In the News Category

Jean-Claude Mas, director of the now non-operational Poly Implant Prothese (PIP), was apparently aware that he used faulty breast implants, which affected hundreds of thousands of women across the globe. In fact, Mas confessed he employed a cheaper but unapproved alternative product due to “economic purposes.”

The 72-year-old breast implant producer admitted they brought in two tiers of ingredients for silicone implants: a high-quality product and a low-cost “house gel.” In short, instead of using more costly medical-grade silicone, they used cheaper and low-grade industrial silicone—the ones used as a mattress stuffing.

When asked by The Times why they used this type of product, Mas’ lawyer, Yves Haddad, said that the company has its financial objectives. They simply wanted to get the best possible price! He even further claimed that while the implants were low-quality, they’re safe and non-toxic. No wonder the company never asked approval for its implants from the AFSSAPS (Agence française de sécurité sanitaire des produits de santé), France’s health regulatory board.

Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) used to sell over 100,000 of breast implants annually, which mostly were being exported to 65 countries. It is said that as many as 400,000 women around the world have been fitted with PIP flawed breast implants. Furthermore, roughly 5% of implants in France have already ruptured and 1% in Great Britain.

Today, the former breast implant top dog, Jean-Claude Mas, is facing a series of criminal charges, including manslaughter (resulting from the death of a French woman who was fitted with said defective implants).

If you are concerned about your breast implants and whether they were manufactured by PIP, then you should contact your clinic or cosmetic surgeon who will be able to provide this information.

The latest UK Government advice on PIP implants can be found on the Department of Health website.

Last November 2011, Groupon, a major deal-of-the-day website was prohibited from publishing cosmetic surgery ads that offer up to 50% discount. UK officials believe that the campaign sent out a misinterpretation that plastic surgery procedures could be taken lightly.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) deems that Groupon were negligent for posting such advertisements that somewhat pressured consumers to purchase the coupons for a limited period of time.  The said cheap nose job and breast augmentation promotional email was sent in May with the treatment to occur on November 28 at a Manchester clinic.

The ban was also substantiated by the British Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). They believe that such deadlines are unethical and a violation of social responsibility under UK’s advertising code. However, Groupon denied these allegations. According to their representatives, they were not persuading people to make hasty decisions, and that the offer was just an indicator of their business model.

As ethical cosmetic surgeons and members of BAPRAS, Landauer Cosmetic Surgery concur with the ASA’s decision. First off, having a cosmetic procedure is a life-altering decision. It’s not like purchasing goods that you can return or exchange if you’re not satisfied. That’s why a lengthy consultation between a reliable fully accredited cosmetic plastic surgeon and his/her patient is very crucial before undergoing any invasive procedures.

Proper timing and a great deal of preparation, plus other essential factors are extremely important for successful cosmetic plastic surgery. Thus, deadline-focused bargain deals are definitely not recommended for anyone looking to go under the knife.

Many healthcare organisations in the UK are condemning cosmetic surgery lottery draws that are quickly becoming popular. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and Independent Healthcare Advisory Services (IHAS) have disapproved aesthetic procedures like breast augmentation, botox and face lifts being offered as prizes in contests, online deals, loyalty card schemes and the like.

Medical professionals believe plastic surgery marketing gimmicks like these are persuading people to get procedures they don’t need or want. Their worries emerged shortly after the launch of My Big Fat Plastic Surgery Prize Draw. Sponsored by a cosmetic surgery group, the event offers prizes that range from boob jobs, botox and fillers, semi-permanent makeup, teeth whitening and others.

While many people are living with superficial flaws, health authority groups are firm on not offering cosmetic treatments as a commodity prize. Ex-president of BAAPS Adam Searle stated that people who are making permanent choices based on propaganda, thrill and emotion, are putting themselves in great danger. Besides, cosmetic surgery enthusiasts are some of the most vulnerable patients, and thus, they require protection against greedy advertising advocates.

And though, you can freely participate in such raffles and competitions, it’s best to avoid these kinds of events. Try not to be persuaded no matter how convincing and truthful they may seem, as many of them are just misleading publicity stunts.

Remember that plastic surgery is a life-changing decision and hence should not be taken lightly. As a rule of thumb, do your research first before booking any cosmetic surgical or non-surgical treatment. And of course, choose only certified plastic surgeons to perform your desired procedure by talking to Landauer Cosmetic Surgery.

Earlier this month, three leading British actresses spoke out against cosmetic surgery. Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson and Rachel Weisz all declared that they will never get plastic surgery.

In many ways, this was a strong vote against the Hollywood youth-driven culture which places immense pressure on actresses in particular to retain their youthful good looks rather than age gracefully.

However many commentators have also remarked that it is easy to rush to the moral high ground when you already enjoy such iconic good looks.

The decision on whether to undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure should always be a personal one, and taken only after full consultation.

Although the primary motivations are visual improvements, for many women and men, cosmetic surgery can also bring increased self-confidence and raised self-esteem.

Contact Landauer Cosmetic Surgery today for a no-obligation discussion with a fully accredited UK cosmetic surgeon.

At the royal wedding earlier this year, Pippa Middleton’s profile gained her instant fame and a worldwide following. In particular her spectacular figure-hugging bridesmaid’s dress drew attention to her bottom, and with it over 200,000 fans on Facebook!

Since then, plastic surgeons around the world have been inundated with requests from clients wishing to reshape their derrieres to emulate Pippa’s.

In the US, this augmentation of the behind is now termed a ‘Pippa butt lift’. Previously patients’ descriptions of the perfect rear tended to refer to Beyonce , Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian.

And apparently Pippa’s nose is also gaining a strong following as the ideal, challenging those of actress Nicole Kidman and singer Ashlee Simpson.

For most cosmetic surgeons, this trend underlines what they already knew – people will ask for what they see and like. And both Middleton sisters have certainly enjoyed a lot of TV and online exposure in the past year.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and Pippa has certainly caught many eyes!

Landauer Cosmetic Surgery represents top UK cosmetic plastic surgeons who are board certified plastic surgeons and members of  BAPRAS. Through them, we can help to convert that dream into reality.