Cosmetic surgery: emerging practices and not without health risks

Impossible to miss the phenomenon. The practices of medicine and cosmetic surgery are booming almost all over the world, to the point that trends are emerging on social networks. But you don’t do your nose or butt again like you change your T-shirt, and this unprecedented craze is not without risk. The illegal practices exposed by the profession, as well as the regrets that many personalities take on, prove that these acts are by no means trivial.

Between the questionable practices observed in social networks in recent months and the regrets expressed by various personalities, aesthetic surgery and medicine do not have good press. And yet, performed by informed professionals, in the best conditions (therefore), these acts are in no way considered dangerous. Today, however, it’s important to respect certain rules—or recommendations—and approach each of these actions with common sense and consideration. Any physical transformation must be thought through, analyzed and carefully considered. And it is the professionals themselves who recommend it.

Something to keep in mind at a time when aesthetic and cosmetic procedures are increasing from year to year. In 2019, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) reported a 7.4% increase in these procedures worldwide. Hyaluronic acid injections, tummy tucks, liposuction, buttock implants… There are many procedures that have many followers, especially among the youngest. To date, the hashtag #plasticsurgery has 12 billion views on TikTok, up from 4 billion a year earlier. This is how common these acts have become.

“In France and around the world, social networks have developed in an anarchic way with serious consequences for the health of young patients. Injections under or into the skin are medical procedures that must be performed by trained and qualified physicians. Young patients should do their research. Any aesthetic procedure, even minimally invasive such as injections, involves breaking the skin and has potential complications, including hematomas and infections. And this applies to all procedures intended to reshape the face or body, fillers”explains Dr. Catherine Bergeret-Galley, plastic surgeon and vice president of the French Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (SOFCEP) and general secretary of the National Union for Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (SNCPRE).

Stop the ‘fake injectors’

Faced with the emergence of certain excesses on social networks, the SNCPRE met in France in January to warn the public authorities of the dangers associated with “fake injectors”, these unauthorized and thus unqualified persons, to use botulinum toxin injections and other fillers that are rampant – mostly – on social networks. A mobilization intended to raise awareness of the many serious adverse effects that can result from these practices and to stop illegal injection activities.

“The big problem with this drug and cosmetic surgery craze on social networks is that they are currently being offered by non-doctors who inject or even bloggers or Instagrammers who are not allowed to inject. Influencers, the new media stars for a young audience, even promote these injectors who practice or promote illegal medicine, and it’s really shocking. For 3 years now, we have seen the results of this explosion of non-professionalism: serious complications.”

Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, have already tackled the problem head-on. Following a ban on the administration of botox and other fillers for cosmetic purposes to minors, the British government has decided to tighten up the legislation. It would involve licensing practitioners of this type of treatment to prevent abuse. In France, the response from the government has been slow, according to professionals in the sector.

“Nothing is happening in France at the moment. The government, thanks to the action of our union, is finally beginning to realize the terrible complications for which illegal injectors are responsible. Since our warning in January, the union is still waiting for the meeting at the level of the Ministry and General Directorate of Health. It is clear that the free sale of filler injection products to non-physicians must be stopped to protect patients from these fraudsters”continues Dr. Bergeret-Galley.

Surgery and aesthetic medicine are practiced by knowledgeable doctors and are not or very rarely subject to complications, the professional recalls. Pending better supervision, patients – especially the youngest – are called upon to do the necessary – and essential – examinations to find the right specialist, a plastic surgeon specialized in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery or a dermatologist trained in skin physiology and anatomy. The answer is not on social networks, but on very specific platforms (eg Sncpre.org or surgeons-esthetics-plasticiens.com).

Do not hurry

Aside from these fraudulent practices, many personalities have followed each other in recent months to express regret for acts performed too young or excessively. Courteney Cox recently complained that there were too many surgeries in her life – “I look really weird with all those injections and everything I do to my face”she finally admitted – when Bella Hadid regretted the nose job performed at age 14, in a lengthy interview with Vogue magazine. “I would have liked to keep the nose of my ancestors”said the young woman, now 25 years old.

The two global icons aren’t the only ones expressing regret. In another register, Linda Evangelista shared her suffering on social networks, after she was disfigured by aesthetic treatment. Even the stars of reality TV, though accustomed – to some – to injections and other acts of cosmetic surgery, are increasingly numerous to pour out on the subject and warn their many followers of such excesses. Jessica Thivenin especially regretted using it too soon for her breasts, while Maeva Ghennam spoke of too many injections, which caused a “bloated face” and now advocated more naturalness. Testimonials that should (also) make the youngest think about the importance of such interventions, which should not be done hastily.

“The ‘stars’ are also often young people whose decisions can be dictated by fashion pressures, their own exaggerated icons and the whole system of ‘stardom’. We see on the covers of magazines faces that have been over-inflated with too much injected hyaluronic acid, with cheeks tucked up, chins jutting out, foreheads bulging, gigantic lips, perfectly straight noses… Some of the faces we see on reality TV these days. don’t look like people anymore”says dr. Bergeret-Galley.

The professional reminds us that it is important to think about your decision before taking action: “You have to resist this fashion, take your time, learn, take different opinions… Any change in physical appearance must be done with care and with duly qualified practitioners, who can improve certain aspects without taking away your personality, who know how to avoid and treat complications and who will give professional advice based on the patient’s morphology, the quality of their skin, etc. Cosmetic medicine and surgery should be well thought out and analyzed by the patient and his doctor”

This also applies to those who want to look like their favorite star. A phenomenon that is also exploding worldwide. Any action, whatever the reason, requires reflection, investigation and dialogue with a health professional. A golden rule to follow to experience any physical transformation in the best way possible and never regret it.

(ETX Daily Up)

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