Liposuction is one of the most popular plastic surgeries in the world. It has been around since 1975. It has come a long way with different types of liposuction procedures, but mainly it aims to remove fat cells from parts of the body, such as the arms, abdomen, thighs, and hips. It also comes with risks such as infection, heart problems, uneven contours, among others, which is why it is important that cosmetic procedures and plastic surgeries should be done by board-certified, trained, and licensed plastic and cosmetic surgeons.
Dr. Corazon Collantes Jose (founder), seated in the middle with, from left, Dr. Chito Kapuno, Dr. Eric Salcedo, Dr. Benjamin Alonzo, Dr. Jaime Anthony Azardon, and Dr. Reynald Torres
The popularity of liposuction in the Philippines can be attributed to several factors. First, the country has a culture that places a high value on physical appearance. Many Filipinos believe that looking good is an essential aspect of success, and liposuction is seen as a way to achieve this. Second, the cost of liposuction in the Philippines is relatively affordable compared to other countries. This makes it accessible to a broader range of people, not just those from the upper class.
Despite these criticisms, it cannot be denied that liposuction has had a significant impact on Philippine society. For many Filipinos, it has provided an opportunity to improve their self-confidence and achieve their desired body shape. It has also created a new industry that provides employment opportunities for many.
Moreover, the increasing demand for liposuction has led to the development of new and innovative techniques that make the procedure safer and more effective. For example, there are now minimally invasive liposuction techniques that use laser or ultrasound technology to break down fat cells, reducing the risk of complications.
As with any other profession, doctors have to be up to date on medical standards and ethical practices. They need to be constantly studying and training for new treatments and learning the latest breakthroughs in their chosen field. The Philippine Society for Liposuction Surgery (PSLSI) was established to improve liposuction surgery by keeping up-to-date with the new advances, as well as to conduct scientific activities and hands-on experiences. The organization also aims to share best practices and skills and inform fellow practitioners on the latest medical studies on liposuction surgery. PSLSI has been conducting post-graduate courses and operating room experiences since 2003, inviting the great cosmetic surgeons all over the world to help propagate the specialty to cater to the vanity of mankind and to establish the learning curve of upcoming cosmetic surgeons in the Philippines. Now cosmetic surgery is part of our armamentaruim in medicine. It is considered by PMA and PRC as the ninth specialty, duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Philippines and recognized as a specialty society by the Philippine Medical Association and the Philippine Board of Medical Examiners. PSLSI has also established affiliations with other societies, including the Philippine Society for Cosmetic Surgery (PSCS), the Pan Pacific Aesthetic Institute, Inc. (PPAI), Philippine Association of Aesthetic Surgery (PAAS), and the International Society of Liposuction Surgery (ISLS).
PSLSI is going to induct new members of the society on July 13 at the Manila Hotel and it is bringing FATS Stem Cell convention in the Philippines in April next year. This will create future proposition to have the Philippines under PSLSI as venue for FATS masterclasses and workshops centered on liposuction, fat harvesting, fat grafting, and regenerative stemcell procedures.
The introduction of PSLSI has been a significant development in the country’s cosmetic industry. Cosmetic and plastic surgery continues to change, develop, and improve through the years. When it comes to liposuction, the country is updated with what’s in and what’s new with PSLSI that aims to bring in and share only the best practices to be able to provide world-class services to Filipinos.