"Mummy Makeover" ... I

“A Mom Makeover!”

Sounds trendy doesn’t it???

Well not really, it’s new packaging of the procedures already being done, as we shall discover in the process of this blog and the next.

Why the mom makeover at all?

The woman being the one to create life, goes through many changes physically during the process of pregnancy, giving birth & nursing the child. In a way, it is a sacrifice she makes to create and bring forth a new life.

But, the question still remains, why the makeover at all. What are the changes that occur which need to be corrected.

Doc, I jus saw myself in the mirror today and I was shocked, as I couldn’t recognize the person I saw in the mirror. It was definitely not me..!!!

This is a common complaint women come to us with. During their pregnancy, the mother and everyone around are concentrating on the eating, weight and the unborn child’s well being. After birth it is again the child who is the center of attention, after that till the child starts going to play school, the mother is totally neglecting herself. Then one fine day when she has a little free time from kids and family, she looks at herself and cannot recognize the person in the mirror.

It is not intentional, that this happens. It’s just how things are prioritized in life. I’m not saying that we do not need to give attention to the child during that period. Just that, a little bit of attention to the mother during the pregnancy, childbirth and post birth period, will go a long way in her not having to feel that way a few years down the line.

So what exactly am I talking about here?

To simplify the understanding of what needs to be done, let me first start by enumerating and discussing few of the issues that form the basis of the problems to be corrected in a Mum Makeover.

1. The Tummy: The abdomen, especially the lower abdomen is the area which bears the most insult during pregnancy. Because of the growing womb, the skin is stretched, the muscles are stretched, and there is collection of fat because of the weight gain. Post childbirth, the skin stays loose, has lot of stretch marks, there is a prominent bulge in the lower abdomen because of the loose muscles. All these are compounded by lack of physical activity concentrated to the specific area. Also, with more women now going in for cesarean sections, the lack of activity in that area get further delayed.

2. The Hips: This area is genetically programmed to carry more fat in a woman (the pear shape). More so during pregnancy and post pregnancy. This is genetically the reserve, which the woman accumulates during pregnancy. Combined with less physical activity in the immediate post partum period, tends to get worse.

3. The Breasts: The breasts also bear equal brunt of the pregnancy and post delivery period. During pregnancy and lactation there is development of the milk glands to produce milk for the newborn and hence as they develop they replace the fat that is present in the breast. Once the period of breast-feeding is over, the glands get back to their pre pregnancy state, but the lost fat doesn’t come back and that is the reason for the breast looking empty and sagging. Also because of the stretch marks on the skin of the breast, the skin doesn’t shrink back to the reduced volume giving it the appearance.

4. The Vagina: Post childbirth, the vaginal canal is stretched and like any muscle that is stretched a lot, it needs toning to bring it back to its normal size and tone. In fact in the west this has been used as a punch line to ask people to go in for caesarean sections… “ Have your child the C sec way and keep your passage the honeymoon way”. But that is not required, the vaginal passage was physiologically meant to stretch and contract. But a few things have to be kept in mind, as we will discuss later on in this blog.

5. The Face: Post pregnancy and childbirth many women tend to have pigmented patches on their faces called “ Melasma” which just persists even after childbirth. This occurs due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Also some patients might have a double chin or a more rounded face as part of the generalized weight gain seen during this period.

Now that we know what are the few changes, which occur during the period starting from getting pregnant to one realizing that their whole body image has changed, is there something we can do to reduce these insults if not prevent them altogether?

The good news is YES…!!! There are things, which one can do during pregnancy and in the immediate period following childbirth to help prevent or at least reduce the changes that are occurring in the body.

Pregnancy Care:

The whole aim of the “pregnancy care” concept is to help the mother to be to take care of her body by doing small things to prevent future problems. The main problem during pregnancy is the weight gain and the increasing abdominal girth. When this rapid weight and circumference gain is more than what a person’s skin can tolerate, the dermis which is the supporting layer of the skin ruptures leading to stretch marks. So to prevent stretch marks the best thing that one can do it just spend 10 minutes each in the morning and night out of 24 hours to do a little something to help keep the skin supple to prevent stretch marks. The areas to be concentrated on are the abdomen (more so the lower abdomen), the breasts, the buttocks and the thighs.

