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Top Surgeon Speaks Out On Non-Consensual Surgery


Top Surgeon Speaks Out On Non-Consensual Surgery

Earlier this month actress Brooke Shields revealed she underwent labiaplasty (labia reduction) surgery in her younger years but following the operation was told by her surgeon he had "thrown in" a vaginal rejuvenation procedure, against her wishes.


In an interview for US Weekly, in advance of her forthcoming book, "Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman," she shared how she initially met with a surgeon after learning via her gynaecologist that a labiaplasty (wherein a large or draping labia is shortened) could help her with the uncomfortable chafing and bleeding she'd experienced throughout her life.


The labiaplasty surgery was for health reasons for a condition which can cause great discomfort and embarrassment. often with the large, asymmetrical or protuding labia lips growing longer post-birth and in menopause.


But in a disturbing turn of events, Brooke woke up from the op to be informed by her doctor that he'd "thrown in a little bonus" - a vaginal rejuvenation (tightening of the vagina) procedure – which she had neither asked for nor wanted.

The actress said: “This man surgically altered my body without my consent. And he thought he had done me a favor by throwing in a ‘bonus procedure’? The sheer gall of it enraged me.”

Speaking in response to the events shared by Brooke Shields, leading consultant plastic and cosmetic surgeon Gerard Lambe of Reflect Clinic UK and a spokesperson for industry body BAAPS, says: "Brooke's experience is both horrifying and illegal.

"In the UK, performing surgery on someone without their valid consent is considered a criminal offense, essentially constituting assault, and can lead to legal action against the medical professional involved; this means that a patient must always give informed consent before any surgical procedure can be carried out.

"However, it is more common than the industry cares to admit. As a surgeon I am often called upon to do corrective surgery following botched procedures but I've also had an increase in requests for redressing "unwanted" procedures.

"These range from breast augumentations where surgeons have used larger than requested implants, or where a woman's breast op has included the incision of milk ducts to create a more pert nipple - when such a procedure was never requested. I've also had female patients come to me with scars and tissue distribution problems on their abdomens from cowboy surgeons 'adding' non-consensual liposuction in areas never specified or agreed on pre-surgery. It is an appalling abuse of trust and power."

Mr Lambe, who specialises in a range of procedures including labiaplasty, tummy tucks and breast augumentation, adds: "I always strongly advise against cosmetic surgery tourism - going to cut price clinics overseas - as it is often at these clinics where problems happen, such as non-consensual procedures or adaptations to surgery without patient approval.

"It often comes down to poor communication and language issues, but alarmingly it is also down to exploitative surgeons who yield power of the scalpel and perform the surgery they wish and not that of the patient."

How to avoid non-consensual surgery?

1. Check your surgeon's credentials:


Gerard Lambe strongly advises anyone looking to have any procedure to research their surgeon fully. Check his/her credentials and ask for testimonials and reviews that are verifiable.

"Make sure they are a member of an industry body like BAAPS and the Royal College of Surgeons and ask if they are registered with the General Medica Council. Most reputable clinics and surgeons will be fully transparent on this," asserts Mr Lambe.

2) Always have a thorough consultation


Gerard Lambe advises having at least one or more pre-op discussions before making a decision. Meet in person for a full consultation so that a very clear agreement is made regarding your desired final outcome.


Lambe says: "From a tummy tuck, eyelid lift to an intimate operation like labiaplasty, tell the surgeon not only what you want it to look like, but also what you don't want. This is YOUR body and you want to live happily and healthily in it".

3) Avoid 'cut price deals and offers'


Any surgeon offering unnecessary surgical procedures as a "bonus" should be avoided like the plague. Surgery and general anaesthetic take their toll on you and recovery time is essential, so never agree to cut price or additional procedures that are possibly just a gimmick or way of making extra money. The surgery is very likely to be rushed and patient care compromised.


4) Home is best - give overseas clinics in Turkey and elsewhere a miss


Finally, please do not visit clinics overseas that are offering 2-for-1 offers and cut price deals. Many of these places are unregulated and the surgeons minimally qualified. If the worse was to happen, few if any are equipped for an emergency response. As we have seen in the news too often recently, going abroad for surgery can be a fatal decision.

5) Your health is more important than any cosmetic procedure


"Your life and health is more precious than any cosmetic procedure," says Gerard Lambe. "At my own clinic - Reflect - our priority is safety and your recovery is an absolute priority. The results should be something you are delighted with and that boost your confidence, not traumatise you. Always put safety first."


Gerard Lambe of Reflect Clinic UK


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