Main Category: Psychology / Psychiatry
Also Included In: Public Health;  Women’s Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 03 Feb 2012 – 1:00 PST

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Can mentoring relationships help female students who survive childhood abuse or domestic violence? Absolutely, according to new research from Concordia University, published in the Journal of College Student Development.

“Studies have shown that childhood abuse unleashes a chain of negative emotions that can impact an individual’s future, producing feelings of shame, isolation, self-loathing and educational underachievement,” says first author Rosemary C. Reilly, an associate professor in the Concordia Department of Applied Human Sciences.

Reilly’s study builds on evidence compiled by renowned community-based educator and researcher Dr. Jenny Horsman, which suggests that at least 20 per cent of all women are adult survivors of childhood abuse – that is, physical, psychological or sexual maltreatment during childhood. According to Horsman, as many as half the women studying in educational programs in Canada are trying to learn while simultaneously dealing with the consequences of violence.

Four themes of mentorship

As part of their research into impact of violence on women’s learning and vocational choices, Reilly and co-author Miranda D’Amico, a professor in the Concordia Department of Education, conducted in-depth interviews with 10 women who had experienced intense childhood abuse and were enrolled in an undergraduate program when interviewed.

All but one participant had been mentored at different stages in her life. Reilly and D’Amico found that the timing of women’s mentoring was contingent on the impact the abuse had on their sense of identity.

Over the course of the interviews, four themes of mentorship emerged: fantasy mentors, mentors as mirrors, mentors as nurturers and supporters, and mentors as embodiments of a particular profession.

Although the researchers caution that these themes should be viewed as atypical, they enrich the understanding of mentoring for women marginalized by violence and demonstrate the malleable nature of mentorship. Mentoring in its various guises clearly played a significant role in these women’s healing processes.

These findings, according to the study authors, should encourage universities to consider establishing a formalized mentoring program for survivors of trauma. Student services departments could support the education of this population by creating multiple opportunities for mentorship from different individuals, at various stages, as survivors’ needs evolve.

“For survivors of childhood abuse, relationship and connection are what really matters and what successful mentorship is all about,” says Reilly.

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Editor’s Choice
Academic Journal
Main Category: Bones / Orthopedics
Also Included In: Women’s Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 04 Feb 2012 – 0:00 PST

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The recently reported study on bone density testing in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) may have inadvertently resulted in confusion about the use and recommended frequency of an important diagnostic tool used for osteoporosis, a very serious condition that affects many women.

The recommendations regarding the frequency in which older women should receive bone density scans in the study could, in some instances, be misread as being unnecessary by some women, whereas preventive screening for bone health should indeed be considered as a major part of every woman’s preventive health plan, just like a mammography is for ensuring healthy breasts.

It is the scientific society’s duty to both produce important bone health research as well as to accurately and clearly interpret scientific findings for the public and the medical community. Together, decades have been spent on gaining an understanding of the science related to bone health. The same applies to recommendations made for the treatment of bone conditions and diseases, such as medications, technologies and other diagnostic tools.

The study in question indicated that women aged 65 years and older, whose first bone density screening tested normal, would be safe to wait for as long as 15 years before needing another test. Even though this is great news for post-menopausal women with good or mildly low bone density, the researchers warn this only applies to less than half of the women in the U.S. who are aged over 65 years, and that even for those women, other risk factors must be considered. According to the ASBMR, it is crucial that patients and their medical practitioners understand precisely that bone density testing is recommended for:

• Women who had any kind of fractures at the age of 45 or older
• Women with a family history of hip fractures or other bone-related disease, who should start osteoporosis testing at the age of 50. 

• Women already diagnosed with low bone density or osteoporosis. The frequency of bone density testing depends on the level of bone density as well as whether or not other risk factors exist. Generally testing is once every two years. 

• All women above the age of 65 years. Even though Medicare covers bone density testing as a preventive benefit, only 13% of women eligible under Medicare receive a baseline-screening test. 


The recent media coverage of the NEJM study also omitted the fact that the recommendations for future screenings were based on results for women who received a baseline screening at age 65. The sad truth is that just 13% of 65-year old women on Medicare actually receive this baseline screening, which basically means that the remaining 87% of women are not so fortunate and will be unaware of whether they are at risk until they have a fracture.