The best way to keep the skin supple is to moisturize it. It could be with the help of oils or body lotions. Just take 10 minutes out of your daily schedule to gently massage the areas with a body oil or body lotion. This when done over the period of the pregnancy will make the skin supple and allow it to stretch easily as the mother gains weight and the abdomen gains circumference. This is true for the breast as well as other areas as mentioned before.

This simple step can prevent a lot of the problems later on. Also the second trimester is the most important period to do this because in the last trimester the weight gain and the circumference gain is very rapid and doing it then will not give the skin sufficient time to become soft and supple enough to stretch.

Post Child Birth:

Post delivery the single most important thing a mother can do to help her regain her figure and push her tummy back is the same thing that our grand mothers used to advice. That is the use of a binder or as the grand mothers would advice tying a sari around the abdomen tightly.

This helps in two ways, firstly it is pushing the skin back to its normal position and allowing it to shrink as it normally should and secondly it is also pulling the muscles together to the normal position they should be in. Hence, this when done properly for the next few months will greatly help in one getting back to the pre pregnancy state. Of course if the stretch marks are too bad then the shrinkage might not be to the extent that is desired for, as the skin is like a rubber band broken at multiple places, but even then the muscle toning itself is enough reason for one to use the binder.

This can be done for patients who have undergone C-Sec’s too. After the initial week or two of the healing time for the wound, the binder will help as mentioned above.

The other things that the mother can do are to continue the oil massages to the body and to get into some sort of regular physical activity. Be it morning walks or evening walks or treadmill, etc. I know there would be lot of women shaking their heads n saying… “ What does he know.. He’s not a woman! How do we find time for it? ” But for that, ladies.. let me just say one thing… “Its not easy agreed but if you do it.. it will benefit you. You are preventing a surgical procedure and getting back to how you were and not letting things get out of hand…!” So you work out the math!

As far as the vagina goes, the easiest way to help tone the pelvic musculature to get back to what it was is to do some basic exercises called Kegel's Exercises. The aim of these exercises is to strengthen and fortify the muscle tone of the muscles of the pelvic floor which in turn. It basically involves contracting your pelvic muscles and keeping them contracted for a period of time and doing this in cycles all through the day. The best part of this exercise is that it can be done anywhere and anytime and doesn’t need any equipment.

So now that we know what are the few things one can do to prevent things from getting out of hand and one finally landing up in the so called “ Clutches” of the “Cosmetic Surgeon”, I hope more and more to be mothers will take better care of themselves to prevent or reduce these problems.

As, I will be dealing with the specific surgical management of these problems and the actual “Mummy Makeover”, I think this blog should have been titled…” Tips to prevent a Mom Makeover”.

Happy reading…

Dr.Surindher

Cosmetic Gyneacology - A new concept???

Hi all.....

Today, I'm gonna be talking about a relatively new topic ( at least in the general public's mind) especially in the Indian scenario. I have been getting many queries and emails regarding this, but the common factor in all those being the fact that very little is know about it and there seems to be a lot of confusion regarding the same.

The topic is “Cosmetic Gynaecology”.

Though the procedures that come under this heading have been performed for quite a few years now, the term seems to be recently coined. It basically involves correcting cosmetic problems related to the female genitalia. The procedures which come under this are:

1. Labioplasty ( Reducing size of the lips)

2. Hymenoplasty

3. Vaginoplasty or Vaginal Rejuvenation ( Tightening of the vagina)

4. G spot amplification

These procedures can be done together or separately or in various combinations depending on the need of the patient. Sometimes certain other urological or gynaecological procedures maybe be combined if there is a associated medical problem.

Let us briefly discuss each of these procedures separately.

