Your Face in their Hands,
Cosmetic Surgery Risks and Rewards.
by Professor Donald Marshall
Hill of Content Melbourne,1998,
Reviewed by Mr. Russell J Corlett FRACS.

The interest of media in aesthetic surgery appears insatiable and has seen regular segments in health and current affairs programs and more recently the production of series of magazines devoted entirely to this subject. Much of the material presented is glamorised, the pre and post-operative photographs show considerable artistic licence and has led to patient expectations which sometimes exceed the surgeon's ability to satisfy.

The book,Your Face in Their Hands, Risks and Rewards by
Professor Donald Marshall aims to present a balanced and informative appraisal of modern procedures in facial cosmetic surgery. Although aimed primarily at prospective patients, it may also be of benefit to primary care physicians who wish to be better informed.

The scope of the book is limited to facial surgery including chapters on surgical facelift, rhinoplasty, browlift, eye procedures, injection of various materials into the face and resurfacing procedures. It does not aim to cover other areas of aesthetic surgery, such as breast, abdominal or lipsosuction. The first 20 pages are devoted to an overview of the available options, followed by a chapter on choosing a doctor.

The book is short, just under 90 pages, it is easy to read and gives an excellent and well balanced account of the subjects and demonstrates Professor Marshall's wide experience in this field of surgery. The text is well illustrated with simple line drawings and pre- and post operative photographs are typical of the results that could be consistently achieved.

This book is highly recommended reading for all patients contemplating aesthetic surgery.