Responsible Surgery with Suffolk Breast Practice
Having surgery is an important decision that can give you life-changing results. That is why surgeons have an obligation to be safe and ethical in their application. At Suffolk Breast Practice, our patients’ welfare is at the heart of our service. We have a duty to practice responsible surgery.
What is Responsible Surgery?
Responsible surgery prioritises a patient’s safety, well-being and informed decision-making. The surgical procedure needs to be carried out safely. Also every patient’s physical and emotional health should be taken into consideration.
It is essential you fully understand everything about the procedure, risks and outcomes. At Suffolk Breast Practice, responsible surgery is about honesty and avoiding unnecessary procedures. We only recommend surgery when it’s in the patient’s best interest.
Young People and Cosmetic Surgery Ads
Young people are particularly vulnerable to feeling self-conscious in terms of body image. Body dysmorphia often starts at around age 13. Social media increases these insecurities and the targeting of teens with surgery ads raises serious ethical concerns.
The younger generation are frequently turning to cosmetic surgery to address self-image issues. They are also influenced by advertisements that promote these procedures. In May 2022, new rules from the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) banned cosmetic intervention ads from being targeted at under-18s.
Procedures such as breast augmentations are significant operations that can have long-lasting effects. So, the advertising of cosmetic procedures carries a serious responsibility at all times. More so when it comes to a younger audience.
At Suffolk Breast Practice, we carefully assess whether surgery is the right option for each patient.
Ethical Considerations
We take ethical considerations for any breast surgery seriously. Especially for younger or vulnerable patients
As well as the psychological vulnerabilities of young people, puberty is also an important factor for anyone under the age of 18. We would advocate no person under the age of 18 should receive surgery for cosmetic purposes. The risks associated with such surgery, the age and vulnerability of the patient could cause more harm than good.
The importance of informed consent is vital to practise surgery responsibly. As a patient you need to be able to trust your breast surgeon. So, it’s essential for surgeons to take the time to explain every aspect of the procedure as well as any possible complications.
Consequences of Unsatisfactory Breast Surgery
All surgery can pose risks, but if carried out irresponsibly the risks are more likely and can be more dangerous. The consequences of unsatisfactory breast surgery can be both physically and emotionally distressing. Issues following a poorly performed breast augmentation or breast reduction include:
- Asymmetrical breasts.
- Disfigurement.
- Noticeable breast surgery scars.
Negligence
Negligence is the failure to exercise appropriate care where it was expected. Negligence on the part of a breast surgeon can cause serious complications, placing the patient’s health at risk.
Negligence Can Involve:
- Failing to inform the patient of surgery risks.
- Improper surgical techniques.
- Inadequate post-operative care.
These complications can lead to infections, persistent pain or an outcome that is not what the patient expected. The psychological impact of disfigurement or poorly managed breast surgery can be significant. This can affect a person’s self-esteem and quality of life.