Currently, almost 10 million Americans are diagnosed with osteoporosis with many people not even aware that they are at risk. An additional 34 million people suffer from low bone mass, which makes them more susceptible to osteoporosis. One in two women and one in four men aged 50 years or older will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis without intervention.

The health and financial consequences for osteoporosis are serious, for instance, one out of five seniors with a hip fracture die from related complications within 12 months. Experts say that whilst osteoporosis accounted for an estimated two million fractures and $19 billion in costs in 2005, the prognosis is that by 2025 osteoporosis will be responsible for about three million fractures and $25.3 billion in annual costs.

According to the ASBMR, the physical and economic cost of osteoporosis can be lowered by sustained investment in research and preventative efforts.

Written by Petra Rattue
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Editor’s Choice
Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Women’s Health / Gynecology;  Abortion
Article Date: 02 Feb 2012 – 9:00 PST

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Breast cancer charity, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, says that dropping Planned Parenthood from its granting process is not political, and says it is “dismayed and extremely disappointed” that its action has been mischaracterized. The charity says it has taken actions to make its granting process stronger and more effective, resulting in Planned Parenthood being dropped from its list of grantees.

In a written communiqué today, Komen says it embarked on a new initiative in 2010 to assess the impact of its community grants. The charity stressed that it invests considerable sums in local community programs – a total of $93 million last year, providing over 700,000 diagnostic procedures and mammographies (breast health screenings).

Komen wrote today in its communiqué:

“Following this review, we made the decision to implement stronger performance criteria for our grantees to minimize duplication and free up dollars for direct services to help vulnerable women. To support this new granting strategy, Komen has also implemented more stringent eligibility standards to safeguard donor dollars. Consequently, some organizations are no longer eligible to receive Komen grants.”

The charity admits that its standards may be viewed as “too exacting” by some. It stresses that over the past thirty years, donors have “given us more than just their money. They have given us their trust and we take that responsibility very seriously.”

Komen says that with regret some longstanding grantees, such as Planned Parenthood, have been affected.

In a written statement today, Komen informed that:

“. . . . but (we) want to be absolutely clear that our grant-making decisions are
not about politics. Throughout our 30 year history, our priority has always been and will continue to be the women we serve. As we move forward, we are working to ensure that there is no interruption or gaps in services for the women who need our support most in the fight against breast cancer.”

Pink Bibles Recalled in December 2011

The Southern Baptist Convention’s publishing arm recalled some pink Bibles which had gone to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, because part of the money from their sales went to Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood is a family planning organization, which provides abortions as part of its service – a procedure the Southern Baptist Convention is against.

At the time, commentators said this move would affect free breast screenings, but would have no impact on abortions figures. Click here to read about this in more detail.

Planned Parenthood appeals for donations

Planned Parenthood says Komen has succumbed to pressure from “anti-women’s healthpolitical organizations” and ended future funding for its breast cancer screenings, as well as breast health education.

The family planning organization says the move will affect women from lower income households, as well as females located in rural and under-served communities.

In a communiqué, Planned Parenthood wrote:

“We believe that women of all economic levels need access to breast health screenings, referrals, and education. We’re determined to make sure that Komen’s decision doesn’t jeopardize these women’s access to health care. Please make a contribution today to help us defend access to care and continue to protect and promote women’s health.”

Written by Christian Nordqvist
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Editor’s Choice
Academic Journal
Main Category: Bones / Orthopedics
Also Included In: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology;  Women’s Health / Gynecology;  Menopause
Article Date: 02 Feb 2012 – 10:00 PST

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According to an investigation published on bmj.com, hip fractures are 35% more likely to occur in post-menopausal women if they take indigestion medications, known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). This figure rises to 50% if the women are former or current smokers.

Globally, PPIs are one of the most prevalent drugs used, and are often used to treat acid reflex and heartburn. However, PPIs can prevent calcium absorption, which leads to the increased risk of fractures.

From 2000 to 2008, researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital examined the link between hip fractures and PPIs in just under 80,000 post-menopausal women.

According to the researchers, women who smoke and take PPIs for an extended period of time may be up to two times more likely to suffer from hip fractures than women who do not take PPIs or smoke.

