 Requirements of a Plastic Surgeon
- All Swedish medical doctors specialise in a chosen field having undergone basic training. To graduate takes twelve years. A further 5 to 10 years are then spent under a more experienced specialist until one is considered sufficiently proficient to practise independently. To remain at the forefront of the new techniques, regular seminars are attended, and continuous dialogue with colleagues takes place. Who needs plastic surgery?
- People want to look as good and as well as they feel. Their face might look tired and their eyes puffy. This might cause family and friends to express ageing concern. Some people want their fat reduced via liposuction. Others want their nose reshaped more attractively. Ones requirements depend on ones age. Young women often want their small breasts augmented. Middle-aged people often want the ageing lines removed around the eyes, or the facial skin "lifted". Women often want the tell-tale signs of after-birth removed. Nowadays, more and more men are considering plastic surgery, despite their natural reticence. What are the most common procedures?
- For the last few years, the most common operations carried out have been breast augmentations. Breast reduction too, is now much sought-after, as is eyelid and nose surgery. Liposuction has also been much in demand. Vilka operationer är då vanligast?
- Sedan några år tillbaka är bystförstoring den vanligast operationen. Bystförminskning på grund av tung byst är också vanligt. Ögonlocksoperationer och näsoperationer är vanliga. Fettsugning. Bukplastiker av olika slag. Do you suggest the operations?
- Not really. I explain to patients what is, and what is not possible. Then based on their choices, I can describe the various options, as well as the after-effects of the specific surgery. To take one example, if an upper eyelid operation is requested, and I believe the result would be somewhat ineffective, I may suggest a combination of two procedures to get the required result, adding a complementary lifting of the eyebrows. I would never push anyone to undertake a particular procedure, but instead take them through the most recommended course of action, be it via a different approach or a combination of different operations. Is it possible to get the exact look one wants?
- The short answer is no. By that I mean that if a photo of your favourite film star is produced, one cannot reproduce their looks. However, I can also answer positively in that, yes, I can make your nose straighter and more attractive, and yes, I can make your eyelids look as they did when you were younger, and yes, I can improve the shape of your breasts... etc. As a plastic surgeon, it is vital that my patients have realistic and reasonable expectations following procedures to change and improve their looks. Provided they are given honest information and advice prior to surgery, they should walk away afterwards highly satisfied. How can I know that the plastic surgeon I visit is skilled and serious?
- The patient should ask: Are you a plastic surgeon (by education and training!) How long is your experience? Where and how did you receive your training? Do you see the result immediately after the surgery?
Yes, you do. You always see an immediate result. But what you see immediately after surgery is not the end result. It is necessary to be patient as the healing process might take a while. After an eyelid surgery it takes a few weeks to see the end result, whereas it can take months to see the end result after a liposuction. A facial lifting needs 2-3 months to heal. Patience is the word. Nose surgery patients are those who have the smallest patience. Weird! Is the postoperative
period tough? - The immediate days after surgery are tougher then the surgery itself. Some operations give an obvious amount of pain for a couple of days, other for a few hours. Ordinary painkillers (like paracetamol, not acetylsalicylic acid!) and good information on the pain normally gives a sufficient relief. Some breast operations might give pain the first and second days, while eyelid and nose surgery leads to only a few hours of pain soreness. Is it possible
to tell that I have been to a plastic surgeon? - Interesting question. I want you as a patient, and your nearest, to see the result of the surgery. Obviously. I want you to show a positive result of the surgery. People in the street should not be able to see anything strange about your looks. And people you meet now and then should only see that there is a positive difference with you, without being able to put their finger on it; Oh you look healthy! Have you lost weight? Have you had your hair cut? My philosophy is that nobody should be able to say that you have been to the plastic surgeon when the healing process is over and the end result is reached. Aesthetic surgery should give obvious results but not exaggerated. You should look naturally beautiful and fresh. What kind of anaesthesia is used?
- I recommend local anaesthesia in combination with tranquillizers. The reason is that I want to avoid risks, which can lead to unnecessary harm. During long anaesthesia there is an increased risk for thrombus formation, especially if the patient is middle aged or older. That risk is avoided when performing operations in local anaesthesia combined with tranquillizers. General anaesthesia is very safe today, but unnecessary for most aesthetic operations. What guarantees for a good result does a patient have?
- Results of surgery cannot be guaranteed! The result can be less than perfect, but I can not promise that the patient will be 100% satisfied even if I accomplish a flawless operation. My only guarantee is that I will never leave my patient in the lurch. We both have to be satisfied when we part. My success stops me from letting anyone walk away unsatisfied. But there are other alternatives like creams and massage for wrinkles?
-Some creams contain substances that are significant for the skin's elasticity. But it is not certain that the skin can absorb and benefit from these substances. Other creams might give a positive result after months of regular use. Massage can be very nice and relaxing, but it does not have any obvious effect on wrinkles. |
