Q: What is cosmetic plastic surgery?

A: Cosmetic or Aesthetic surgery is a highly sophisticated specialty that is dedicated not only to the return of the face and body to normal but to improvements that actually surpass the normal. There is an increasing number of individuals who undergo aesthetic surgery each year.

Several factors converging at the same time in history are responsible for this boom in aesthetic surgery. The public has been continuously bombarded by the communications media. The general medical profession has become better educated about aesthetic surgery and has accepted the fact that it is safe. There is a growing awareness that the role of modern medicine should not be limited only to the treatment of diseases but that it should alleviate human suffering in all its forms. Survival is no longer the only principal effort; improvement of the quality of life is also important.

It is impossible to measure human suffering. A flat nose may be unimportant to one individual; however, in another it can produce emotional discomfort. Aesthetic surgery can truly satisfy many needs and often will provide the extra measure of inner confidence, which may otherwise be difficult to achieve. It requires no apologies and is understandably well accepted in all circles. It is however not the answer to all of life’s problems. The purpose is to improve one’s appearance as much as may possible. It can do no more, and if one expects a transforming miracle, there will undoubtedly be disappointment.
Plastic Surgery that can Correct Size and Shape

Blame Mother Nature. Blame your parents. Blame it on bad luck. But whatever you do, don’t blame yourself if you were born with something you’re unhappy with. You’re not alone. Psychology Today magazine did a study which showed that lots of people feel Mother Nature could have done a better job.

60,000,000 don’t like their noses.
30,000,000 don’t like their chins.
6,000,000 don’t like their ears.
And 6,000,000 don’t like their eyes.

The good news is, today, you can do something about it. Every year more than 2,000,000 people do.

Calmly, rationally, they approach it just as you would any other physical problem you might be born with. Like crooked teeth. Lousy eyesight. Or poor hearing.

It’s just as easy to be born with a nose that’s too small.
Or breasts that never develop.

Plastic surgery can often solve these problems. Usually permanently. And if you do have a problem that really bothers you and makes you feel self-conscious, is there anything wrong with correcting it?

Of course not!
Arguments which you often hear against aesthetic plastic surgery ("It’s just not natural") are ridiculous. And out of date. Fortunately, intolerance and old-fashioned prejudice are fading fast. Everyday more and more people are realizing that it’s okay to have plastic surgery. Let’s face it, Mother Nature does make mistakes. There’s nothing wrong with correcting them.

Q: What is the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery?

A: Plastic surgery is a specialized branch of surgery that is concerned with correcting deformities that are congenital (in-born) or acquired from accidents or aging, in order to restore or enhance form and/or function.

The origins of plastic surgery are rooted in ancient history. Until the end of the nineteenth century, plastic surgery was essentially reconstructive. With the perfection of techniques, the correction of minor defects that are congenital in nature or due to aging came to be practiced, evolving into what is now popularly known as cosmetic or aesthetic plastic surgery.

Although plastic surgery can be categorized into either reconstructive or aesthetic surgery, there is no clear distinction between the two, since there is an aesthetic aspect in reconstructive surgery, and often a reconstructive aspect in aesthetic surgery. Sir Harold Gillies defined reconstructive surgery as an attempt to restore the individual to normal, while aesthetic surgery is an attempt to surpass the normal.

No surgeon can call himself a plastic surgeon unless he can do BOTH aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.

A paramount quality required for plastic surgery is a sense of form, an aesthetic judgement, and an ability to visualize the end result. These qualities are the most essential requisites for a plastic surgeon; these qualities distinguish the artist from the mere technician.


Q: It seems that a number of medical specialists claim they can do cosmetic surgery. Who should perform cosmetic surgery?

A: Any licensed physician can legally perform cosmetic surgery, even if his or her training is in a non-surgical specialty. Often portrayed as a "turf battle", the issue of training and credentials in plastic surgery is actually an issue of public safety about which responsible doctors are necessarily concerned. Would you want your plastic surgery performed by someone who has never had any formal surgical training? It can easily happen. That is why it is important for prospective cosmetic surgery patients to check on the credentials of any physician with whom they plan a consultation.

There are many physicians today practicing plastic surgery who have received their formal training in another surgical specialty (ENT, OB-GYNE, Opthatmology, General Surgery) or a no surgical specialty like dermatology. These doctors may call themselves plastic surgeons or cosmetic surgeons but they may not be trained in plastic surgery. Many physicians who call themselves "facial plastic surgeons" are trained in otorhinolaryngology, a surgical specialty of the head and neck.