1.Labioplasty:

This refers to the procedure by which the labia ( lips) minora most commonly or sometimes both the majora and minora are reduced surgically if they are too long. Many women are bothered about it as they know how it was and they feel it is not the same as time progresses and they feel uncomfortable about it. In normal course the labia minora are smaller and hidden within the labia majora as in the younger age groups. So, this is an attempt to bring it back to the way it was.

It is a relatively simple procedure which can be done under local anaesthesia or regional anaesthesia and the patient can go home the same day.

Some times this maybe be accompanied by fat grafting of the labia majora to increase their volume & give them a more youthful look.

2.Hymenoplasty:

This refers to a procedure of recreating the Hymen. Also called "Revirginization".

Not very commonly a part of the combination of procedures. It involves recreating the thin layer of skin at the vaginal opening to give it an impression of being virginal. Though the fact remains that the hymen can rupture because of many reason other than intercourse. But it is done more for personal and religious beliefs than for medical reasons.

The procedure involves recreating the hymen with the help of tissues in and around the vagina. It is a relatively simple procedure and the patient can go home the same day. The stitches dissolve on their own in a week or 10 days.

3.Vaginoplasty or Vaginal Rejuvenation:

Classically vaginoplasty refers to recreating the vagina in patients with a congenital absence. But here in context of cosmetic gynaecology, it refers to tightening the vagina. Because of child birth and repeated intercourse and lack of exercise the pelvic muscles surrounding the vagina become loose. This may sometimes cause problems during intercourse because of the lack of proper grip for both the partners.

Vaginal tightening can be done with the help of LASER's where the light from the LASER tighten's the mucosa and some part of the underlying muscle. This is a good option if the patient has a decent muscle tone. The other procedure is to surgically tighten the muscles outside the vagina. The procedure is done from within the vagina and the stitches dissolve on their own. The patient can go home the same day or the day after.

This is usually combined with a labioplasty and fat grafting of the labia. The patient can resume normal sexual activity in three to four weeks time. There is an increase in sensations and pleasure during intercourse for both partners.

There are some pelvic exercises which all women can do to naturally tighten their pelvic muscles and delay the need for such a procedure. Some centers also have equipment which will help tighten and strengthen the pelvic muscles.

4.“G Spot” Amplification:

This is a relatively new addition to the procedures. The “G Spot” or The Gräfenberg spot, is a female erogenous zone, which when stimulated leads to high levels of sexual arousal and powerful orgasms.

Though anatomically the “G spot” has not be identified as a distinct physical entity some studies and anecdotal evidences from different women have shown a very sensitive and thickened area in the anterior wall of the vagina. Some studies done also showed this thickening when the women is sexually aroused. Women claimed the experience of a “deeper” orgasm when their her G-spot was stimulated.

Despite professional and scientific criticism and skepticism in general by the public, the G-spot, as a concept, has been widely accepted. Even in India judging by the mails, the awareness has definitely increased.

“G Spot” amplification is an extension of the same concept. As stimulation of the “G spot” is supposed to give greater arousal to the woman, the procedure involves identifying the spot and increasing the size by an injection. It is a relatively safe and simple procedure done as an office procedure. The injection lasts for 6-8 months and can give enhanced pleasure during intercourse by increasing the size of the “G spot” during that time.

But in some cases the results may not be up to the mark because of the difficulty of finding the “G spot”. The injection can be repeated as and when the effect wears off and the woman feels she wants the extra help to get aroused.

The awareness of these procedures and the inquiry regarding the same has increased over the past few years as woman are becoming more aware of their bodies and their own needs. Though there will always be controversies regarding the procedures, like for all other cosmetic procedures the options are there for people who want to get it.

As one of my patient's said... "Doc...I know it's not a necessary procedure... but , Its nice to know we have options !!!!!"

Dr.Surindher

www.cosmesisindia.com

Saddle Bag's... Not the bags women want...!!!!

