As of: February 21, 2024 12:00 a.m
Whether on the face, stomach or bottom: cosmetic surgery is more in demand than ever before. But how do you find reputable plastic surgeons? And who helps with medical errors?
The business with cosmetic surgery, Botox and hyaluronic injections is booming. The wish list often includes fewer wrinkles, bigger lips, firmer breasts or a straight nose. But not everyone is satisfied with the result. Time and again, patients suffer from pain, lifelong disfigurement, scars or functional disorders after cosmetic surgery. In some cases, further operations may even be necessary.
NDR Info live on cosmetic surgery from 6 p.m
Currently prevailing beauty ideals such as an hourglass figure are particularly trendy among young people. This is also why there are more and more cosmetic surgeries and minimally invasive procedures for people under 30 years of age. Are cosmetic surgeries now completely commonplace? What risks and dangers are associated with this? And how is this discussed in society? We’ll be talking about this live today from 6 p.m. on NDR Info under the title “Cosmetic surgery – completely normal?”.
NDR Info presenter Isabelle Vidos welcomes guests:
Michaela Montanari
Specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
There’s Borkenhagen
Professor of psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy at the University of Magdeburg, who researches how social media influences our idea of beauty
Tommy Momsen
Hairstylist and influencer who has been treated with Botox and hyaluronic acid for six years
You can follow the program on Wednesday in the video live stream on this page or on the NDR Ratgeber channel on YouTube. And you can also contribute your opinion – by email using the corresponding contact form. Write to us with your opinion or questions – we look forward to your contributions to the debate!
Tell us what you think – send us your questions!
Documentary series on the topic
Does cosmetic surgery make you happy? Miriam and Paulina hope so. Our three-part documentary in the ARD media library. external
Term cosmetic surgeon not protected
When something goes wrong during cosmetic surgery, there has often been a lack of the necessary preliminary examinations or professional advice and information about risks and side effects. Many surgeons are also not sufficiently trained for the desired procedure. The problem: The job titles “cosmetic surgeon” and “cosmetic surgeon” are not protected. Every doctor can use a scalpel when it comes to beauty – regardless of whether they are an oral surgeon, gynecologist, dermatologist or ophthalmologist. The risk is particularly great for cheap providers who are entering the market en masse.
How to find a reputable plastic surgeon?
Anyone who wants to change their appearance with surgical help should make sure that the person performing the operation has an appropriate specialist title: The term “specialist in aesthetic-plastic surgery” is protected and guarantees that the… “the doctor is qualified for the desired operation. Caution is advised when
there is no direct contact person a doctor has little time there is no extensive consultation a doctor makes superficial statements, for example trivializing the risk of anesthesia, for example large quantities (more than four liters) are advertised for liposuction.
Good information includes:
a detailed cost estimate, timely advice from the surgeon, not just on the evening before the procedure and not just via an information sheet, a comprehensive, precise explanation of the risks.
If you are unsure, you should get a second opinion before deciding for or against an operation.
Be careful with cheap offers abroad
Even when it comes to cheap offers abroad, it is often appropriate to be skeptical: the price can suddenly become higher on site. In addition, problems with aftercare and liability issues may arise. Hygiene standards are often worse than in Germany.
Procedure with risk: breast surgery, nose surgery and BBL
Complications are particularly common with breast enlargements, nose operations and liposuction. The so-called Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), in which your own fat is used to enlarge the bottom, is particularly risky. During eyelid lifts, it can happen that one eye can no longer be closed properly after the procedure.
Minimally invasive procedures: Here too, rely on reputable doctors
Botox and hyaluronic injections to reduce wrinkles also require a lot of experience, otherwise complications such as problems with eyelid closure or deformed facial features can occur. Hyaluronic treatments for frown lines are also not without danger: the gel-like substance can clog vessels that supply the optic nerve with blood. As a result, there is a risk of blindness. This is another reason why no beauticians are allowed to carry out such treatments.
Doctors are only liable for medical errors
Dissatisfaction after a cosmetic procedure does not give rise to a claim for compensation. Because the doctor is not liable for the result if the operation was carried out properly. If treatment errors are suspected, the person affected bears the burden of proof. When receiving treatment abroad, it is usually even more difficult for those affected to assert a claim for compensation.
The health insurance company pays for these cosmetic surgeries
If cosmetic surgery is primarily for medical reasons, the health insurance company will pay for the procedure under certain conditions. It is important for the costs to be covered by proof of medical necessity from the Medical Service of the Health Insurance (MDK) before the operation.
A reimbursement of costs is possible, for example, in the following cases:
BrustvergröÃerung: with extremely unequally sized breasts, a congenital breast deformity or after a tumor has been removed Breast reduction: for orthopedic problems caused by the weight of large breasts (back problems), when at least 400 grams per breast must be removedLid correction (Upper eyelid): when the field of vision is impaired by drooping upper eyelidsNasenkorrektur: if you have breathing problems, for example due to an extremely deviated nasal septum or after an accidentLiposuction (Liposuction): for pathological fat accumulations on the hips, thighs and upper arms (lipedema)Tummy tuck: possibly for chronic inflammation or eczema in the skin folds and for pain
Health insurance usually does not pay for follow-up surgery
If follow-up procedures are necessary after a failed operation, health insurance companies usually do not cover the costs. A reputable cosmetic surgery practice will offer to follow up on complaints as a gesture of goodwill. If that doesn’t work, those affected can, for example, contact the arbitration boards of the medical associations.
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This topic in the program:
Am I beautiful? | 02/20/2024 | 9:00 p.m