Www.thepeakacademy.org



What are the most popular procedures and what are the risks they carry?If you’re an Instagram fan, you’ll know it’s impossible to browse without being bombarded by tiny waists, taut torsos, and impossible curves spilling out of barely-there bikinis. Most of us know that many of the perfect figures on display aren’t natural, and that exercise and filters can only do so much. And it’s not just celebrities that are striving to get the ideal beach bod - more and more of us are splashing our hard-earned cash on cosmetic procedures just to feel comfortable in our own skin. So, exactly what cosmetic procedures are the most popular these days? Are there any risks, and if so, what are they?Facial procedures3761061963400When it comes to battling facial wrinkles and sagging skin, not all cosmetic procedures involve going under the knife. In fact, there are many less-intrusive procedures that can be done in less than an hour. One particularly popular procedure is botox, with millions of treatments being carried out each year. Botox is derived from the bacterium Clostridum botulinum, which is found in soil, lakes or even the intestinal tract of certain animals. At a certain point, the bacteria begins producing the botulinum toxin, the deadly neurotoxin responsible for the rare but serious condition, botulism. In fact, the botulinum toxin is one of the most deadly substances known to man, and just a couple of kilograms could kill every human on earth! Despite this, Botox is in huge demand as a therapeutic protein, and is used in both medical and cosmetic procedures. When injected into humans in extremely small concentrations, it works by blocking signals from the nerve cells reaching the muscles, leaving them paralysed. This has the effect of ironing-out wrinkles, leaving the skin looking firmer and younger. Another popular facial procedure is lip augmentation, which is often done by injecting the substance collagen. Like botox, collagen injections will give the skin a firmer, plumper appearance. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and it can be found everywhere, in our bones, muscles and skin. Because collagen breaks down over time, many people turn to injections in an attempt to ‘replenish’ their natural supply. One of the most widely used sources of the substance of bovine collagen, which is extracted from the skin of cows and purified.Although these types of facial procedures are medically safe, one of the main issues for users is that the effects of botox, collagen and fillers will only last for a few months at best, so they will find themselves constantly having to undergo pricey and painful cosmetic procedures just to maintain the look they want. Injecting too much of a filler too often can do damage to lips, cheeks and the natural facial structure. We also don’t have any information about the potential long-term impact of facial fillers, which some medical professionals feel is a cause for concern. Other doctors have pointed to the mental health implications, as widespread use of facial fillers can cause young people to feel that developing natural facial lines and wrinkles is unnatural and unattractive. 317436524638000Breast implants and bum liftsMany patients who undergo significant cosmetic procedures are trying to achieve a body type that seldom exists in nature: large breasts, a large bum, and a tiny waist. In fact, the popularity of breast implants has more than tripled since 1997. The cosmetic procedure to enlarge the breasts is often referred to as ‘breast augmentation’. This is performed in a hospital or clinic, under general anaesthetic that puts the patient to sleep. It is considered to be a significant surgery that can take weeks to fully recover from. During the most common type of procedure, incisions are made on and around the breast, and the breast tissue is separated from the muscles to create a pocket, into which an implant in inserted. Implants are most commonly filled with either saline or silicone gel. The incisions are then stitched closed. The procedure itself, when done correctly, is very safe, although the patient will likely be left with some pain and bruising. Although breast implants may leave a patient feeling more confident about their appearance, there is growing concern amongst medical professionals as to how safe the procedure is in the long term. In the US, the FDA has warned that implants are linked to a rare type of cancer, anaplastic large cell lymphoma. There are also other known long-term possible complications, such as necrosis, arthritis, joint pain, and autoimmune diseases. Even though most people will avoid the most serious complications, no breast implants last forever, and it is unknown just how long the implants that are on the market at the moment will last. In a further study conducted by the FDA, after just eleven years, most women had at least one broken implant that they were unaware of. Other factors that also often go unconsidered by young people considering breast implants is that they can make it difficult, if not impossible, to breastfeed later down the line. They can also make it much harder to detect breast cancer. With the rise of the Kardashians and other shapely celebrities, a procedure known as ‘buttock lifting’ surgery has exploded in popularity in recent years, the most popular type being the ‘Brazilian butt lift’. Although touted as safe by those offering it, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the ‘BBL’ has the highest death rate of all cosmetic surgeries. The procedure itself involves removing fat from other areas of the body such as the abdomen, hips and thighs via liposuction, and transferring it to the buttocks. Even for skilled surgeons, it’s very tricky to get fat to stay in place once grafted onto another part of the body, and it also requires a constant blood supply. The results are much better when fat is injected into muscle, as opposed to just other fat. 48088555715000However, injecting fat into the buttocks incorrectly can cause many serious problems, including a ‘fat embolism’. This means that fat enters the bloodstream and blocks blood vessels, which can cause a stroke or death. The volume of fat used is also important; around 300ml of fat is considered a ‘safe’ amount, but some surgeons use a great deal more, vastly increasing the risks for the patient. Because cosmetic surgery is so expensive, a number of patients have resorted to getting these types of cosmetic procedures done in other countries where standards of care may not be as strict, or by unscrupulous surgeons who do not have the correct experience or qualifications. One notorious Brazilian celebrity plastic surgeon, known as ‘Dr Bumbum’, was recently charged with murder after a patient died undergoing surgery at his home. There are also several horror stories of women receiving ‘silicone injections’ in their legs and buttocks in illegal clinics that have ended in death.For men, the most popular cosmetic surgeries include pectoral implants and breast or ‘moob’ reduction. Pectoral implants are silicone pads which are inserted through an incision in the armpit. When secured in place, they give the impression of a more toned physique. Men sometimes opt to have these if they wish to look physically stronger. The other popular cosmetic surgery for men is known as breast or ‘moob’ reduction. The word ‘moob’ means ‘man boob’; in other words, large male breasts. ‘Moobs’ can come from weight gain, or from hormone imbalance. During this surgery, the breasts are cut at the nipple, and the fat is sucked out. Both pectoral and breast reduction surgeries are usually done privately (i.e. not on the NHS). QuestionsChallenge1. What is Botox and how does it work?2. Name THREE negative things about using Botox.3. Name THREE potential health problems that might result from breast surgery. More Challenging1. What, in your opinion, seem to be the main problems of Botox? Explain your answer fully.2. What factors might influence a person to undergo any of the surgeries listed above, and do you think the factors are the same or different for each surgery? Explain your answer fully.3. Why do you think that the NHS does not usually fund these types of surgeries, and to what extent can this be justified? Explain your answer fully.Mega Challenge1. To what extent is cosmetic surgery a social as opposed to individual issue? Explain your answer in detail.2. Are men and women equally affected by the issues relating to cosmetic surgery and the reasons behind it? Explain your answer in detail.3. What measures, if any, could be taken in order to reduce the risk of cosmetic surgery, and how would these be implemented? Explain your answer in detail. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download