I HATE my cones...!!! I was surprised when I heard that from a patient of mine. “Cones?? I asked...”

“Yeah.... these...” she answered, pointing out to the sides of her hip. Well that was the first time I heard someone refer to them by that name.

The area she was talking about is an area which has had different names,the most common unflattering ones being "saddlebags" and "riding breeches".

This refers to the hips, upper outer thighs and buttocks that are disproportionately large relative to the rest of the body.

A woman's hips are an overt sign of her fertility and sexuality. Ask your friends, and they'll probably agree that the hips should be part of that classic hourglass figure that women constantly seek. However, there's a big kink in that goal. Most women are genetically programmed to store fat in their hips and outer thighs... the “pear shape” as compared to the “apple shape “ of a man.

As men and women pursue more idealized body proportions, they usually find that they cannot rid themselves of their saddlebags with diet and exercise alone. The reason for this is that the shape and size of our hips is largely determined by our genetic makeup. There's nothing to be ashamed of. The fat in the hips and thighs are highly resistant to diet and exercise. Even women with small frames can have a large lower body that is simply too full to be proportionate. In other words, fat deposits on the sides of the legs tend to be the last fat to go.

Many patients do ask me why they have it, in spite of having a good exercise regime. Various reasons apart from genetics. Its the area where you first put on fat and the area where you loose it last. Secondly its situated above an area which has a tendon rather than active muscle, which makes it all the more difficult to get rid of by exercise alone.

Many women are experience frustration when large thighs and/or saddlebags force you to buy clothing with different sized tops and bottoms and many of them try to squeeze into their clothes and have the saddle bags sticking out more prominently rather than going in.

Though it's an unfortunate situation, it's not beyond fixing.

What are the options one may ask?

1. Exercise: Lie on your side, head waist and legs in straight line, suck your tummy in and raise your leg straight up from the hips without bending your knees. Repeat this for 10 times and repeat the cycle 3-5 times according to your comfort level. Breathe out while raising the leg and breathe in while lowering it. Repeat on the opposite side too.

2. Injection Lipolysis: This is a good area to be treated with Injection Lipolysis if that is the only problem. Multiple small injections of the lipolytic solution are injected in the area. The dissolved fat has to be absorbed by the body and eliminated. The injections are repeated every 3-4 weeks for about 4-5 times.

3. Liposuction: Offers a one time and immediate solution to the problem. The procedure involves inserting a small canula though a 0.7-1cm incision and suck out the fat and contour the area in proportion to the hips. Post operatively a pressure garment is necessary for the next few weeks to help the skin mold to the new shape of the hips.

4. Lipo Contouring: Sometimes it may be required to inject fat into the in between segment between the two bulges to give it a more proper contour which is call “ Lipo Contouring”. Post operatively a pressure garment is necessary for the next few weeks to help the skin mold to the new shape of the hips.

It is therefore no surprise that saddlebag liposuction is the most requested type of liposuction. Since the area is mainly meant for fat storage, a liposuction operation to remove your saddlebags can completely alter your waistline. You could have a smooth hourglass figure without those bulges if you combine a hip and outer thigh liposuction together. That's because the fat in your hips and thighs doesn't grow back. Once you've got the right curves, your new body shape will not revert.

After a successful saddlebag liposuction, you'll be able to fit into jeans, dresses, and skirts in a way you've never imagine before. Your entire body will feel more complete and you'll have a big boost in confidence.

So ladies, do not fret, its not a major problem. It can be treated. But, if you opt for surgery then make sure you go to the proper trained surgeons and not to untrained people claiming different things.

Dr.Surindher

Man Boobs or "MOOBS"...!!!

MAN BOOBS or “MOOBS”

This word came as a surprise to me initially when a patient of mine mentioned the term to point out to his problem. But then on doing a search, I found that its the common term used to describe the condition of “Gynecomastia”.

