liposuction, including the latest SmartLipo MPX technology, are among the options available to help restore your body and your self-confidence to its pre-baby level. Some women choose a single procedure; others benefit from multiple procedures performed in stages. Depending on your personal goals and expectations, the caring staff at Accentuate Within will design a personal Mommy Makeover to meet your individual needs.