COSMETIC
SURGERY - THE FACTS
by Dr Daniel Lanzer MB BS (Hons)
FACD
How Do I Find A Cosmetic Surgeon?
There are a number of methods.
1. Referred by local Doctor – may be the best method as the Doctor has
previous experience and insight into the surgeon, however your general practitioner
may not have had contact with all surgeons.
2. Recommendation by a patient – a very common method however many patients
keep cosmetic surgery a secret and therefore it may be hard to find a patient
willing to talk about their surgery.
3. Advertisement – becoming more common (please read the advertisement
segment below)
4. Media feature – usually highlights a surgeon but not necessarily the
most experienced or trained.
Why A
Dermatologic Surgeon?
A dermatologist is an Australian recognised specialist who has completed at
least 6 years of extra training after his general medical degree. Nearly all
the major and significant breakthroughs in cosmetic laser therapy and liposuction
were developed by dermatologists in the USA, often in conjunction with Australian
dermatologists.
Using a laser is often easy, however a dermatologist has been specially trained
in how to diagnose most skin problems so that something serious is not treated
by accident. Also dermatologists have the most detailed training of skin reactions
and treatment and can therefore assess different skin types and handle postoperative
care.
a) Laser Dermatologist.
A dermatologist, Dr Larry David (USA), was the first person to describe laser
for facial rejuvenation together with ophthalmologist Dr Sterling Baker (USA)
they pioneered laser eyelid rejuvenation. Dermatologists in Australia have been
at the forefront of the latest developments in the world and have taught their
skills to many other specialists.
b) Liposuction Dermatologist
Dermatologists were amongst the first group to start liposuction in the USA
however; the real breakthrough in liposuction was developed by Dermatologist
Dr Jeffrey Klein in 1987. Dermatologists use his "tumescent technique," where large volumes of local anaesthetic fluid is placed in the fat before suction
commences.
Studies have proven that dermatologists have the safest record in liposuction
in the world. Studies by other groups have unfortunately reported deaths yet
there have been no reported deaths in the world when the tumescent technique
was performed under local anaesthetic by a dermatologist.
c) Breast Reduction – Dermatologist
Breast reduction has been performed for many years by surgical mammoplasty (cutting
of breast tissue and skin). Dr Lanzer a dermatologist has played a significant
role in pioneering a new technique of reduction by liposuction alone.
d) Other Lasers & injectables:-
The following lasers and adjuvant therapies were developed primarily by dermatologists;
laser hair removal, laser blood vessel removal, laser tattoo removal, hair transplantation,
collagen, and BX muscule realaxant* injections.
How To Understand An Advertisement?
Advertisements can be confusing and misleading. Please pay attention to the
following points.
1. Many practitioners claim to be trained by quoting overseas degrees that may
be bought for money and do not reflect any special training. The Australian
Government and Medical Boards have accepted what is a true Australian recognised
college and specialist. These colleges require a number of years of full time
employment and training. These include the Australasian College of Dermatology,
and the College of Surgeons. (Plastic, Ophthalmology, & ENT) Do not be fooled
by irrelevant degrees.
2. "Cosmetic Surgeon" usually means no Australian recognised specialist
training. i.e. the practitioner is probably a general practitioner who may have
done a short course in a cosmetic procedure.
3. Advertising of a company that has a nice name e.g. "Liposuction World" does not tell you anything about the doctor performing the procedure.
4. Beautiful models and clever headings mean that the doctor has a good design
company but doesn’t say anything about the success or ease of a procedure.
5. Beware of statements that trivialize surgery e.g. "back to work in 1
day" may not necessarily be the case in most cases.
6. Beware that before and after photographs do not always reflect the normal
course. Photographs vary enormously with lighting, distance from camera and
makeup.
7. A nice advertisement does not necessarily reflect experience. Ask the doctor
how long has he been performing the procedure and how many have they done. Ask
to see photographs of the doctor’s patients not just pamphlets. Consider
asking to talk to previous patients who have had the operation.
What Is The Reason For Having Cosmetic Surgery?
The most important reason to have surgery is for yourself. This may include
to improve you self-esteem and confidence or to remove something that has bothered
you. Many patients today have cosmetic facial laser surgery to look younger
and healthier rather than different. This is why cosmetic surgery is often kept
a secret.
Be careful if you’re having surgery to make someone else happy.
Will Cosmetic Surgery Change My Life?
Most patients who have surgery feel better about themselves but their lives
do not change significantly. Aim for improved confidence but surgery alone may
not be the answer.
Will There Be Pain?
Although many procedures are now not so invasive there still may be tenderness
or pain associated.
Can I get a guarantee?
Unfortunately cosmetic surgery is not an exact science and results can vary
from patient to patient.
Be wary of surgeons willing to offer guarantees of results.
What are the factors to consider in picking a Cosmetic Surgeon?
1. Australian recognised specialists versus non-specialist.
2. Personal experience of the surgeon in the specific operation.
3. Friendly staff and good rapport with doctor
4. Good literature and information supplied.
* Due to Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) laws about advertising trade names in Australia over the internet, it has become necessary to label some treatments products with different names. Please call us on 1800 444 333 for more information or register as a patient online to access more detailed information.