In response to the increasing worries regarding long-term PPI use and the risk of hip fractures, numerous investigations have been conducted, although they have been met with considerable limitations.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning in May 2010 of PPI use and hip fractures, however they concluded that more data was required for a full examination.

The researchers took into account several factors, such as:

• alcohol intake
• body weight
• duration of physical activity
• smoking status
• calcium supplement usage
• menopausal status

In addition, the team examined calcium intake from food included in each participant’s diet. High traumas, such as falling down the stairs or skiing accidents were not included, while low and moderate traumas associated to fracture, such as falling off a chair, or falling on ice were recorded.

From 2000 to 2008, results showed that there was a total of 893 hip fractures out of the 79,889 post-menopausal women, concluding that post-menopausal women had a 35% increased risk of hip fracture.

The researchers found that the risk of hip fracture among individuals who regularly use PPIs was 2.02 events per 1,000 person years (the number of years of follow up multiplied by the number of participants in the study), in comparison with 1.51 events per 1,000 person years among women who did not use PPIs. Current and former smokers were at an even higher risk of 50%. The researchers also found association between the risk of fractures and the duration of time PPIs were taken.

In 2000, 6.7% of women regularly used a PPI, this figure rose to 18.9% in 2008, which poses a greater risk of fractures linked to PPIs in the coming years. Due to this, the FDA plans to revise labeling on these medications and the researchers underline the importance of assessing the need for long-term use of PPIs among individuals with a history of smoking. The researchers highlight that two years after patients stopped taking PPIs, their risk of hip fracture returned to normal.

Written by Grace Rattue
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Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children’s Health;  Women’s Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 31 Jan 2012 – 0:00 PST

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Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have discovered that a molecule critical to the development and plasticity of nerve cells – brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) – is severely lacking in brainstem neurons in mutations leading to Rett syndrome, a neurological developmental disorder. The finding has implications for the treatment of neurological disorders, including Rett syndrome that affects one in 10,000 baby girls.

The new discovery is published online in Neuroscience* and is expected in the print issue of Neuroscience in March.

Using a mouse model of Rett syndrome, the OHSU team found that mutant neurons in the brainstem fail miserably at making BDNF. When normal neurons are faced with a respiratory challenge, such as low oxygen, they dramatically increase the production of BDNF, whereas mutant neurons do not.

According to the National Institutes of Health, Rett syndrome is estimated to affect one in every 10,000 to 15,000 live births and almost exclusively girls because it is caused by an X-linked gene mutation. In addition to severe problems with motor function, other symptoms of Rett syndrome may include breathing difficulties while awake.

“The new finding, coupled with our previously published data that show BDNF is involved in normal maturation of neuronal pathways controlling cardiorespiratory function, could play a significant role in the development of a treatment for Rett syndrome,” said Agnieszka Balkowiec, M.D., Ph.D., principal investigator and associate professor of integrative biosciences in the OHSU School of Dentistry; and adjunct assistant professor of physiology and pharmacology in the OHSU School of Medicine. To conduct this research, Balkowiec partnered with John M. Bissonnette, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and cell and developmental biology in the OHSU School of Medicine.

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Main Category: Colorectal Cancer
Also Included In: Women’s Health / Gynecology;  Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 01 Feb 2012 – 1:00 PST

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Repeated screening by flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSG) increased the detection of colorectal cancer or advanced adenoma in women by one-fourth and in men by one-third, according to a study published Jan. 31 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Endoscopic methods are known to have a higher sensitivity than fecal occult blood testing in detecting colorectal cancer and adenoma and repeated screening detects a higher number of colorectal adenomas and carcinomas when compared to a single screen. However, the cost-effectiveness of endoscopic screening relies on the age groups screened as well as the frequency of screening, which greatly affects the effectiveness of the test. The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial sought to determine the yield of repeated FSG screenings are beneficial and at what time interval they should be conducted.

Using data from the PLCO cancer screening trial, Joel L. Weissfeld, M.D., MPH, associate professor in the department of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues analyzed results from participants aged 55-74 with FSG at study entry and then followed up with screening at 3 years and 5 years. Participants were enrolled in the study from 1993-2001. Persons who reported prior history of colorectal cancer or who had reported any lower gastrointestinal procedure conducted within 3 years of the study were excluded from participating in the study.

