Let’s face it, today’s society dictates how we should look, what we should have, what we should do to make ourselves look better, and ultimately feel better about who we are. We turn on the T.V, ride down the freeway and see billboards of beautiful models and buff bodies with wash board abs. We see this and of course we want instant gratification.
With such proliferation amidst, and perhaps facing our own belly-fat demons – tummy-tucks, liposuction and other fat removal surgeries suddenly become an attractive viable option for shedding excess weight. Make no mistake about it, the risks accompanied with these types of procedures far outweigh the benefits!
Tummy tucks have been on the rise since the year 2002. In 2002 surgical procedures made up 23.5% of all cosmetic procedures. However, the most significant increase in this category was the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), which rose 17%. What we hear propagated is that these types of surgeries are extremely safe and effective even with its inherent risk.
The reality is that surgery related death’s like Hip Hop star Kanye West’s Mother Dr. Donda West is not uncommon at all; despite the fact that this is not highly publicized. According to The Psychiatric Times (2000) only a fraction of medical errors are actually reported due to fear of lawsuits and public pandemonium.
Even if death does not occur there are some high stakes to consider. What are the most common risk factors for tummy tucks and other surgical procedures?
1) Post-operative infections: one threat for infection could come from leaks in the abdomen. Infections such as staphylococcus aureus can quickly wreak havoc. This strain is particularly dangerous as it is resistant to antibiotics. In many cases the administration of antibiotics alone can be dangerous due to possible adverse reactions.
2) Pulmonary emboli: this can occur whenever anything gets into the bloodstream that could cause a blockage. Blood clots can travel to the lungs and cause breathing problems, or can lead to a heart attack, coma and sadly death. Usually pulmonary emboli will occur within the first 72 hours following the surgery.
3.) Inexperienced surgeons: this can be perhaps the most terrifying risk. Inexperienced surgeons place patients at great risk when they don’t provide adequate pre and post-operative care, counseling on proper diet and physical activity. Not to mention lack of skill and precision in performing surgical procedures.
To that end countless studies conducted on patients of these cosmetic surgeries indicate the long-term success rate is only around 10%. While most of us want to look younger and feel younger; clearly there are safer, more effective options to help us improve upon our personal image, health and well-being.
Here are some basic natural therapies that encourage youthful appearance
Juicing- with fresh organic produce has amazing anti-aging properties
Raw foods- have a living energy that promotes youthful vigor
Clean source of protein- helps to strengthen and build lean muscle (including abdominal muscles)
Good night’s sleep can help you effectively cope with emotional stresses that add years onto your appearance and ultimately hamper positive self image.
Superior, total nutrition when COMBINED with moderate exercise is extremely effective at shedding belly fat.
We can enhance the way we look naturally by supporting our over-all well being instead of compromising our most precious asset LIFE. We are only here for a relative fleeting moment, and should avoid at all cost becoming a victim of a surgeon’s knife.
Donda West’s recent death IS our wake up call in this respect. The choice is yours make the wisest one!