This is a condition where in the chest area of the male is more prominent. This is usually seen in the peri pubertal age group, when it starts to develop because of the hormonal changes going on in the body. The condition normally resolves as he grows up into adulthood. But, in a fair percentage of men this involution does not happen and they carry it into adulthood too.

Classically, Gynecomastia is referred to “painful enlargement of the breast tissue in a male”, but nowadays enlargement of the chest area, whether painful or not is commonly clubbed under the heading of “Gynecomastia”

This condition can be of three types in common terms. It could either purely fat which is seen in obese patients or it could be purely glandular – the classical Gynecomastia. But, most commonly it is a combination of both that is seen. Approximately 80% of patients belong to this category. All these could be without without skin excess.

I have had many patients come to me saying that they have been working out in the gym really hard but can't seem to get rid of the bulges in the chest area. The reason is because of the presence of the gland tissue. Another common question I get from these patients is regarding hormonal imbalances. Though in specific conditions it is because of a hormonal imbalance, it is usually not the case. In most cases the cause is not specified.

This is one of the few conditions that we as plastic surgeons operate on, even when the patients are young. This is a cause of embarrassment and ridicule among friends for a young adolescent which can lead to significant psychological trauma.

Over the years there has been a change in the treatment protocols too. Nowadays the most accepted mode of treatment is a surgical removal of the glandular part along with liposuction of the fatty part. Previously skin excision were common but with increased understanding and with the aim of reducing the ghastly scars on the chest, skin excisions are now limited to patients with severe grades of the condition along with significant skin excess.

The surgery is usually done via a cut under the nipple so that the scar merges well with the nipples without leaving behind a stigmata of a surgery. The gland is removed from the same cut and the suction is also done through the same incision Post operatively, the patient is supposed to wear a vest or pressure garment. This will help in skin shrinkage and also aid the healing process. This is worn for a period of @ 3 months. The patient can start routine activities usually very early, including return to the gym and exercises.

Though it is a simple procedure it has to be done by qualified people well versed with the anatomy of the area to reduce the scarring and to address all the problems as well. The most common problems are usually in the healing process which are swelling, pain. Rarely there maybe infections and sometimes the skin excess may remain which has to be dealt with.

Many patients come for secondary procedures after being operated elsewhere where a proper excision or suction was not done. Another problem of improper technique is where an excess of tissue is removed leaving a crater deformity or “Saucer deformity” which is much more difficult to correct.

But, overall it is a very satisfying procedure for the surgeon as well as the patient, when done properly. The transformation is dramatic and heartwarming especially in youngsters who have been withdrawn and embarrassed because of this and have been watching life from the sidelines.

Dr.Surindher

Celebrating 'Woman's Week"

Hi all,

CosmesisIndia

on the occasion of World Woman's Day

Celebrates

" Woman's week"

Between 10-15th of March

at

Cosmesisindia
17/1, Hosur Road, Richmond Town

Opp.Fatima Bakery

Bangalore 25

FREE CONSULTATION FOR WOMEN..!!!!

& Many more discounts on packages and surgeries

Timing : 12-6pm

For appointments contact: Ph: 080-41750075

9945780075

Risk Benefit Ratio and Regular people

Hi all...

Welcome back to my blog.

This is in continuum with my previous blog regarding the program related to Cosmetic surgery. Now, in this blog, let us address the issue of cosmetic surgery as related to the “regular Joe or regular Jane” if I may.

Because of my first hand interaction with the people opting for cosmetic surgery , operating on them and then following them up, I would really like to put to rest a few common notions that are doing the rounds and which were also highlighted in the program.

1. Not on impulse: Contrary to what one may believe, none of my patients to date has come to me asking for a procedure just as a dare. Nor for the fact that they just woke up one morning and said..” Hmm what can I do different today.. OK!!! let me get a nose job!!” Most, if not all of them have had it in the back of their mind to do something about it and they would have thought about it many times even before picking up the phone to call for an appointment. This is true even for the west but more so in our country..