Of the 77,447 people enrolled in the study, 67,073 had at least one FSG and 39,442 had two FSGs. The researchers found that the second FSG increased the number of detected cancers or advanced adenoma by 26% in women and by 34% in men. Colorectal cancer or advanced adenomas were found in 3.8% of persons after the first screen and in 4.5% of persons after both screens, amounting to an increase in yield of 32%. Despite these findings, the researchers point out: “Although repeated FSG increases screening yields, it also increases the costs of screening, the need for diagnostic intervention, and the risks of complication.” The researchers also point out the study’s limitation, namely that this analysis does not include colorectal cancer mortality data because the data are not currently available. “Despite our ability to measure the yields from first and repeat FSG, it may not be possible to distinguish specific mortality benefits derived from first as opposed to repeat FSG.”

In an accompanying editorial, Noel S. Weiss, M.D., DrPH, and Polly A. Newcomb, Ph.D., of the department of epidemiology in the School of Public Health at the University of Washington, write that it’s important as well to look at previous studies in order to estimate the frequency of rescreening that will prevent the occurrence of clinically important cancers, and not just occult lesions (ie, small spots of pre-cancer that may never become full-blown cancer). They say that while those earlier studies focus on a clinically relevant endpoint, they nonetheless have potential limitations in regards to an appropriate screening interval. “A screening interval determined by the period between a negative screening exam and the clinical diagnosis may be longer than the one that could best achieve a reduction in cancer mortality,” they write. Therefore, data from a study such as that of Weissfeld et al, with its identification of screen-detected pathology, are welcome. “The very large size of the study, and consequently the large number of cancer (26) and advanced adenomas (503) identified, provide statistically solid estimates for us to incorporate in cost-benefit evaluations of different rescreening strategies.” However, the editorialists conclude that the limitations of all such studies (including that of Weissfeld et al) need to be taken into account when interpreting the existing data.

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Editor’s Choice
Main Category: Women’s Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 01 Feb 2012 – 12:00 PST

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Over one million packets of birth control pills have been recalled by Pfizer, as a result of an error with the packaging that runs the risk of women getting pregnant.

Around half the packets carry the brand name Lo/Ovral-28, while the rest were generic norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets. The problem comes from a packaging error, in which inactive pills have been misplaced, meaning they could be taken at the wrong time of the month.

Pfizer released a statement saying that :

“An investigation by Pfizer found that some blister packs may contain an inexact count of inert or active ingredient tablets and that the tablets may be out of sequence … As a result of this packaging error, the daily regimen for these oral contraceptives may be incorrect and could leave women without adequate contraception, and at risk for unintended pregnancy.”

The pills were manufactured and packaged by Pfizer in New York state and sold by Akrimax Rx Products under the Akrimax brand name, in the United States. A packet is meant to contain 21 active tablets and seven inactive pills.

The lot numbers have been posted on the FDA website and women taking the product should contact their doctor and return the pills with their packaging to their local pharmacy. They should also being a backup form of non-hormonal birth control immediately, as they would no longer be protected from pregnancy if the inactive pills have been take during the wrong time.

Pfizer spokeswoman Grace Ann Arnold told AFP :

“The cause of the inexact package counts has been identified and corrected … mechanical and operator visual inspection systems failure on the packaging line.”

Women have also been urged by Gynecologists to take a pregnancy test and ensure they have not become pregnant, especially if they have any symptoms of pregnancy such as missed periods or abnormal bleeding.

Written by Rupert Shepherd

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Editor’s Choice
Academic Journal
Main Category: Menopause
Also Included In: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology;  Women’s Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 01 Feb 2012 – 12:00 PST

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PPIs (proton pump inhibitors), medications taken for indigestion, can raise the risk of hip fractures by 35% in post-menopausal women, researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital reported in the BMJ (British Medical Journal). The authors added that women who smoke or used to smoke have a 50% higher risk of hip fractures when taking PPIs.

PPIs are commonly used for the treatment of heartburn, they are one of the most common medications used by both males and females globally. PPIs reduce gastric acid production. However, they can undermine the body’s ability to absorb calcium, which can eventually lead to weakened bones, making people more susceptible to fractures.

