Articles ARCHITECT OF BEAUTY
In the Philippines, cosmetic surgery evolved and started way back in the 60s where it is only a fare for the rich and famous. “At first, cosmetic surgery was only applied to the basics, to correct congenital defects like harelip and deformation due to vehicular accidents, “said Dr. Benjamin Tan Alonzo, owner of Beaufaces Cosmetic Surgery and Dermacure Center and Past President of Philippine Academy of Aesthetic Surgery (PAAS). That science was specifically called plastic surgery, but in the 70s, the science evolved into more of enhancing the look of a normal person. The 80s came and cosmetic surgery became an instant hit in the upper class of society. “With the emergence of pioneer surgeons like the Sayoc, Mathay and Corazon-Collantes, cosmetic surgery took the complete upswing,” Alonzo recalls. With at least 800 cosmetic surgeons in the country today, and the advance technology of this industry, it is now accepted not only in the upper class, but among the middle class as well. “We now have modern technologies like digital cameras where patients can foresee the outcome, and the laser equipments make our work easier and faster.” Top Jobs for Women and Men Undoubtedly, the top job for cosmetic surgeons is the Rhinoplasty or Noselift. “Asian people like Malaysians and Filipinos usually have this done because they are naturally flat-nosed. About 60 to 70% of these patients undergo nasal augmentation by using cartilage or silicon implant. Cost of cartilage and goretex noselift is ranging from Php70T- Php90T or ($ 1,400 -$1,800) per operation while the traditional noselift (silicon implant) is ranging from Php30 – Php40T or ($ 600 - $800) per operation. Blepharoplasty: The method corrects sagging eyelids where the surgeons correct the absence of an eye fold by removing excess fat skin. This is a popular procedure of removing eye bags. “Though this case is prevalent among old people, sagging eyelids is also due to genetics. If it’s in your genes that you have it, there is nothing you can do about it not even those magic eye creams can solve it. For such case, we suggest lower blepharoplasty.” This job ranges from Php30T-Php40T or ($ 600- $800) per operation. Slit-eye however, he said, corrects “chinky” eyes by creating a slit in the upper eyelid, thereby making the impression of rounder eyes. “That’s why a lot of people undergoing this procedure are those with Chinese descents.” This job ranges from Php30T-Php40T or ($ 600- $800) per operation. Breast Enhancement:
But breast sagging or ptosis is a disturbing condition for women due to the effect of aging and gravity on the breast. A breast lift or mastopexywill raise and reshape sagging breasts and nipples to create youthful appearance. The cost ranges from P130-150T or ($2,600-3,000). (Package cost with hospitalization)
(Dr. Alonzo, wearing green facial mask) Another procedure of breast enhancement that involves the excision of breast tissue and skin to reduce the size of a woman's breasts is breast reduction. The cost ranges from P150-230T or ($3,000-4,600). (Package cost with hospitalization) Breast reduction for Men/ Gynecomastia: This procedure corrects the abnormality of large breasts in males. This is done by liposuction of breast tissue or by excision of breast tissue and skin to reduce the size of a man's breasts. Cost is ranging from P50- 70T or ($1,000-1,400) Liposuction: Facelift: Facelift is one of the most popular, and is also in-demand among older people. This job involves the removal of excess skin to eliminate wrinkles and create a flawless, younger look. “About 20-40% of our patients avail of this service which costs from Php80-Php100T or ($ 1,600- $2,000) per operation.
In men, Dr. Alonzo said the hands-on choice is penile enlargement, undoubtedly due to ego and confidence boosting needs of a man. “Because size does matter,” says Dr. Alonzo, as he helps problematic males cope with effective sex performance through this procedure. He added that this service is mostly popular among businessmen, but their identities are understandably confidential. Cost ranges from P30-P40T or ($600-800).
Social Benefits and Limitations
He stressed that there are indeed limitations in cosmetic surgery, its procedures and treatments, so he always inform his patients that he only help improve their features, but it is only God who can totally change them and their outlook towards life. “Even if I am a cosmetic surgeon, I also believe that inner beauty is still very important.”
Ethics and Trust But more than the economic benefits, Dr. Alonzo points out that cosmetic surgery is more of ethics and winning the trust of their patients. “To improve the industry, we make sure that we gain the trust of our customers. Fellow surgeons must not be bicker at each other, as they must preserve the quality and credibility of the profession.” It should be healthy competition. It’s clean competition as cosmetic surgeons see to out that they improve their craft and their knowledge about the industry without the backbiting. “We must meet their expectations. Our clients expect us to be the best we can, because there is no take two in cosmetic surgery.” Patients may complain of botched jobs like disfigurement but these cosmetic surgeons see to it that it is corrected right away. In the bigger perspective, it can be said that cosmetic surgery helps the economy in general. “There are a lot of balikbayans from various countries, and foreigners as well who undergo cosmetic surgery procedures. One of the reasons maybe is that cosmetic surgery services are cheaper here. In the same manner, cosmetic surgery helps promote our tourism industry. Take for instance my foreigner clients before or after their surgery, they visit our tourist spots here like sa Baguio, Boracay.” Indeed, the field of cosmetic surgery is a growing field with lots of room for improvement and potential. It may not only serve as the architect of beauty, but also an ingredient to spearhead economic progress.
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One of the most popular among women with flat chested breast is breast augmentation. This procedure is designed to enlarge the breast, adds fullness and increases the size by using saline or silicone implants. It makes a nice change to the chest; feels good and increase self-confidence. The cost ranges is from Php150-Php200T or ($ 3,000-4,000) (Package cost with hospitalization)
Penile Enlargement:
“People try cosmetic surgery due to a handful of reasons. It may be insecurity of not looking good or vanity, as they want to look good all the time, or maybe they need to improve their looks because their jobs require them too. Some people undergo one or two procedures, or even more. Such patient can never be contended with one procedure or even result because the main root of their insecurities is psychological nga baka naman ang kailangan niya ay psychiatrist ‘di kami (cosmetic surgeons). That’s why we screen our patients first for psychological evaluation.”
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