Physicians who call themselves " cosmetic surgeons" could be trained in any specialty, including a non-surgical specialty, or even be just plain general medical practitioners. Similarly, any doctor can call himself or herself a "plastic surgeon", regardless of training.

Mere anatomical and physiological familiarity with a general body region does not automatically give a doctor the license to practice plastic surgery in that area. The principles of plastic surgery are special and the conceptual application of these principles requires indoctrination from years of training and experience. Once indoctrinated, the plastic surgeon can apply these concepts in any area of the body if he has had basic training in general surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery.

During his surgical training , the surgeon must seek training in as many areas of surgical endeavor as possible. Only when equipped with the knowledge of general principles common to all fields of surgery can the surgeon be admitted to specialized training in plastic surgery.

Authentic plastic surgeons have at least five to six years of approved surgical training, including a two to three year residency in plastic surgery.

Q. How to Select a Qualified Plastic Surgeon in the Philippines ?

A: Patients considering cosmetic surgery should know that choosing the right surgeon is the single most important decision they will make. Today, many doctors perform cosmetic plastic surgery but not all of them have trained as plastic surgeons. Once doctors get their medical degrees, they may practice any specialty, even if they have not completed advanced training in the field they have chosen. And so, a doctor who performs cosmetic plastic surgery is not necessarily trained as a plastic surgeon. To ensure the best results for the surgery you are considering, choose an authentic plastic surgeon with the training and experience that is essential for the success of your surgery.

As you consider different surgeons and visit their websites, they should provide you with basic information about plastic surgery and the various procedures available. You should be able to find information about the surgeon's formal training and experience. From the website, you should also be able to get an idea about the surgeon's basic approach and philosophy on cosmetic surgery and patient care.
Training

Select a surgeon who has completed at least five to six years of formal training in plastic and reconstructive surgery in accredited training hospitals. There are 4 residency programs in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery which are accredited by the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery and the Philippine College of Surgeons. These are the training programs of the UP-PGH Medical Center, UST, and the 2 consortium programs approved by the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery where residents rotate in various hospitals. Training includes three to five years of general surgery residency and two to three years of plastic surgery residency. Doctors who have completed residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery are the only doctors who can rightfully claim to be plastic surgeons.

Certification

Completion of the accredited plastic residency training program enables the doctor to become a "board-eligible" plastic surgeon, meaning that he is qualified to take the written and oral examinations of the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery. After the doctor passes both written and oral examinations, he becomes a "board-certified" plastic surgeon.

Many doctors who perform cosmetic surgery procedures are board-certified in specialties other than plastic surgery or may even lack such credentials. It is recommended that the patient choose a plastic surgeon who is duly certified by the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery, the only organization recognized by the Philippine College of Surgeons to grant board certification in the field of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in the Philippines.

Experience:
Good credentials provide a reasonable indication of a doctor's qualification to perform cosmetic surgery, and should serve as the basic starting point. Patients should then ask the surgeon about his experience. How long has he been in practice and how many times has he done the procedure you are considering? The broader your surgeon's experience, the greater your chances for a successful surgery.

Hospital Privileges:
Another factor to consider is whether the surgeon has hospital privileges. Before a hospital grants privileges to physicians, they usually require certain standards of training and competence to be met. Although many cosmetic surgery procedures may be safely done in outpatient clinics, others should only be done in a hospital setting. It is best to choose a surgeon who has hospital privileges.

Consultation:
Find a plastic surgeon whom you feel comfortable with. When consulting for the first time, make sure that your plastic surgeon spends enough time to thoroughly examine and evaluate you and the work that you wish to have done. It is very important that you feel totally comfortable and confident with your surgeon as he will be responsible for the final result of your surgery. You should be able to communicate easily with him to clearly convey what your wishes. You should also be able to ask him all your questions and discuss your needs and expectations. Make sure you have all the facts you need in order to make an informed judgement.

A good plastic surgeon should be able to evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the surgery you are considering. He should be able to educate you about your options and give you advice about the best technique for your needs. If there are less invasive or non-surgical procedures that could fulfill your needs, the surgeon should be able to tell you about them.

Realize that pre- and post-operative photos of the surgeon’s patients can be useful in helping you understand the surgery but are no guarantee that your results will be similar. Every individual is different.

Beware of any doctor who tells you there are no possible risks involved in surgery. There are always risks, and these should be discussed frankly.