2. For others: It's usually said that one was forced to get something done by the husband, wife , mother in law, friend, so on and so forth. From what I have seen the actual percentage of people actually forced is minuscule. Most of such instances are only the final call that brought them to my office, which could be the husband or the wife. On inquiring more, its seen that it was something they themselves had been thinking about for quite a while. And as a rule I DO NOT operate on a patient who comes seeking a correction because someone else suggested it.

3. Only for Narcissistic People: I sincerely feel that everyone first has to love themselves before they can love others. If one feels good about oneself then his or her outlook to life changes. There is nothing wrong in trying to look good. One might argue that its whats inside that counts... Never judge a book by its cover..!!!
   

4. But talking honestly, who has the time nowadays to really see inside? STOP .. Read this carefully... I'm not saying what's inside doesn't count... what I am saying is that, in today's fast paced life no one has the time to really see inside. It's like choosing amongst the so many books lying on a book shelf. How does one pick up a book to read what is inside??? Yes... it's by looking at the cover. Once the cover has caught your attention, then it's easier to find out what's inside. Of course, if the content is worthless then anyway doesn't matter cover or no cover. Similarly beauty plays an equally important part in our daily lives to bring people closer to one another , to get to know the qualities one possesses.

5. Only for women: A totally wrong statement. Nowadays we have more men coming in for cosmetic procedures than ever before. Previously we used operate on 1 male for every 10 females. Nowadays we operate on 5-6 men for every 5 women. In many cases the wives come with their husbands. Yes the “ Metro sexual Male “ has arrived.

So , it would be very wrong to judge anyone without knowing their reasons for doing anything. And it cannot be an easy decision to take, be it for a female or a male. Unlike the west where mostly the decision to do a certain procedure is only limited to him or his immediate spouse, here the whole family and relatives have a say. People who have had surgery done and have lost weigh or look fitter, wouldn't want anyone to know that it was because of the surgery. They would rather talk about how they starved themselves and put themselves through a fitness regimen in spite of their busy busy schedules. That shows that the acceptance levels are still low. But anyway after a few days everything is forgotten and people move onto the next best thing to criticize.

It's sad that we criticize any effort anyone makes to look good, but at the same time if you look at the matrimonial columns and the glitzy advertisements, one can see the hypocrisy existing in our society.

But, the heartening fact is that (notwithstanding the so called “moral brigade”) at least in the general population there is more tolerance to the way people are reacting to what others do. Isn't it what democracy is all about? Accepting people for what they are and allowing them to do what they feel right without injuring or hurting others. But, then again its digressing from the topic of this blog.

So ,to put it in perspective, whether one likes it or not, this is a branch of medicine that is here to stay and grow. And medically speaking, it has improved how we treat reconstructions. Reconstructive surgery down the ages was always more concentrated towards function rather than aesthetics. But now the trend is changing to make reconstruction aesthetic too, along with being functional , which is a welcome change, be it in a child with a cleft lip or a man with a crushed hand.

Controversy regarding whether it is good or bad will be on for a long time to come. As a person involved in providing the service I would put in as a procedure which gives best results for those in whom it is indicated and for people with realistic expectations with good awareness of the pro's / con's and options.

As long as the complications do not outweigh the risks involved I wouldn't mind doing them, which again brings us to the “ RISK BENEFIT RATIO” which is not as skewed in favor of a procedure as in celebrities . So awareness is the key, knowing all your options is the key and of course knowing whom to go to for the said procedures.

So for anyone out there contemplating a procedure, go meet someone qualified to do your procedure, do your due diligence in finding out all you can about the procedure.

Once you have done that, do your own Risk Benefit Ratio analysis. It will help you take an educated decision about your procedure. And trust your doctor and share all your doubts with him/her and make that educated decision.

And remember it “HAS” to be “YOUR” decision ,,, not your husband's/ wife's/ relative's / friend's or doctor's decision.

'm sure everyone has a point of view on this and would really appreciate comments.

Dr.Surindher

Bolly wood Nip Tuck and the Risk Benefit Ratio !

