Britain Puts Price Before Professional Practice When It Comes To Cosmetic Surgery
Study Unearths Alarming Surgery Myths and Misconceptions
London (PRWEB) January 19, 2006
Cosmetic surgery may be tipped to become one of the biggest growth sectors in 2006, but according to a study released today by Sanctuary Cosmetic Surgeons (SCS)*, decisions on cosmetic surgery are based more on price than professional practice and ethics.
The SCS study of over 2000 men and women from across the UK found that in spite of the large percentage of people who say that they have actively considered surgery (25%), over half of all respondents (52%) believe that price is more important than accreditation & experience (49%) when considering a plastic surgeon.
Other myths, misconceptions and beliefs unearthed by the SCS study, include:
52% of people say price is the most important factor when considering a surgeon; 30% said a free consultation is the most important factor in their decision; 35% of people had considered surgery to lose weight, more that those who wanted to look younger (26%); 13% of people believe liposuction can get rid of a beer belly; 37% of people believe liposuction does not remove fat from underneath the skin; 27% of women believe that society is the greatest influence of their self-image; 11% of men say that work and career is the greatest influence on their self-image.
“There are so many misconceptions about what to consider when looking for a cosmetic surgeon,” says Mr Addie Grobbelaar, Consultant Surgeon for Sanctuary Cosmetic Surgeons.
“I am extremely alarmed that 30% of the respondents are lured by the offer of a free consultation and that price was the final driving factor. Accreditation is a key issue and consumers must be made more aware of unscrupulous and commercial practices of some UK operators. When choosing a surgeon look for consultants with: an NHS track record; BAAPS members; and registration on the specialist plastics register of the GMC,” he continues.
77% Believe Breast Surgery is Scar less
When asked about specific procedures, the survey reveals even more alarming statistics such as:
77% of people believe that there are no scars after breast surgery and 24% of people believe that nowadays cosmetic surgery is scarless; 62% of people believe that facelifts are carried out under a local anaesthetic; 50% of people don’t understand what Botox involves; 90% did not understand that depression is a common immediate after-effect of surgery.
Sanctuary Cosmetic Surgeon, Addie Grobbelaar says: “Whether it is breast augmentation or a tummy tuck, surgery is never scarless. The healing process from any surgery is extremely important. Scarring often takes months to fade. In our quick fix society, we don’t understand that whenever cosmetic or medical surgery is invasive the skin needs time to heal.”
He continues: “Botox is one of the most common procedures available and yet 50% of people do not understand that the wrinkle free result is actually due to muscle paralysis of the treated area. However, 94% do understand that it is a temporary treatment lasting less than six months.”
42% Believe Breast Implants Often Leak
When asked about breast surgery, 42% of respondents believe old scare stories that breast implants often leak and need to be taken out. In fact, twice as many women (51%) as men (26%) believe the implant scare stories.
Says Mr. Norbert Kang, Consultant Surgeon for Sanctuary Cosmetic Surgeons: “This is a common misconception based on old stories about breast implants leaking or exploding on airplanes. This is just untrue. With today’s technology, even when the implant coating is punctured, the silicone gel inside is held in place by the scar capsule. As for implants exploding in mid air, well this is just ridiculous.”
The study was conducted by Sanctuary Cosmetic Surgeons (SCS), the new private provider of cosmetic surgery in the UK. Founded by a group of UK trained and accredited plastic surgeons, SCS aims to provide the highest standards of cosmetic surgery and healthcare in the UK.
SCS associates are UK trained and accredited BAAPS/BAPS surgeons; who operate both in private and NHS practices across the UK, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Liverpool, Leicester, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Salisbury and Cambridge.
SCS will offer a full range of surgical and non-surgical procedures including facial lifts and treatments, breast reduction and augmentation, upper body procedures and liposuction. Each procedure is part of a holistic approach to surgery which involves a discussion of diet and lifestyle during a full consultation with the surgeon, which will also include information on suitability for the surgery, potential risks and post surgical recovery and care. Prices are available on request but serve as a guide only as procedures vary from patient to patient. Prices always include surgeon, hospital and anaesthetist fees.
Ends
Notes to Editors:
SCS Surgeons’ Mr Addie Grobbelaar, Mr Jag Chana and Mr Norbert Kang are available for interview.
List of procedures, company details and biographies are available upon request.
For further information, please contact:
Katie Sheppard / Rebecca Oatley - Cherish PR Limited
Tel: 020 8996 9541 / 020 8996 9543
Email: katie. sheppard@cherishpr. com; Rebecca. oatley@cherishpr. com
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