One's physical attractiveness affects the way a person is perceived and treated, by others. Women experience considerable pressure to look young and attractive. One potential consequence is that women are much more likely than men to express interest in and receive cosmetic surgery, particu-larly procedures that restore the appearance of youth, such as liposuction, face lifts, and eyelid surgery.1'2 Furthermore, older women may expe-rience added pressure to obtain appearance-alter-ing surgery because they feel they are competing with younger women for the attentions of their current or potential romantic partners. An addimass index and general interest in cosmetic surgery.3 One possibility is that body mass index is tied to interest in specific surgical procedures such as liposuction, particularly among individuals dissatisfied with their weight.
The cosmetic medical and surgical industry has become a multi-million dollar entrepreneurial industry. Rapid and ad hoc growth has opened the way for unregulated practices and some questionable methods of promotion, posing ethical dilemmas for some members of the medical profession, consumers and legislators. Advertising and promotion of cosmetic medical and surgical procedures focus on the benefits for the consumer, downplaying or not always mentioning the risks. Different “boundaries” are tolerated for promotion of these procedures (which are not driven by medical need and where there is significant opportunity for financial gain by those promoting them) than is the case for “mainstream” medical procedures. Factual, easily understood information for consumers contemplating cosmetic medical or surgical procedures from a source that is independent of practitioners and promoters is not always readily available. While...
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