Cosmetic surgery, also referred to as aesthetic surgery, involves undergoing a medical procedure to alter one’s physical appearance for aesthetic reasons. Besides the physical changes, aesthetic surgery can have a significant impact on a patient’s overall health and psychological well-being. Even when there is no functional necessity, the psychological benefits can be life-changing for the patient. Non-surgical cosmetic procedures like Botox and dermal fillers, while not invasive, still carry associated risks. To learn more about non-surgical procedures, visit NHS Choices.
Access to Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is generally not available through the NHS, except for cases with overriding physical or psychological factors. Even when NHS offers such services, the waiting times can be lengthy, prompting most individuals to opt for private surgeries.
Complications and Support
In case of complications arising from private cosmetic surgeries, the NHS will only step in if there is a severe emergency situation requiring immediate attention.
Team and Procedures
The surgical team comprises healthcare professionals with varying levels of experience, training, and responsibilities. Detailed discussions on different surgical procedures are based on planning, duration, and specific techniques within this domain.
Cosmetic procedures involve reshaping and altering the body’s structures to enhance a person’s appearance. Like any surgical intervention, cosmetic procedures require skilled medical practitioners and come with potential risks such as anaesthesia complications, bleeding, scarring, and healing issues.
Regulations and Standards
The Health Services Act 1988 was amended in 2018 to regulate all types of surgeries, including cosmetic procedures, ensuring that all surgeries must be conducted in registered private hospitals or day procedure centers. Unauthorized facilities are not allowed to perform any surgical procedures, including cosmetic surgeries.
- Liposuction and anaesthesia must be conducted in registered private hospitals or day procedure centres.
- All medical staff involved in surgeries must be properly trained and certified.
- Regular inspections and audits must be conducted to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
It is legally prohibited for surgeries to be carried out in unregistered facilities.
Choosing a Qualified Practitioner
Select a reputable and qualified medical practitioner with appropriate training and experience. In Victoria, doctors must be registered with the Medical Board of Australia. Additional training in cosmetic surgery may be undertaken by practitioners, aligning with the Medical Board of Australia’s registration standards for cosmetic surgery endorsement effective from July 2023.
Considerations before Procedure
Prior to opting for a cosmetic procedure, carefully evaluate your expectations and potential outcomes. Inquire about possible side effects and complications, avoiding unrealistic promises made in advertisements. Communicate any concerns to your medical practitioner and seek a second opinion if necessary.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses concentrated light to remove unwanted hair. It is a safe and effective method, although multiple sessions may be required for long-lasting results.
Tattoo Removal
Tattoo removal involves using lasers to break down the ink particles in the skin, allowing the body to naturally eliminate them. The process may require several sessions depending on the size and color of the tattoo.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry includes procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, and dental implants to enhance the appearance of the teeth and smile. These treatments can improve confidence and overall oral health.
Non-Surgical Procedures
Non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy, offer less invasive options for skin rejuvenation and anti-aging effects. These treatments usually have minimal downtime and can provide noticeable results.
Body Lift
A body lift is a comprehensive procedure aimed at improving the shape and tone of underlying tissue that supports skin and fat. It can address sagging skin and excess fat in areas like the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, resulting in a more contoured appearance.
Male Breast Reduction
Male breast reduction, or gynecomastia surgery, is a procedure to reduce excess breast tissue in men. It can help restore a more masculine chest contour and improve self-confidence.
Injectable Treatments
Injectable treatments like dermal fillers and neurotoxins (e.g., Botox) are commonly used to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and restore volume to areas of the face. These treatments are quick, minimally invasive, and can provide natural-looking results.
Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery aims to restore form and function to various parts of the body affected by trauma, injury, congenital defects, or disease. Procedures like breast reconstruction, skin grafts, and scar revision are essential for improving quality of life.
Liposuction: Slimming Down
Liposuction involves the removal of fat from specific body parts such as the thighs or abdomen to create a more streamlined silhouette.
- Tumescent Liposuction: This method involves injecting a local anaesthetic, a vasoconstrictor, and a saline solution into the targeted area. This fluid, along with the fat, is then suctioned out using a narrow tube called a cannula.
- Liposuction with Radiofrequency Assisted Liposuction (RFAL): This procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. A cannula and electrodes are inserted through a small incision. The electrodes generate radio waves to melt fat, which is then suctioned out through the cannula. The radio waves also stimulate collagen production in the area, enhancing skin elasticity.
Most individuals can resume work within a few days post-liposuction, depending on the extent of treatment.
