Scots top UK market for cosmetic improvements

[Guest guest]

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/lo/features/7004982.html

Dear Santa, thanks for my cosmetic surgery...

COSMETIC surgery is giving many Scots a new look for Christmas. Whether it's Botox injections or breast enhancements, more and more of us are pinning our hopes on surgery to boost our appearance over the festive season.

Despite warnings of occasional risks, Scotland now has the UK's fastest-growing market for cosmetic improvements.

WOMEN used to be happy with perfume, chocs and underwear for Christmas.

However, all that has changed ... and many are now opting for something much more personal.

Botox injections are becoming increasingly popular as a festive present, as women, in particular, spread the word that they no longer have to look their age.

Its popularity has been boosted by talk that stars such as Celine Dion, Cher, Madonna, Sir Cliff and Sylvester Stallone have undergone the Botox needle.

The diluted form of botulinum A, a nerve toxin, has become Britain's most in-demand cosmetic fix.

Its ability to freeze the muscles that create lines have been hailed as the quickest, safest and least expensive treatment.

However, its growing popularity comes despite warnings about its safety.

A leading expert has warned Botox users that the facial treatment could have unforeseen effects on the brain, nervous system and muscles.

Neurophysiologist Misra said that it could cause fatal muscular paralysis and should be treated with care.

Many Scots are also opting for more radical cosmetic surgery, ranging from breast enhancements and reductions to liposuction but here, too, there have been warnings that such surgery can be a 'lottery'.

The Consumers' Association claims that many private clinics agree to unsuitable surgery and give patients insufficient information on potential risks.

An investigation by its magazine Health Which? found that patients were offered discounts if they agreed to more than one procedure and that some surgeons skirted over the potential risks of the operation.

Hendry, the wife of ex-Scotland football captain, Colin, is suing the Lancashire private hospital where she underwent a liposuction operation that left her fighting for her life.

The UK cosmetic procedures industry is estimated to be worth £150million. Around 72,000 procedures were carried out in the UK last year - more than any other European country.

Despite the health warnings, many are still willing to go under the knife in the cause of vanity.

"Huge demand is bringing me back to Scotland more often," said Dr Rita Rakus, a top London specialist.

She and other experts fill in the nation's wrinkles, and make taut sagging facial skin, using the likes of Botox and Restylane.

Scots surgeon Ivan Camilleri, of the Nuffield Hospital, said: "Women are having breast enlargement operations done as Christmas presents.

"Normally I do about 25 operations a month. In December, January and February, that rises to between 50 and 100 a month.

"There is the young woman about to start a career, the middle-aged woman whose children have left home, and a range of professional women.

"Most seem to get it done around Christmas, as a present to or from someone."

Cosmetic surgery is no longer just for the rich and famous.

Dr Rakus said: "Women are earning more and have more disposable income. They want to look as young as possible.

"The other major factor is the huge improvement in materials used to inject into faces. People feel they can trust the process."

Mr Camilleri said businessmen often arrange to have surgery carried out during their annual Christmas leave.

"They can get liposuction, for example, and then go on holiday for two weeks. The feeling is any surgery will not be so noticeable after a fortnight off work.

"Men are much more aware of themselves than ever before.

"I treat about 40 a month, more than 400 a year. Most are businessmen in their 40s and 50s."

While many are unwilling to have surgery merely to look better, growing numbers are turning to cosemtic procedures that don't involve a hospital stay.

Dr Rakus insisted cosmetic enhancers are safe, and added: "Hyaluronic, used in Restylane, is a natural product and is perfectly safe. Botox is also safe.

"Problems, such as drooping eyelids, only come about when the patient is injected in the wrong place.

"Otherwise, the result of these treatments is a much-younger looking face."

Ann Ferguson, of Glasgow hairdressers' Ferguson, offers Botox treatments and said: "With the globalisation of the Los Angeles 'body-beautiful' principle, the rise of foreign holidays and cheaper flights - and the increase of ageism in the workplace - there seems to be a drive to catch up with the self-improvement culture."