Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder: Things you should know if you are considering a cosmetic procedure.
Words by Mr. J. De Cordova, MD, FRCS, Consultant ENT/Head & Neck Surgeon, Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon.
Facial aesthetic treatments can have a significant beneficial influence on an individual and their outlook on life. Differences in facial appearance provide individuality; but it is undeniable that our self-perception of beauty has an impact on our everyday lives.
Some perceive a beautiful person to be more intelligent, sociable, friendlier and more desirable. Some argue that beauty is a myth and not reality and that the perception is learned and not developmental, and yet others argue that the perception of beauty is an innate developmental or biological ability. Personally, I think beauty is all of them, absolutely subjective, completely individual, culturally influenced and constantly changing. Every individual is beautiful in his or her own merit.
This ambiguous concept of beauty creates a real challenge for the clinician delivering treatments, who needs to understand what constitutes beauty and what motivates the patient to strive for their specific version of beauty.
If you are considering on having a cosmetic procedure, the first question you should be asking to yourself is: Why do I want it?
Many people have good reasons for seeking cosmetic procedures. They’ve thought it over carefully, are in good health, have good self-esteem, understand the risks of the procedure they’re considering, and are doing it for themselves.
The results, for these people, can be truly fantastic – giving them pride and a confidence that resonates through all that they do.
Other people, however, are doing it to try to please someone else, sadly it’s often their spouse or partner, and their hopes go way beyond what the procedure can do.
Knowing why you want a cosmetic procedure and whether you’re likely to get the results you want, will help you decide whether to go ahead or to reconsider your options.
Non-surgical vs surgical cosmetic procedures:
A non–Surgical procedure is a conservative treatment that does not require incision into the body or the removal of tissue. The best examples are cosmetic injections such as anti-wrinkle injections (Botox), dermal fillers and skin biomodulators. Although they have a high safety rate, they are still medical procedures with potential risks. Therefore, cosmetic injections are not akin to haircuts and shouldn’t be approached with the same “it’ll grow back attitude”; a shot into one’s face can carry consequences far more serious than a botched bangs trim…
Injectables are big business with over two million people receiving Botox or filler injections in 2017. There is an increase of 85% in dermal fillers since 2012; but also, a worrying increase in practitioners with all kinds with varying degrees of training and experience. Consequently, doctors are seeing a dramatic rise in both complications and plain awful bad work.
A Surgical procedure is a more intrusive treatment that requires incisions and removal or modification of body tissue. The best examples are eyelid surgery, face/neck lift, nose jobs, breast augmentation and liposuction. They, are usually long-lasting options (8-10 years) and yet the most cost-effective treatments. Although in theory, they have more chance of complications, these are, nowadays, rare exemptions thanks to improved technologies and ongoing regulated training in certified programs.
Finally, who should you choose to do your procedures?
Perhaps, the most important step in your cosmetic process is finding a qualified cosmetic surgeon or physician whom you can trust to provide exceptional long-term care, ensure your safety and achieve beautiful and natural results. Choosing a cosmetic board-certified physician ensures that the doctor performing your procedure has specific, in-depth training and experience.
Value your face and your body… give them the best chance.
To book a consultation with Mr De Cordova call his practice at The Lido Medical Centre on 01534 280781 or visit www.josedecordova.co.uk
