Cosmetic Surgery in Greece
A guide to plastic surgery regulations in Greece
Augment the size and shape of your breasts
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Organizations
The Ministry of Health and Social Cohesion decides on overall health policy issues and on the national strategy for health.
The Greek (Pan-hellenic) Medical Association (PHMA) represents the professional interests of phyisicans with Greece. It is currently working to create an online register of qualified members. The PHMA is divided into regional chambers and a doctor must register with the local chamber in which they are to practice.
The Hellenic Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery is the main society for plastic surgeons in Greece and is directly affiliated with the European Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.
Education
The length of training including practical experience for a doctor in Greece is 6 years. The title awarded is Ptychion latrikis.
Plastic Surgery is a recognized specialty with a minimun of 6 years additional training as a registrar. This consists of 2 years of General Surgery, 3 years Plastic Surgery, and 2 single semester courses chosen from: Gynecology, Urology, Otorhinolaryngology, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Children Surgery and Thoracic Surgery. Speciailists are issued a "Titlos Iatrikis Eidikotitas" (certificate of medical specialisation) on compeletion of their period as a registrar.
Continuing education is promoted by Greece's hospitals and professional societies and is seen as an essential ethical responsibility.
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Complaints
Compliants against public institutions may be addressed to The Greek Ombudsman, an independant authority. Complaints may be addressed to the Greek Medical Association to be judged by its Ethical Committee.
A physician may also be judged by the ethical committee of any professional society to which they belong, though these will only have the power to censure or suspend membership within the scope of the society - not their activities in general practice.
Storage and Access to Medical Records
As a member of the Council of Europe, Greece is governed by the rules of that organization on the protection of personal data. Greece has its own independant Data Protection Authority. Access to data is also regulated by a number of laws, allowing individuals to access data held on them by public institutions.
Doctors have responsibilities to their patients beyond these regulations. They should co-operate with resonable requests for medical records as quickly as possible. There is a responsibility to store patients data safely and to store it for the period of time of its relevance.
Resources
The Ministry of Health and Social Cohesion
17, Aristotelous Street, GR-101 87 Athens, Greece
email: info@mohaw.gr, minister@mohaw.gr
website: http://www.mohaw.gr/
contact: Mr. Dimitris L. Avramopoulos, Minister of Health and Social Solidarity
The Hellenic Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
website: http://www.hespras.gr/
check membership: Here
Pan-hellenic Medical Association
website: http://www.pis.gr/
email: Pisinfo@pis.gr
local chambers: http://www.pis.gr/medassociations
recognised specialties: http://www.pis.gr/press/inter210208eng.html
Data Protection Agency
website: http://www.dpa.gr/ (in Greek)
Breast Implants
Augment the size and shape of your breasts
A guide to plastic surgery regulations in Greece
[ Read More ]
In this procedure breast size is enhanced by the use of implants (usually gel or silicone based). Implants can be used to return the breast to normal size during reconstructive surgery.
Augmentation can also be used to correct an imbalance in size between breasts.
The procedure usually takes between one and two hours.
Augmentation is carried out under a general anaesthetic. Various techniques are used to reduce visible scaring from the procedure: Implants may be introduced under the armpit or through the areola; another common technique is to make an incision under the breast allowing the breast itself to hide any scaring. Yet another technique allows the surgeon to use an endoscopic procedure, with the implant brought in through the navel area.
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Commonly, patients can return to normal activity within a week, with strenuous activity possible within four weeks. Temporary bruising and swelling are part of the recovery process and vary from patient to patient, all signs will usually be gone within six months. Scarring will result from any incision but will fade over time. Recovery is faster in healthy fit individuals who refrain from smoking.
Implants are liable to deflation, which will require the operation to be repeated. The procedure may result in a change of sensitivity of the skin and nipples. Capsular contraction, which is the formation of scar tissue around the implant, results in a hardening of the breast and can cause infection or bleeding.