Integrated obstetrics and gynaecolocy for postgraduates. Edited by Sir John Dewhurst. Third edition. 250 × 195mm. Pp. 810 + xii. Illustrated. 1981. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific. £47·50

Abstract

THESE two volumes represent an extension of Dr Rees's classic work Cosmetic Faciul Surgery which he co-authored with Dr Wood Smith and published in 1973. The need for expansion to cover body recontouring was clearly evident. Chapters on post-mastectomy breast reconstruction have also been included, although this is more correctly reconstructive surgery, it highlights the grey area between the two specialties.Dr Rees carries out a prodigious volume of cosmetic surgery and is one of the foremost international figures in this field. It is a joy, therefore, to find a book largely written by one experienced author such as this. He presents not only the good results of which he has many, but also describes in detail the complications, how best to avoid them and what to do when they have appeared.The early chapters on patient consultation and psychology cannot be bettered. Understanding and insight into the patient seeking cosmetic surgery is absolutely essential before proceeding. This group of patients can be some of the most difficult and cantankerous and sometimes the most grateful in the entire field of surgery. Dr Rees, with his incisive writing style, cuts through complex jargon and points out the patients to be wary of and avoid surgery, and those where a good result may be expected, despite a poor beginning.The doctor-patient relationship is always important but nowhere is its fine balance so critical as in cosmetic surgery and without being armed with experience such as provided by Dr Rees the neophyte is in for a stormy passage.The first volume deals very largely with rhinoplasty and goes extensively into assessment and modification of the standard techniques. The deviated nose and the secondary rhinoplasty are also fully discussed.The second volume presents eyelid reduction and its complications and then face-lifts. The place and technique of elevating the superficial muscular aponeurotic systems and the platysma is very much in vogue at present and is granted a separate chapter. These refinements reflect the unimpressive results achieved by standard face-lifts and the attempts made to enhance the results. Throughout both volumes, the text is supported by excellent line drawings and photographs which depict results and problems.Further embellishments of facial cosmetic surgery such as chemabrasion. forehead-lifts and mentoplasty are also discussed. The latter part of the second volume is devoted to breast surgery and lipectomies of various body areas. These contributions from multiple authors are standard teaching and lack some of the quality of the foregoing volumes.In summary, these two volumes must be considered the preeminent work on cosmetic surgery; they form a sine qua non for the young surgeon seeking to carry out this demanding work and the experienced surgeon is sure to find them of interest.