Newsletter and IYOP Initiatives Australian Coalition '99

AC '99 UPDATE - EDITION No. 8 (April 1999)

In the '90's we have seen cosmetic surgery reach mainstream acceptability. Greater and greater numbers of people are undergoing or considering cosmetic surgery. Editorials in magazines routinely outline the procedures, before and after shots proliferate our magazines and newspapers.
Despite the fact we frequently hear about cosmetic surgery there is very little factual, impartial information about the risks and benefits (long term as well as short term) available to the general community, thus limiting consumers' ability to make truly informed decisions.

The rise of this industry raises many questions for consumers and health practitioners.

What are the risks and benefits of cosmetic surgery? What safeguards exist for consumers? What guidelines exist or should exist for medical practitioners? What are the most common complaints? What are the most common misconceptions? Where can consumers' get advice and information? Who can consumers go to if they are unhappy? Is cosmetic surgery targeted at the vulnerable? Does Cosmetic surgery improve body image and self-esteem?

On the whole cosmetic surgery is targeted at healthy people with normal bodies undergoing the normal bodily changes of the lifespan. Does this marketing and advertising encourage us to feel dissatisfied with our faces and bodies? What effect does this form of promotion have on our health?

Cosmetic surgery is also actively promoted as an anti-ageing device.
What are the social effects of this form of ageism, on older people, and on our perceptions of ageing as a society?

In order to provide information to the public and address some of the questions and concerns raised by the burgeoning industry in cosmetic surgery, Body Image and Health Inc. is holding a forum on Monday May 3, 1999. Speakers will include representatives from the medical profession and consumer representatives.

Body Image and Health Inc works for social change so that all people (regardless of their age, size or shape), can feel good about and care for, their bodies and themselves. You can support diversity, fair representation and the work of Body Image and Health Inc. by attending the forum.

For More Information

Phone :	03 9344 2668
Fax :	03 9344 2390
Email :	bodimag@cryptic.rch.unimelb.edu.au
Website :	www.aapm.org.au