| Chileans embrace cosmetic surgery |
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| Wednesday, 06 December 2006 | |
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“More and more women between 18 and 25 are having breast-enlargement surgery,” adding that this is a relatively recent trend. About 20,000 women have undergone breast augmentation using silicone implants, and the number is expected to rise, driven by the increasing affluence of the country, and the popularisation of cosmetic surgery among the emerging middle class. Some doctors report anecdotally a trend of female graduates being rewarded by their family for academic achievement with breast augmentation surgery. The second most popular procedure in Chile is rhinoplasty, with most nose jobs aimed at narrowing the flare of the nostril and/or straightening the brdige of the nose to remove any bumps. However, some doctors are urging caution against the popularisation of cosmetic surgery, citing the danger of women patients being locked in a cycle of cosmetic surgery, possibly developing symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder. “When you see these girls having competitions over the size of their breasts, announcing they’re going to get a boob job and then showing everyone the results, I don’t think that’s positive,” said Dr. Héctor Valdés. One of the concerns of medical authorities in Chile is the recent growth in the number of commercial clinics, who bypass the strict screening employed by professional surgeons, and provide clinical procedures to patients on a "ask no questions" basis. Doctors warn that patients need to meet with surgeons before undergoing any procedure, to ensure that the patient's objectives and expectations are realistic, that they are psychologically suited to the procedure and that there is no risk of medical complications arising from the procedure. In bypassing this procedure, patients risk post-surgical disappointment, if they were relying on the promises of sales representatives who may have exaggerated the likely outcome of a procedure, or minimised the risk of scarring or recovery complications. A study commissioned by the Chilean Government earlier this year reported that up to 10 per cent of cosmetic surgery clinics in Chile are violating basic health codes. Juan Luis Castro, president of the Medical College, said there have been a number of deaths so far. “Many places do not have sufficient operating theaters or technical expertise for an operation. It’s not the same as applying a bandage.” |
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