Last Word: Issue One

Created on 22nd May 2009

Cosmetic surgeon Mr Alex Karidis takes a look at recent developments in plastic surgery...

The past ten years have seen dramatic changes within the cosmetic surgery field. Those coming for treatments, the procedures they are requesting and the methods used are all constantly evolving, and since I established my first private practise in 1997 the whole understanding of surgery and its place within society has changed.

Perhaps the biggest difference I have noticed over the past few years has been the increase in men having cosmetic work. The stigmas attached to male surgery have lessened to the point that more men feel able to do something about the parts of their bodies they are unhappy with. Whether it's male breast reduction - which has become hugely popular - facelifts, or tummy tucks, there has been a very noticeable difference in the acceptability of male surgeries; no longer is it something men are embarrassed by or ashamed of - and rightly so.

Across the board, there has been a big increase in so called ‘lunchtime' treatments like Botox and fillers, which provide instant results and require little respite. This desire for quick fixes has no doubt been heavily influenced by the media coverage of celebrity surgeries. The emphasis placed by the media on our looks and, in particular, flaws, means that people are keen to look their best and these smaller, more frequently applied treatments are not viewed to be as drastic as more invasive surgeries - although they still require the same careful thought and consideration as more complicated procedures. In today's climate, society is far more accepting and understanding of people who wish to change and improve their appearance, which for them can make a big difference to their standard of living.

In the most recent months, I have seen an increase in women who want to reduce the size of their breast implants. The trend of very large implants has subsided slightly, and many women who chose bigger implants during their first surgeries are now choosing to go smaller. This procedure is often now partnered with an uplift operation to ensure the best long-term result. More and more people are also returning for further surgeries after their first cosmetic operation, realising the improvements additional procedures can have in their lives.

Through all of these developments, however, my basic principles and ideas concerning surgery have not really changed since I first began practising. At their foundation lies the fundamental principle of creating a natural looking result. Sure, techniques have improved over the years and technology has given us the opportunity to facilitate our operations towards this end, but the aim is always to create a look that appears natural in the whole context of the individual.

Of course, cosmetic surgery is a serious undertaking - it has to be the right decision for the patient, and that is still one of the most important factors in any consultation I give. People shouldn't be pushed into having surgery, nor should they go into it for the wrong reasons or with unrealistic expectations. It has to be a carefully thought-out decision which, while taking other people's opinions into consideration, is ultimately about the patient and how they feel their quality of life may be improved via surgery. It is a surgeon's responsibility to ensure that any candidate they take on has realistic expectations for their procedure, and that they are motivated by their own hopes rather than anyone else's. While it is an understood and acceptable choice today, surgery is still a major life decision, and can't be an impulse buy.
CSMUK