Breast Augmentation: Enhancing Curves
Surgical breast augmentation in women has become highly popular, with over 300,000 procedures performed annually in the US.
Common reasons for this surgery include:
- Augmenting both breasts
- Equalizing asymmetric breast sizes
- Creating breasts that did not develop during the teenage years
Silicone implants, once banned due to health risks, have gained popularity in recent years. According to ASPS, 84% of women who underwent breast augmentation in 2020 chose silicone implants.
Most individuals can return to regular activities within one or two weeks post-breast augmentation. High-impact physical exercises may require a delay of several weeks or months.
Eyelid Surgery: Enhancing the Gaze
Eyelid surgery focuses on remodelling the eyelids and often encompasses two main types:
- Upper Eyelid Surgery: Known as eyelid lift, this can be done for aesthetic purposes or to improve vision when drooping eyelids obstruct eyesight.
- Lower Eyelid Surgery: Here, fat pads creating “bags” under the eyes are removed. Excess upper skin may also be tightened to reduce sagging.
After blepharoplasty, most people can usually socialize within 10-14 days, although it may take a few more weeks for swelling and bruises to subside.
Is Blepharoplasty Covered by Insurance?
Blepharoplasty may be covered by insurance if drooping eyelid skin interferes with your vision. Your doctor can provide medical justification to your insurer. Check your copay or deductible to estimate how much you may need to pay out of pocket.
It’s important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations for eyelid surgery. They can assess your unique situation and provide personalized recommendations for the best course of action. Recovery time and potential risks should also be discussed thoroughly before proceeding with the surgery.
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, removes excess skin from the abdominal area and tightens the remaining skin. This surgery is often performed when a person has sagging abdomen after pregnancy or significant weight loss from surgery or diet.
An ideal candidate for abdominoplasty is a person with excess skin rather than excess fat on the abdomen.
Most people can resume normal activities within two to three weeks after abdominoplasty, but they may need to avoid strenuous exercises for several more weeks or months.
It is important for patients to follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. Complications from abdominoplasty are rare but can include infection, bleeding, and poor wound healing.
Patients should also maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery to preserve the results of abdominoplasty. This includes regular exercise and a balanced diet to prevent weight gain and maintain a toned abdomen.
Reduction Mammaplasty
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, can be used for cosmetic reasons, but its benefits go far beyond appearance. Women with very large or heavy breasts often have difficulty finding properly fitting clothes. They may also experience chronic back and neck pain due to the “extra weight” on the chest.
Breast reduction surgery can also be used to reduce asymmetrical breasts to the same size.
Reduction mammaplasty is a permanent solution for women with uneven or overly large breasts. Most people can return to work within two weeks after surgery.
Is Breast Reduction Covered by Insurance?
Breast reduction surgery is regularly covered by insurance if performed for medical reasons. Examples include chronic back pain that is not relieved by other, more conservative treatment methods. Breast augmentation surgery is not covered by insurance.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, also known as “nose surgery,” is used to change the shape of the nose and balance it with the rest of the face. A surgeon can reduce the overall size of the nose or improve specific areas of the nose.
Rhinoplasty is sometimes combined with septoplasty to correct a deviated septum (an improper nasal passage that can affect breathing). In such cases, the insurance company may cover part or all of the surgery.
After rhinoplasty, hematomas may be noticeable but should fully resolve within the next 10 days.
Rhytidectomy
Rhytidectomy, or facelift, is a surgical solution against wrinkles and sagging that occur with age. A facelift creates a more youthful appearance by gently lifting the facial skin, smoothing deep lines, and reducing skin sagging.
A facelift is often combined with other procedures such as blepharoplasty, platysmaplasty (“neck lift”), or chemical peels.
Sutures are usually removed five to ten days after a facelift, but recovery will take several weeks.
Mastopexy
Mastopexy, also known as breast lift, is used for sagging or poorly shaped breasts. Mastopexy rearranges the breasts for a more upright look.
A person may opt for a breast lift after significant weight loss or when pregnancy makes the breasts saggy and less firm. Some women choose to undergo mastopexy after breastfeeding to restore the previous appearance of their breasts.
Surgeons typically make an incision around the nipple to keep scarring inconspicuous.
Many people who undergo male breast reduction surgery can return to work within a week and to normal activity within a few weeks.
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By Jennifer Whitlock, RN, MSN, FNP-C
Jennifer Whitlock, RN, MSN, FNP-C, is a family nurse practitioner with experience in primary and hospital medicine.