MORE MALAYSIANS CONCERNED WITH THEIR APPEARANCE

By Ravichandran D.J Paul

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysians could one day prove that they
are one of the most aesthetically blessed people in the world joining the ranks
of their Brazilian and Swedish counterparts if the number of patients seeking
consultation for cosmetic surgery is anything to go by.

It appears that the advent of Internet has provided Malaysians with
knowledge on the options to improve their appearance and self-confidence.

At the same time over the last decade there were great improvements in
cosmetic surgical techniques and implants where the complications were reduced
along with the cost.

Today, with the available techniques and implants plastic surgeons can
create great faces and figures that one always dreamed off. Due to the cost
involved, cosmetic surgery was once the privilege of the rich and famous but now
is accessible to most people.

But wait, those contemplating cosmetic surgery need to be reasonable in the
expectations as pointed out by leading plastic surgeons from three continents
during a press conference, the prelude for the two day inaugural Asian Breast
Aesthetic Symposium (ABAS) that began on Friday.

MORE MALAYSIANS CONTEMPLATING
A consultant plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon at Penang's Loh
Guan Lye Specialist Centre Dr Lee Kim Siea receives up to 20 new appointments
for consultation per week.

"If you make an appointment with me now, you can only see me in one and half
months time," said Dr Lee when met after the press conference.

Dr Lee notes that there is definitely an increase in the number of people
undergoing cosmetic surgery but because there is no official registry and there
are some gray areas as beauticians too conduct certain cosmetic procedures, no
official figures are available.

"During the last economic downturn the number of people seeking cosmetic
surgery dropped, maybe by 5-10 percent, but mostly for costlier surgeries like
breast augmentation. However, it is picking up now."

Dr Lee states that to augment and shape up the breast it may cost between
RM10,000 (US$2,857) and RM16,000 (US$4,571) with most of the patients being
Chinese followed by Indians and Malays.

Dr Lee who was the former secretary of the Malaysian Association of Plastic,
Aesthetic and Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons, or MAPACS said the technique for
breast augmentation is well established and the results are predictable. The
recovery period too is faster where you can get back to work and drive within a
week.

A job well done can last for 20-30 years or otherwise re-operation is
inevitable and that is why it is very important that the patient chooses a
certified and competent surgeon.

COSMETIC SURGERY
Meanwhile, Dr Charles Randquist, a world renowned plastic surgeon from
Sweden is the man behind ABAS.

As for Dr Randquist, he firmly believes due to the sheer population size
Asia is bound to be in the forefront of cosmetic surgery when comes to numbers.
But then for this surgeon who trains doctors from all over the world, it is not
about the numbers but it is all about quality.

"For example breast augmentation done with implants is a good way in
improving the quality of life but less good when there is complication or when
re-operation is needed.

"When the patient is not matured, or there is no indication but only desire
in seeking cosmetic surgery, it is best the doctor advises the patient not to
consider surgery because of the risks involved.

"Thus for the cosmetic surgery the best ones are the ones that we don't do,"
he quipped reminding the people that the surgery should only be an option if
there is a real necessity.

Dr Randquist pointed out that the seminar at the Gleneagles Hospital in
Kuala Lumpur, which includes life surgeries, is to share knowledge in the latest
techniques with 60 leading surgeons and opinion makers in this field in Asia.
-- BERNAMA