Cosmetic surgery has been much debated. Long associated with increasing the celluloid lives of people in the glamour industry, Cosmetic surgery has now reached the common man. Individuals do not just like to feel beautiful, but look beautiful too. And where it counts, there are no qualms about spending. Cosmetic surgery literally means “surgery that is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem.”
History
Surprisingly enough, seeing the rate of such surgeries in India, this country is the pioneer in developing methods of conducting aesthetic surgery. The father of surgery, also known as Sushruta was one of the first to make contributions to this field in times as early as 6th century BC. Another medical practitioner called Chakra, also wrote works that reached countries in Arab and Europe.
The Indian techniques of Sushruta and Kumar Vaidya during rhinoplasties were observed and learnt by British physicians and published too. Egyptians and Romans would also perform plastic cosmetic surgery, with simple techniques, such as repairing damaged ears from around as early as the 1st century BC.
Types Of Cosmetic Surgery
Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mamaplasty): In this procedure breast implants are used to increase the size of the breasts.
Breast Reduction: This procedure reduces the size of large breasts. It is sometimes done for medical reasons.
Breast Lift: This procedure lifts and gives a better shape to sagging breasts.
Liposuction: This procedure is used to remove extra fat present in various parts of the body.
Tummy tuck: This type includes removing fat and skin from the tummy/abdomen region.
Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty): This ancient procedure is used to mend or modify the nose. It can be used for medical and cosmetic purposes.
Botox Injections: A very popular surgery abroad, Botox injections are used to freeze certain facial muscles so that they don’t display wrinkles and aging doesn’t show as much.
Facial Implants: Such procedures are used to add implants in the cheeks and chin. E.g. – high cheekbones
Laser Hair Removal: This procedure removes unwanted body hair from arms, legs, face, under chin and other areas permanently. It is an expensive treatment.
Risks Of Cosmetic Surgery
Skin Death or Necrosis: This occurs following an infection or hematoma, and is much more likely among smokers. Skin needs to be surgically removed thereafter.
Asymmetry: Post a surgery, you cannot always expect perfection. Slight asymmetry is considered acceptable but for moderate or severe asymmetries, it may require a second surgery.
Numbness/Tingling: When failure /injury occur to sensory-motor nerves, it may sometimes cause temporary or sometimes permanent loss of sensation.
Seroma: This occurs after surgical procedures like breast augmentation, liposuction or tummy tuck when a certain amount of fluid rests under the skin.
Statistics
Though there is no reliable source for the exact rise in cosmetic surgery in India, according to the Panel of Indian Cosmetic Surgeons (PICS), the increase has been at least five folds. This can be attributed to the fact that Indians are now more open to accepting that they desire a good looking body for themselves. However, to talk about the same still remains hush hush. Influences from cinema are attributed to the growth, with tummy tuck, liposuction and face lifts remaining the most popular procedures.
Prices For Cosmetic Surgery
India offers world class facilities at half the rate of its international counterparts. The price range can be from – Rs 465 per unit, for a Botox injection, to Rs. 1,10,000, for a face lift. The expense depends on the area operated. The larger the area, e.g. – face compared to an eye, the cost increases. However, the normal range for even a minimalistic surgery costs above Rs.10,000. It is advised, that the cost is negotiated with the doctor concerned.
References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_surgery#Cosmetic_surgery
