Stories On The Benefits And Hazards Of Cosmetic Surgery

Throughout recorded history different civilizations ranging from the ancient Middle East and the Hellenistic world to the Renaissance and moderm times have admired youthful beauty. They have voiced their admiration in literature and art. The medical advances of the 20th century have enabled surgeons to safely restore the youthful facial features of aging individuals, as well as correcting the many bodily changes that accompany advancing age. Based on his experience as a plastic surgeon over a period of more than forty years in Israel, the author has vividly described both the benefits and hazards of cosmetic surgery in several short stories.

Throughout recorded history different civilizations ranging from the ancient Middle East and the Hellenistic world to the Renaissance and moderm times have admired youthful beauty. They have voiced their admiration in literature and art. The medical advances of the 20th century have enabled surgeons to safely restore the youthful facial features of aging individuals, as well as correcting the many bodily changes that accompany advancing age. Based on his experience as a plastic surgeon over a period of more than forty years in Israel, the author has vividly described both the benefits and hazards of cosmetic surgery in several short stories.

Examines various procedures available to teens, including costs and risks, benefits, emotions, expectations, and the need for good medical advice.

Offers an introduction to the risks and dangers associated with cosmetic surgery, including a section of personal "horror stories."

Cosmetic surgery is big business. With demand rising, this commercial medical practice has become a modern body custom. To explain the emergence and growth of this demand, Deborah A. Sullivan looks beyond the cultural imperatives of appearance and examines the market dynamics inherent in the business and politics of cosmetic surgery. In so doing, she also considers the effect of commercialization on the medical profession. After reviewing prevailing beauty ideals, Sullivan looks at the social, psychological, and economic rewards and penalties resulting from the way we look. Following a historical overview of the technological advances that made cosmetic surgery possible, she explores the relationship between improved surgical techniques and the resulting increased demand; she also examines the ensuing conflict within the profession over recognition of commercial cosmetic surgery as a specialty. Among the topics covered are sensitive areas such as physician advertising, unregulated practice, and ambulatory surgery, and the consequences of commercialism on medical judgment. Finally, she reveals how physicians and their professional organizations have shaped the ways in which cosmetic surgery is presented in advertisements and women's magazines that would promote patient demand.

This volume examines one health issue -- breast implants -- across a series of contexts often thought to be separate -- media coverage, doctor-patient interaction, doctor-doctor professional communication, support group dialogues, public relations campaigns, and more. In so doing, it provides a narrative of how communication shapes the individual perceptions of health, government, and social policy concerning health care. At the core of the silicone breast implant controversy is the need for people to act amid uncertainty about the health risks involved. This need to weigh action in the midst of uncertain risk characterizes a large number of health issues. The attempts of patients, physicians, drug manufacturers, and others to seek and provide both information and influence makes communication central to these issues. Consequently, the questions explored in this volume will interest a diverse group of readers. This audience includes plastic surgeons in particular, physicians in general, and anyone involved with women's health issues. As the medical profession struggles with its identity amid changes in public attitudes, government regulations, and medical practices, this volume's findings concerning media portrayals of doctors and medical devices become even more important. Finally, this study reveals how interrelated public information and private decisions are, and how closely media and interpersonal relationships fit. Tracing one medical issue across interpersonal, organizational, public relations, and mediated forums has clearly demonstrated the multiple ways those communication channels overlap and inform one another.

Examines the relationship between body image disturbances and eating disorders in our most vulnerable population: children and adolescents. The editors present a dynamic approach that combines current research, assessment techniques, and suggestions for treatment and prevention. This volume delivers direction for researchers in the field as well as guidance for practitioners and clinicians working with young clients suffering from these disorders.

Examines current surgical and nonsurgical appearance-changing procedures, assessing the benefits and possible complications, identifying ineffective treatments, and offering criteria for selecting good doctors and facilities.