Plastic Surgery (Aesthetic and Reconstructive)
11 February 2009
Mr Andrew Batchelor, a now retired Consultant Aesthetic and Reconstrucitve Surgeon, visited the University of Leeds to present a talk on aesthetic surgery on behalf of Cutting Edge Leeds. This was both an informative and entertaining talk from a world renowned surgeon. He covered aspects of reconstructive surgery, and its strong relationship with post-oncological operations before focussing on aesthetic (or cosmetic) surgery.
Mr Batchelor discussed the fact that reconstructive surgery is different to most other types of surgery, in that it is not governed by a particular patient demographic, but rather by the equipment and tools available in this type of surgery. He mentioned that he has operated on anyone from neonates weighing approximately 800g to geriatric patients older than 100 years. This makes reconstructive surgery unique, and a challenging specialty.
With regard to aesthetic surgery, it was made clear by Mr Batchelor that this too is a unique specialty in that the patient already has a diagnosis when they present to the surgeon - they would like some part of their body changed in some way to "enhance their appearance above that which is normal for them", but not necessarily to make them beautiful. It is important to realise that the decision to operate on patients in aesthetics is ultimately the patient's, and they should not be forced into it. The role of the surgeon is to provide the patient with as much information as is necessary to make an informed decision about surgery.
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