Plastic Surgery requires prudence, says the SBCP (Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery)

A Tribuna Newspaper Santos, Sao Paulo 10 December 2006 Reprinted and Translated with permission

Brazil ranks second in the world for number of plastic surgeries performed annually.  This year, there has been approximately 700,000 plastic surgeries performed compared to 620,000 in 2004, according to a study done by the SBCP.  Of this total, the state of Sao Paulo handles 35% of this market and the city of Santos, SP holds third place in the state.  The numbers grow every year, thanks to the Brazilian desire to make peace with the mirror and the growing number of professionals that make payment for these surgeries more accessible all the time.  But, before undergoing a plastic surgery procedure, there are certain precautions you must take…  There are psychological components that drive the desire for plastic surgery.  “People are not happy with themselves and turn to surgery to fit into society, improve their self-esteem and feel healthier,” states the President of the SBCP (Sociedade Brasileira da Cirurgia Plastica), Osvaldo Saldanha.

Another factor that also contributes to the high numbers of surgeries is the evolution of new technologies, professionals constantly revising and improving techniques and using procedures that are less invasive, adds Saldanha.

“We live in a tropical country where the body is exposed more and this requires the development of better techniques, and less and less visible scarring.  The tendency is for these surgeries to become less invasive.”

PRECAUTIONS:
In spite of all this, those interested in plastic surgery need to take some precautions.  Dr Saldanha reiterates that, like any surgery, plastic surgery does have its risks.  For this reason, the choice of a surgeon is a critical one. 

“We recommend you get a referral from a friend or a doctor you know and trust for example.  Information is also available through our website: www.CirurgiaPlastica.org.br We also recommend you have more than one consultation with more than one surgeon to be able to compare information and have a realistic expectation of the outcome of the surgery.”

LIPOSUCTION IS STILL THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER PROCEDURE:
In spite of the innumerable advances in the field of plastic surgery, the technological revolution has helped LipoSuction stay at the top of the “most wanted” list for patients. (This demand has revolutionized the tummy tuck procedure, read about MedNetBrazil’s surgeon’s LIPOABDOMINOPLASTY technique). In second place is the placement of breast implants.  Of all the plastic procedures performed in the country, 60% are done for purely esthetic reasons.

“Almost 90% of afflictions have an important psychological component, and it is exactly this that plastic surgery addresses.  Plastic surgery not only transforms the body, but the soul as well”… says the president of the SBCP, Osvaldo Saldanha….