Saturday November 7, 2009
More Malaysians considering cosmetic surgery to improve appearance
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians could one day prove that they are one of the most aesthetically blessed people in the world, joining the ranks of their Brazilian and Swedish counterparts, if the number of patients seeking consultation for cosmetic surgery is anything to go by.
With techniques and implants available now, plastic surgeons can create great faces and figures that one always dreamed of.
"When the patient is not matured, it is best the doctor advise the patient to re-consider surgery"- DR CHARLES RANDQUIST Those contemplating cosmetic surgery — once the privilege of the rich and famous because of the cost involved — need to be reasonable in the expectations, as pointed out by leading plastic surgeons from three continents during a press conference before the two-day inaugural Asian Breast Aesthetic Symposium (ABAS) that began yesterday.
A consultant plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon at Penang’s Loh Guan Lye Specialist Centre, Dr Lee Kim Siea, receives up to 20 new appointments for consultation per week.
“If you make an appointment with me now, you can only see me in one and a half months time,” said Dr Lee after the press conference.
Dr Lee noted that there is an increase in the number of people undergoing cosmetic surgery, but because there is no official registry and there are some grey areas as beauticians too conduct certain cosmetic procedures, no official figures are available.
Dr Lee said augmenting and shaping up the breast may cost between RM10,000 and RM16,000, and most of the patients being Chinese.
Dr Lee, who is former secretary of the Malaysian Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Cranio-maxillofacial Surgeons said the technique for breast augmentation is well established and the results are predictable. The recovery period is faster too — usually within a week.
Dr Charles Randquist, a world-renowned plastic surgeon from Sweden and the man behind ABAS, believes that due to sheer population, Asia is bound to be in the forefront of cosmetic surgery.
However, for the surgeon who trains doctors from all over the world, it is not about the numbers - it’s the quality that counts.
“For example, breast augmentation done with implants is a good way in improving the quality of life but less good when there is a complication or when re-operation is needed.
“When the patient is not matured, or if there is only desire in seeking cosmetic surgery, it is best for the doctor to advise the patient not to consider surgery because of the risks involved.
“Thus the best cosmetic surgery are the ones that we don’t do,” he quipped, reminding people that the surgery should only be an option if there is a real necessity.
Some 60 leading surgeons and opinion makers are taking part in the seminar. — Bernama
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