Cosmetic surgery

With the rise in fashion consciousness, the advancement of the cosmetics industry, and the advent of minimally invasive surgery, it was only a matter of time before that too Cosmetic surgery Would find its way into middle-class households. Operations such as breast augmentation, liposuction and wrinkle injections with botulinum toxin (Botox®) or hyaluronic acid have long been established and can be obtained comparatively inexpensively even for average consumers. But which interventions are necessary and when, which operations are useful and where can you find good cosmetic surgeons?

What is cosmetic surgery?

The term Cosmetic surgery is not precisely defined in Germany, the professional title "cosmetic surgeon" is not protected. On the whole, cosmetic surgery encompasses all interventions that are not essential to life or that serve to preserve and recover life and limb, but rather pursue a cosmetic goal.

Here, however, the boundaries to plastic surgery, which is used, for example, for accident victims with severe injuries and burns or for people with exceptional psychological stress due to a disfiguring physical anomaly, such as a very large, disproportionate nose, are blurred for those affected from childhood represents a psychological burden.

Function, effect & goals

The areas of application of the Cosmetic surgery are diverse. Basically, everything on the body can be surgically beautified. From face lifts and wrinkle-reducing injections to enlarging or reducing the size of the breasts to surgical beautification of the labia, knees or calves, everything is conceivable and practicable today.

Doctors of all specialties offer cosmetic interventions, the dermatologist not infrequently injects botulinum toxin (Botox (R)) or hyaluronic acid or performs liposuction, even dentists, ophthalmologists or ear, nose and throat doctors can offer cosmetic surgery, as the terminology does not are protected. It does not necessarily mean that a "non-specialist" doctor would make the procedure worse. In addition to extensive and regular training, the know-how from years of operational experience in this area also counts here.

While liposuction is still relatively easy to perform, rhinoplasty, for example, is a very sensitive issue. In theory, anyone who does not find something beautiful enough in itself can have a cosmetic surgery procedure carried out on them, provided they can find the necessary change. The areas of application therefore go far beyond plastic surgery for accident victims. The methods of application are as numerous and varied as the interventions themselves. Every operation is preceded by detailed advice from the surgeon.

For breast enlargements and breast reductions, liposuction, facelifts, rhinoplasty, etc., a "real" operation takes place, usually under general anesthesia. The preparation and follow-up work here is no different from a medically necessary intervention. Wrinkle injections, on the other hand, are minor interventions that require little local anesthesia and that hardly affect the customer afterwards.

With cosmetic surgery operations, the primary aim is to achieve customer satisfaction, if possible 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, a lot of diplomacy is required here.

Risks, side effects & dangers

Like all surgical interventions, the Cosmetic surgery their risks, dangers and complications. The insertion of implants of all kinds can lead to encapsulation and inflammation; every cut with a scalpel can cause inflammation, scars, thromboses and embolisms. Injections of botulinum toxin, which paralyze the facial muscles to reduce wrinkles, can result in mask-like features.

Also, no matter how well the procedure was performed, the result may not be pleasing in the end. Or there is an addiction to more and more beautification of your own body. Cosmetic surgery can produce wonderful results and really help many people. But they also have their pitfalls and dangers and every intervention needs to be well considered, carried out professionally and advised in detail and competently.

Second opinions can't hurt either. And word of mouth and the exchange with people who were satisfied with this and that procedure for this and that doctor still works best.