Never allow a doctor to talk you into any procedure you don’t want. A reputable plastic surgeon will let the patient suggest what he or she wants done and then advise them on what is or is not possible.

Be skeptical of any doctor who seems to avoid talking about his or her training and professional qualifications.

Price:
Although price is definitely a factor when considering elective surgery, don't "bargain shop" for plastic surgery. Any surgery is still surgery and has some uncertainty and risk involved. When price is the primary factor for choosing a plastic surgeon, risks increase. Good plastic surgeons may charge relatively affordable fees, especially if they practice in Asian countries like the Philippines, where cost of living expenses are low and if they can keep overhead costs low by having modest outpatient surgery clinics. But think twice if the surgeon you're considering charges much lower than other plastic surgeons in the same country. Even when you go to popular clinics where a number of surgeons practice as a group, take a look at the qualifications of the particular surgeon who will be handling your case. The success of your surgery is largely dependent on your choice of surgeon and professional qualifications and experience should be your main consideration in selecting your plastic surgeon.

Q: How can I overcome my embarrassment about seeking information and advice concerning cosmetic surgery?

A: Concern with one’s physical appearance is a normal human trait. Throughout the centuries, improvement of one's appearance has been sought after through varying modes of dress and adornment, use of male and female cosmetics and beauty-enhancing products, control of diet for body weight, ingestion of vitamins, use of perfumes, fragrances and skin conditioners, and even behavioral mannerisms.

Your plastic surgeon can help you acquire a healthy attitude toward cosmetic surgery during the consultation. He will give you information to remove or lessen your fears and anxiety. He will explain the goals and limitations of plastic surgery, encourage an honest appraisal of your physical shortcomings, and estimate what kind of cosmetic improvement can be achieved through surgery.

Q: Isn’t cosmetic surgery only for vain people?

A: Undergoing cosmetic surgery to improve one’s self-image can be the ultimate form of catering to vanity , but it is only one more modality in a long list since the beginnings of man that includes the constant changing of styles of clothes, hair and self-adornment.

It is impossible to measure human suffering. A minor physical irregularity can be of no consequence to one individual and yet can be of major significance to another.

Q: How can I put myself in the right frame of mind and overcome the fear I have for a plastic surgery operation?

A: There may be urgent reasons for having aesthetic plastic or cosmetic surgery. You may have a career that you are unwilling to relinquish and that is dependent upon your attractive youthful appearance. You may be suffering in silent desperation when you look at yourself in the mirror and see what aging has done to you. You may need "a whole new you" to shake off the "blues" of the menopause years. These are valid reasons for desiring cosmetic surgery.

Having a certain fear of undergoing a surgical procedure is normal and many people experience this. In a way, it can be beneficial for someone who is considering having cosmetic surgery. It means that you are aware that having cosmetic plastic surgery is a serious decision and should not be taken lightly. Beware of any doctor who tells you there are no possible risks involved in surgery. There are always risks, and these should be discussed frankly. Having a certain fear can also be good if it will lead you to educate yourself and make an informed decision, considering factors such as benefits, risks and affordability.

One of the most important ways to overcome your fear is to minimize the risks involved by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon you can trust. Knowing that you are in skilled, capable and experienced hands does much to allay the fears many patients have. Feel free to ask your plastic surgeon any questions you have to gain more understanding of possible risks. Often, when you have considered all these factors and have made a good decision regarding your choice of surgeon, you will become more confident and will be able to summon up the initiative and motivation for physical improvement. The patient with a healthy attitude toward cosmetic surgery will accept its benefits willingly and happily.

Q: How much will the surgery cost and will I be able to afford it?

A: One of the most frequently asked questions when considering cosmetic surgery is "how much?"

Oftentimes, patients choose their surgeon on the basis of price. Cosmetic surgery is very affordable in the Philippines and costs are much lower when compared to the United States and other countries. However, since the success of your surgery is largely dependent on your choice of surgeon, cost should not be your main consideration for your decision to undergo cosmetic surgery in the Philippines.

In the Philippines, any licensed medical doctor can perform cosmetic surgery. To avoid unsatisfactory results, it is best to choose a surgeon who has completed an accredited residency training program in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He should have extensive experience in the procedure you will undergo.

Your surgeon's skill can make all the difference between a good result and one which will require correction and additional expense. Thus, although it is understandable that price is one of the considerations in your choice of surgeon, it is important to remember that the main consideration should be your surgeon's professional qualifications and experience.