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Several Risks Associated With Going Under Knife
Plastic Surgery Is Booming Business
POSTED: 5:06 p.m. EST December 12, 2002
CLEVELAND -- Plastic surgery used to be for just the rich and famous -- not anymore.
On Wednesday night, ABC's one-hour special, "Extreme Makeover," followed three people who completely changed their looks.
Live On Five Investigator Jodi Brooks examined the cosmetic surgery business and revealed some of the risks behind the procedures.
Surgery can make a remarkable difference in a person's appearance, on all body parts. And women aren't the only ones who elect to go under the knife.
"I've had Botox; I'm ready for some more," said Mark Foglietti, a board-certified plastic surgeon. "You can see I have wrinkles on the top of my forehead (and the) side of my eyes. I'm 47 years old, and I'm fighting age."
Age and looks are the primary reasons for cosmetic change.
One 18-year-old college student who wished to remain anonymous said she got surgery for a different reason.
"I had a little trouble breathing through my nose," she said. "I was breathing through my mouth. Also, (it) just (helped my) self-confidence."
Confidence was the drive for the three "Extreme Makeover" patients on the television special.
But Foglietti warned patients to be realistic. He said there are risks to the surgery.
"(There could be) bleeding, scarring," he said. "A lot of people think we can operate without scarring. That's not true. We can minimize a scar."
Also, plastic surgery is not cheap. It ranges in price, depending on the procedure a patient chooses and how much he or she needs done.
But the risks for some patients appear to be worth it.
"Breathing is easier, which is good, and also I just feel less embarrassed being seen from the side," the 18-year-old student said. "I used to look down; now I feel a lot better."
Below are some Five On Your Side tips when it comes to choosing a plastic surgeon.
On Wednesday night, ABC's one-hour special, "Extreme Makeover," followed three people who completely changed their looks.
Live On Five Investigator Jodi Brooks examined the cosmetic surgery business and revealed some of the risks behind the procedures.
Surgery can make a remarkable difference in a person's appearance, on all body parts. And women aren't the only ones who elect to go under the knife.
"I've had Botox; I'm ready for some more," said Mark Foglietti, a board-certified plastic surgeon. "You can see I have wrinkles on the top of my forehead (and the) side of my eyes. I'm 47 years old, and I'm fighting age."
Age and looks are the primary reasons for cosmetic change.
One 18-year-old college student who wished to remain anonymous said she got surgery for a different reason.
"I had a little trouble breathing through my nose," she said. "I was breathing through my mouth. Also, (it) just (helped my) self-confidence."
Confidence was the drive for the three "Extreme Makeover" patients on the television special.
But Foglietti warned patients to be realistic. He said there are risks to the surgery.
"(There could be) bleeding, scarring," he said. "A lot of people think we can operate without scarring. That's not true. We can minimize a scar."
Also, plastic surgery is not cheap. It ranges in price, depending on the procedure a patient chooses and how much he or she needs done.
But the risks for some patients appear to be worth it.
"Breathing is easier, which is good, and also I just feel less embarrassed being seen from the side," the 18-year-old student said. "I used to look down; now I feel a lot better."
Below are some Five On Your Side tips when it comes to choosing a plastic surgeon.
- First, make sure the surgeon is board-certified.
- Ask about his or her experience and number of surgeries. Also, ask for photos.
- Ask your primary physician about the surgeon you choose.
- Finally, ask to talk to other patients who have had work done.
Previous Stories:
- November 22, 2002: Doctors: Breast Enhancement Surgery Rates Have Doubled
- February 7, 2002: Redo Your Hair, Wardrobe, Makeup For A New You
- November 13, 2001: More Preteen Girls Getting Plastic Surgery
- September 25, 2001: Make Sure Your Plastic Surgeon Is Qualified
- February 5, 2001: Is Plastic Surgery OK For Teenagers?
- May 6, 2000: Teens Support Need For Plastic Surgery
- January 19, 2000: Where You Have Plastic Surgery Matters
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