Examples of PPIs include:

• Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant, Kapidex)
• Esomeprazole (Nexium, Esotrex)
• Lansoprazole (Inhibitol, Prevacid, Zoton, Lupizole, Monolitum, Levant)
• Omeprazole (Omepral, Losec, Prilosec, Zegerid, Ocid, Lomac, Omez)
• Pantoprazole (Zurcal, Zentro, Protonix, Somac, Controloc, Pantoloc, Pantozol, Pan)
• Rabeprazole (Rabecid, AcipHex, Rabeloc, Zechin, Nzole-D, Pariet)

In this study, the researchers set out to determine what the link might be between PPI usage and hip fractures. They gathered data on nearly 80,000 females, all post-menopausal, from 2000 through 2008.

They found that post-menopausal females who take PPIs over prolonged periods and also smoke might be 50% more likely to have a hip fracture, compared to their non-smoking counterparts not on PPIs.

The authors explain that the several previous studies on this matter had conflicting or unconvincing findings because of limitations in the studies. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) issued a warning of hip fracture risk linked to PPIs in 2010. However, the Agency added that further data was needed before a final analysis could be made.

Before coming to any conclusions in this study, the authors explained that they took several factors into account which might influence the final data, such as the women’s menopausal status, smoking status, levels of physical activity, calcium supplement usage, and BMI (body mass index). They also analyzed how much calcium the women were getting from the food they ate. They did not factor in events deemed as “low and moderate traumas”, such as falling on ice, falling from a chair, etc.

Out of the 79,899 women, all post-menopausal, there were 893 hip fractures. The researchers concluded that postmenopausal women on prolonged PPIs had a 35% higher risk of having a hip fracture, or 2.02 events per 1,000 person years, compared to 1.51 events among other women of the same age.

They also found that the longer a postmenopausal woman is taking PPIs, the greater is her risk of having a risk fracture.

8.9% of adult females were on PPIs in 2008, compared to 6.7% in 2000. This increased usage over time has prompted the FDA to revise the labeling of such medications. The authors say further studies are needed on regular female smokers on long-term PPI usage.

They added that hip fracture risk returned to normal 24 months after women stopped taking PPIs.

Written by Christian Nordqvist

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Main Category: Hearing / Deafness
Also Included In: Women’s Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 30 Jan 2012 – 0:00 PST

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Having diabetes may cause women to experience a greater degree of hearing loss as they age, especially if the metabolic disorder is not well controlled with medication, according to a new study from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Women between the ages of 60 and 75 with well-controlled diabetes had better hearing than women with poorly controlled diabetes, with similar hearing levels to those of non-diabetic women of the same age.

The study also shows significantly worse hearing in all women younger than 60 with diabetes, even if it is well controlled.

Men, however, had worse hearing loss across the board compared to women in the study, regardless of their age or whether or not they had diabetes.

“A certain degree of hearing loss is a normal part of the aging process for all of us, but it is often accelerated in patients with diabetes, especially if blood-glucose levels are not being controlled with medication and diet,” says Derek J. Handzo, D.O., with the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Henry Ford.

“Our study really points to importance of patients controlling their diabetes, especially as they age, based on the impact it may have on hearing loss.”

The study will be presented in Miami Beach at the annual Triological Society’s Combined Sections Meeting.

According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 26 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and another 34.5 million have some degree of hearing loss. Signs of hearing loss include difficulty hearing background noises or hearing conversations in large groups, as well as regularly needing to turn up the volume on a radio or TV.

While the association between diabetes and hearing loss has previously been studied, Henry Ford researchers sought to learn more about hearing differences among patients with well-controlled diabetes, poorly controlled diabetes, and those who do not have diabetes.

The Henry Ford research team reviewed records for 990 patients that had audiograms performed between 2000 and 2008 at the hospital. Patients were categorized by gender, age (younger than 60 years old, between 60-75 years old and older than 75 years old), and if they had diabetes. Those with diabetes were divided into two groups: well-controlled or poorly controlled, as determined by the American Diabetes Association guidelines that use HbA1C blood levels.