Hi all...

Sorry for the long break...!

Day before yesterday I was watching a programme on a news channel dedicated to Bollywood stars undergoing cosmetic surgery to improve their looks.

The issue was that is it a good thing and also if they should do it. Second part of the programme was discussing about the fact that men and women ( regular people) are going in for cosmetic procedures more now than in the past. Let me also divide the issue into two parts.

The issue reminds me of one of my earlier posts....

Cosmetic surgery a Taboo??

So taking off from there after seeing the programme I though I could pen down a few of my views on the topic....Open to comments of course!!

I personally feel that there is no need to make such a big issue about it. The first thing that we need to realise is the fact that we cannot equate them to the regular joe's and jane's. A cosmetic procedure for most of these people might be something that they do to further their respective careers apart from the fact that it might be something they did want to do even otherwise. This is a facts that we know when we interact with the people from the "glamour industry".

They have to look good to stay in the business its a plain and simple fact. We could be all judgemental and talk about the cliche's like " Inner beauty is what matters! / If you have talent it will take you places.." and all that.. But, fact of the matter is that though you cannot judge a book by the cover a good cover definitely makes people reach out to it to at least read a little to find out whether the contents are good enough. Secondly if they were not without talent they would not survive anyway not by looks alone but good looks can definitely compliment talent.

Would any of us complain if Sachin bought a new bat to help him score better?? I don't think we would . So why complain when bollywood stars are getting cosmetic surgery done on themselves to help their careers? Yes, it is not as simple as buying a new bat& hence that brings us to the so called " Risk benefit ratio".

The "Risk benefit ratio" is a factor which will help decide whether to go ahead with the proposed procedure for that particular individual. I'm sure all plastic surgeon use this in their own ways to assess the need to do any procedure or anyone.

The Risk Benefit Ratio is used to see if the benefits in doing a particular procedure on the said individual is worth the risk to make it justifiable to that individual. In the case of someone in the "glamour industry" the risk/benefit ratio balance shifts and hence the benefits make the risks worth it which is why people opt for it.

Sometimes the people from the glamour industry are better patients from regular patients. This is because once educated about it they are more open minded to accept the risk and the scars than most of the regular patients who want the best results but totally without the risks. As I always say.. its true for anything in life.. " No Pain No Gain".

But then , we have people like " Micheal Jackson". The host of the show called him the poster boy " for Cosmetic Surgery". I would say that he is a poster boy for "Whom not to do cosmetic Surgery On". In normal circumstances we see about 10% of patients who come in with unreasonable demands but in the segment of people coming in from the glamour industry the percentage maybe as high as 30%. These are patients with unreasonable demands or requests and these are the patients who ultimately end up with problems.

I have people telling me that why this issue is important is because of the fact that people in general can be influenced and they might try to emulate their stars.. But with all due respect to these critics, getting cosmetic surgery done is not as easy as maybe picking up and lighting a cigarette. Its a much more serious and longer process and involves many more people. I think we as doctors too believe and practice ethical medicine where the risk benefit ratio is brought into the picture to help educate the patient and help him / her make and educated decision regarding the same.

Secondly I think by saying this the critics are not giving the general population its due credit. Am sure the public at large is much more mature and discerning.The percentage of people who would blindly follow anything that a star does is very small.

I'm not here to justify anything. Its just that there is no need to make such a big fuss about who's bust is becoming bigger or lips are becoming fuller, as long as they are not hurting anyone else. I think we have that freedom in our country.. at least when I last checked.

So , without being hypocritical, everyone wants to look better and feel good. If you don't believe me just open today's paper and check out the matrimonial columns or check out the social networking sites or fashion and clothing wear and the cosmetics sales. Everyone wants to look the part so to speak.

I have restricted myself in this post to only to the issue about cosmetic surgery and glamour industry. I will talk about the regular people in my next blog to take this discussion further.

I'm sure everyone has a point of view on this and would really appreciate comments.