The food-stamp economy
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Homework advised before nip 'n tuck
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - Most people having plastic surgery to turn back the years or enhance their natural assets are happy with the results but many wish they had done their homework better before the operation.
A new poll by the American Association of Plastic Surgeons' (ASPS) revealed that only 28 percent of patients had checked their surgeon's credentials.
Although 91 percent said they knew what to expect before going under the knife, less than half could recall being told about side effects ranging from bleeding and nausea to blood clots.
"This study suggests patients are not as aware as they should be when it comes to understanding possible side effects and complications after surgery," said Dr Roxanne Guy, the president of ASPS.
Although 80 percent of the 617 patients who had cosmetic and reconstructive surgery were satisfied with the results, nearly 40 percent said they wished they had done more research. More than half admitted they were concerned about side effects and complications but many said they were uncomfortable asking their surgeon questions.
"While it is encouraging that most patients surveyed were pleased with the outcome of their surgery, the findings stress the continued need for patients to do their homework," said Gill.
She added that it is vital that patients ensure their surgeon has the proper credentials and that they know about potential complications.
"You can afford to be nonchalant about some things, but surgery is not one of them," said Gill.
Whether it is tummy tucks, breast enlargements or face lifts, plastic surgery is increasing in popularity. More than 10.2 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in the United States in 2005, an increase of 11 percent from the years before.
An additional 5.4 million reconstructive procedures -- operations for tumor removal, to repair cuts and scars and breast reduction -- were also done.
Liposuction was the number one cosmetic surgery, followed by nose reshaping, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery and tummy tuck. Facelifts are still a popular operation, according to the ASPS, but it did not make the list of the top five because patients are increasing opting for more minimally-invasive procedures such as Botox and chemical peels.