Dr. Handzo notes that previous studies about diabetes and hearing loss have not focused on blood-glucose levels, nor did they include such a diverse population based on age and gender.

The Henry Ford team looked at patients’ pure tone average, a measurement that determines hearing level at certain frequency, and speech recognition at different ages. The team evaluated pure tone average ranges that focus on the frequency at which most people speak and the very high frequencies used in music and alarms.

Women between the ages of 60 and 75 with poorly controlled diabetes had significantly worse hearing than those whose diabetes was well-controlled and the control group. Among the women younger than 60, those with diabetes – regardless of whether or not it was being controlled – had worse hearing than non-diabetic women.

For the men in the study, there was no significant difference in hearing between those with diabetes that well-controlled or poorly controlled, as well as those who did not have diabetes.

“Younger males in general have worse hearing, enough so to possibly mask any impact diabetes may have on hearing. But our findings really call for future research to determine the possible role gender plays in hearing loss,” says Dr. Handzo.

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Featured Article
Main Category: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Also Included In: Men’s health;  Women’s Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 30 Jan 2012 – 6:00 PST

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Britons appear to be tightening their belts in more ways than one: 2011 audit figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) revealed on Monday that the number of men undergoing tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) was 15% higher than in 2010.

However, although the percentage rise is large, the numbers are relatively small compared to women: while male tummy tucks rose from 108 to 124, female ones rose from 3,039 in 2010 to 3,251 in 2011 (a rise of 7%).

And the austere financial climate does not appear to have eroded Britons’ belief in cosmetic surgery in other areas either. Not one area of cosmetic surgery fell in popularity in the UK last year.

Across the board the number of procedures carried out by BAAPS members in 2011 was 43,069, which is 5.8% higher than in 2010, matching a similar rise as from 2009 to 2010.

Fazel Fatah is a consultant plastic surgeon and the current president of BAAPS. He told the media:

“It is understandable that procedures for the more noticeable areas of the face and body — such as breast augmentation, rhinoplasty (nose jobs) and eyelid surgery — continue to prove popular when patients are looking to get the most ‘impact’ from their surgery to enhance their mental well being and self-confidence.”

BAAPS President Elect Rajiv Grover is a consultant plastic surgeon and responsible for the UK national audit. He said:

“The continued popularity of aesthetic plastic surgery even through financially difficult times demonstrates that the public sees real value in the psychological and physical improvement that can be achieved.”

Here are some further highlights of the BAAPS 2011 audit:

• Male surgery continues to account for 10% of all cosmetic surgery procedures.
• Male cosmetic surgery procedures rose by 5.6% from 2010 to 2011: (from 4,017 procedures to 4,298).
• There was a similar growth in cosmetic surgery procedures for women: they went up by 5.8% from 2010 to 2011 (from 34,413 procedures to 38,771).
• Breast augmentation (“boob jobs”) continues to hold its number one place as the most common procedure of all (nearly twice as many of these as the next most popular), and holds its steady growth of 6.2% from 9,418 procedures in 2010 to 10,003 in 2011.
• Gynaecomastia ops (“man boob” reduction) were the second most common procedure in men in 2011, as they were in 2010. However, they rose by 7% from 741 in 2010 to 790 in 2011.
• Another area of male cosmetic surgery rose even more than this: male liposuction went up by 8% from 473 in 2010 to 511 in 2011.

Fatah said the sharp rise in tummy tucks and liposuction should come as no surprise, because more patients are having obesity treatments like gastric bands.

“These patients are usually left with a lot of loose skin that causes physical problems and unsightly body contour which can only be addressed by surgery,” said Fatah.

Grover said another reason for the continuing rise in popularity of cosmetic surgery could be because techniques have advanced, so it’s “harder to tell” if someone has had it: “they may just look well-rested, or refreshed”.

Speculating on other reasons for the rise in procedures carried out by BAAPs surgeons, Grover said, whether it is “because of the recent implant scare or a backlash against some ‘lunchtime’ non-surgical treatments that don’t deliver what they promise”, it was reassuring that more patients appear to be “doing their homework” and going on more than just price, to select their cosmetic surgeon.

Click here for more figures from the BAAPS annual audit.

Written by Catharine Paddock PhD
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