Reducing the belly, enlarging the breasts and raising the nose are among the common cosmetic procedures that put Brazil at the top of the list of countries with the highest number of cosmetic surgeries. However, despite the fact that the country has plastic surgeons with a worldwide reputation, those looking for this type of procedure should take some precautions. According to data from the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, while in the last ten years the Brazilian population has increased by 10%, the number of plastic surgeons has increased by 90%. In 2014, 1.49 million cosmetic surgical procedures were performed.
Fábio Iglesias, a professor of social psychology at the University of Brasilia, says that the search for these changes is part of a process called impression management, in which people try to position themselves in certain media. He explains that just as people try to dress up, put on make-up and choose photos for social media thinking about how they will be seen and be well-liked, they seek out cosmetic procedures for the same purpose. “This surgery allows the impression of that person to be managed better and in a way that is no longer so expensive and is also faster than other means,” he explains.
The specialist points out that as Brazil’s climate, especially in coastal regions, favors the exposure of the body, the concern with aesthetics also increases. “People show off their bodies a lot more. This great attachment to beauty, [querer] looking prettier and younger is very evident here, which puts Brazil at the top of this world ranking.”
The president of the São Paulo region of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, Fernando Prado, advises patients to ask for references from doctors before undergoing a procedure like this and to check on the organization’s website whether the professional is a specialist. “Sometimes doctors who can’t get a residency end up taking a bit of each specialty, but don’t really get qualified in any,” he adds. The specialist cites a 2008 study showing that 97% of plastic surgery mistakes were made by professionals who had not undergone a specific residency. He also says that the consultation should be long enough to answer all the patient’s questions.
After two unsatisfactory surgeries to modify her nose, Sônia Cruz, from Rio de Janeiro, went for a third procedure. This time, the pensioner suffered serious injuries. “In that third procedure, the guy removed all the cartilage from my nose. I had to have another operation to repair it, I had to replace the ear cartilage in my nose,” said Sônia. Only after the damage was done did she learn that the doctor was not a specialist in plastic surgery. Eight years later, Sonia underwent another procedure and was still not completely satisfied with the result.
In some cases, even with all the precautions taken, a surgical procedure can end badly. In 2014, Railma Siqueira, a 32-year-old bank worker from Brasília, went to a specialist to have her breast implants replaced. “She did a lot of research, I went with her to the doctor, who gave us confidence, from whom we had references. We acted safely,” says Cleydson Siqueira, Railma’s husband. After talking to the doctor, the banker decided to have a mini-abdominoplasty and liposuction. Railma died days after the surgery, after suffering two hemorrhages.
“We believed we had a good professional. I never imagined this would happen. He was negligent. He had the opportunity to help her and he didn’t, but we can’t generalize, there are great professionals on the market,” said Cleydson.
On the other hand, successful surgeries can really change a patient’s life. Silvia Olive, a 39-year-old hairdresser from Brasília, had low self-esteem because of the changes pregnancy had brought about in her body. “I didn’t feel attractive at all. I didn’t even have a mirror at home, I wouldn’t go without clothes in front of anyone. I did a lot of research and looked on the council’s website to see if the doctor they referred me to was a specialist,” she recalls. After lipo and a tummy tuck last year, she’s satisfied. “I started looking at myself in the mirror again. Even my intimacy with my husband improved. I now have a lingerie collection,” says Sílvia.
Source: EBC Agência Brasil
