BAAPS Annual Meeting 2006

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF AESTHETIC SURGERY

26 September 2006 (Last updated: 26 Mar 2019 13:08)

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons Address Body Dysmorphia, Addiction to Plastic Surgery

Bath - 22 September, 2006 - The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (www.baaps.org.uk), the not-for-profit organisation established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit, are today holding a press conference at the Queensberry Hotel in Russel Street, Bath, during their Annual Meeting taking place 21-22 September at the Bath Assembly Rooms.

The theme of the conference this year is 'Psychological Aspects of Plastic Surgery', and will highlight a number of relevant body image issues including 'imagined ugly syndrome' (Body Dysmorphia, or BDD) and addiction risks. The BAAPS Council will have a number of announcements to make in regards to promoting patient safety.

According to Adam Searle, consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS President;

"At a time when people are increasingly seeking plastic surgery in the UK and abroad, it is important to hold events such as this, which provide a platform for surgeons to share knowledge and highlight innovations, whilst ensuring competency and safety."

The BAAPS will be providing an exclusive 'Top 10' list of signs that people may not be appropriate for surgery, such as displaying the signs of BDD.

According toAdam Searle;

"Plastic surgeons need to be alert to the possibility that some patients may have an underlying psychological disorder: they may express distorted ideas about their body, becoming preoccupied with an imagined defect in appearance. A slight physical anomaly can cause the patient significant concern, impairing social and occupational functioning. In these cases, the preoccupation cannot be accounted for by another mental disorder. If Body Dysmorphia is suspected, surgeons may require that patients undergo further psychological evaluation. Ultimately, a reputable practitioner will use his or her best judgment, perhaps in consultation with a mental health professional, to determine whether or not a particular patient can reasonably be expected to benefit from aesthetic surgery."

The BAAPS Council will also be addressing a mnemonic approach for patient protection: the SURE acronym, which stands for:

S: Check your Surgeon's credentials and qualifications

U: Understand what's involved, be informed about the potential risks

R: Be clear about the process of Recovery, and the long-term implications

E: Most important of all, make sure you thoroughly review your Expectations

Managing patient expectations is a key theme this year, with presentations by eminent experts on the need for a basic psychological assessment of patients. Professor Nicola Rumsey from
the Centre of Appearance Research (Dept. of Psychology) at the University of Bristol will be
addressing patients' psychological processes, including body image dissatisfaction, social
anxiety and self-perception.

Further delving into the patients' psyches is "Is Botox Addictive?", a paper revealing some fascinating facts about people using Botox, such as:

Over 50% expressed a lack of control over the natural ageing process

Over 40% expressed a compulsive motive for using Botox repetitively

Over 50% reported actually "feeling" younger (v. just 'looking' younger)

Also taking place at the conference will be the unveiling of a new kind of Rhinoplasty (or 'nose job'), using a dissolvable foil material that the body can absorb, allowing for the recycling of cartilage. This unique biomechanical 'scaffold' has been successfully used on almost 60 patients.

Other presentations include Professor Luiz Toledo's "The Brazilian Buttock", which addresses liposculpture, by utilising excess fat from the inner thighs and hips to increase the volume of buttocks, creating a prominent, rounded form popularly known as the 'Brazilian' look.

According to Douglas McGeorge, BAAPS President-Elect;

"The BAAPS is at the forefront of change within the field of cosmetic plastic surgery. Our primary mission is to enhance patient care through providing continuing medical education to qualified aesthetic plastic surgeons. We have a responsibility to educate the public about the safety and benefits of aesthetic surgery, and to help people make better-informed choices."

Other announcements will include an update on the BAAPS' trainee programme, as well as exciting developments from the trade exhibiting at the event, such as the launch of a new dermal filler, a showcase of vitamin gels to reduce bruising, and the first-ever range of disposable, single-use surgical instruments.

ENDS

The BAAPS (www.baaps.org.uk), based at the Royal College of Surgeons, is a not-for-profit organisation, established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit. Members undergo thorough background screening before they can join. Information about specific procedures and surgeons' contact details can be found on the web site, or by contacting their advice line at 020 7430 1840. Further materials can be posted to members of the public seeking specialised information.

For all media enquiries, please contact pr@baaps.org.uk

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