FACELIFT HOLIDAYS
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| Sand, sea and surgery - for a
new look |
Inside Out takes a look at the
world of cosmetic surgery and the cut-price 'facelift holidays' offering
hope to those wanting to change their looks.
Plastic Surgery has often been thought of as the preserve
of the rich and famous, who are prepared to pay through the nose for,
well, often a new nose.
Now more and more people from all walks of life are turning to "facelift
holidays" to increase their body beauty.
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| Too big? Too
small? |
Plastic surgery has always had a mixed press, variously
admired for shamelessly defying the process of ageing, and despised for
pandering to vanity and ego.
For those that see surgery as the answer to their concerns
over their body-image, a new option is becoming available that cuts the
cost of going under the knife.
Facelift holidays are becoming the ticket to cheaper
cosmetic surgery.
Countries with lower cost healthcare are attracting a
new type of tourist - one that wants to go home with more than just happy
memories of a relaxing time in the sun.
High costs
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| Roughly 65,000
cosmetic surgery operations were carried out last year in the UK |
Last year in the UK, roughly 65,000 cosmetic surgery
operations were carried out.
The most popular request, bigger breasts through implants,
is closely followed by fat reduction through liposuction.
Such surgery is expensive with breast implants running
at 拢3,000 to 拢4,000 (fully fitted of course).
But the appeal of cosmetic surgery means that some people
are prepared to go for the cheaper option, if they can't afford those
prices.
Jetting off
| ALTERNATIVES TO THE
KNIFE |
|
Botox Injections
What is it?
Botox is made from 'botulinum toxin', a poison
produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
How does it work?
When injected into muscle tissue in small
quantities, Botox interrupts nerve impulses to the muscle causing
it to relax. This relaxes the skin above the muscles reducing wrinkling.
Chemical Peels
What is it?
Chemical peels remove the top layer of skin to stimulate new skin
growth.
How does it work?
A chemical solution is applied to the skin. It then blisters off
over a period of up to 14 days. The new skin underneath heals to
form a top layer, which is smoother and brighter than before.
Microdermabrasion
What is it?
This is where the top layers of skin are removed by abrasion, meaning
they are literally sanded off.
How does it work?
A spray of sterile micro-particles such as fine aluminium oxide,
diamond or salt crystals is applied to the skin. The particles and
the dead skin are then literally vacuumed out.
Laser resurfacing
What is it?
The top layers of skin are vaporised by lasers.
How does it work?
Low energy lasers can burn off the top layers of skin to a very
precise depth to stimulate skin re-growth.
More information about cosmetic surgery and the
danger and pitfalls of these methods
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Eastern Europe is fast becoming that cheaper option,
with companies now offering "facelift holidays".
Cosmetic surgery abroad can work out half the price of
similar surgery in this country.
Prior to a facelift holiday, you visit a UK consultant
who arranges your surgery, flight and "holiday accommodation".
In addition to reducing the cost, these holidays also
appeal because they offer privacy. With plastic surgery still carrying
a degree of stigma the thought of "having it done on the quiet"
can be reassuring to some.
Dangers
However, cheap is not always best. UK surgeons often
warn of the dangers of such cut-price surgery.
They say there are not the same health care regulations
in place, and in some cases, patients don't even get to meet their surgeon
before the operation.
Wendy Lewis, an American plastic surgeon says, "Why
would you go to a country where you can't check out the credentials of
the surgeon or even speak the language?
"If you want your surgery to be successful, why
use a cheap surgeon?"
And as one UK plastic surgeon notes, "Cosmetic surgery
needs excellent aftercare. How can you get good aftercare when your surgeon
is thousands of miles away?"
Risk assessment
Many of these vacations are advertised in women's health
magazines. Before embarking on any plastic surgery you are advised to
visit your doctor who can inform you of the risks of surgery.
Your doctor can also advise if your expectations of surgery
are likely to be met - going on a facelift holiday isn't necessarily a
passport to a better life.
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