Plastic surgery has grown in popularity over the last few years, with more people opting to alter their looks to fit into the body they want. Once considered the preserve of celebrities and the wealthy, plastic surgery is now accessible to anyone. We interviewed Dr. Mohammed Hussain Alqahtani, a famous Saudi plastic surgeon, to find out more about plastic surgery.
Q: Hello, Dr. Mohammed, is there an optimal age for a plastic surgery procedure? Do men come to see you for plastic surgery?
A: With plastic surgery becoming more mainstream and accessible, we see people of all ages coming in for a consultation. There is no age limit; no one is too old for plastic surgery. What is more important is the patient’s medical history and physical state. However, some procedures are more common in some age groups. For instance, the average age of those requesting facial rejuvenation, such as a facelift, is between 40 and 60. When choosing the most appropriate procedure, we consider the age of the patient since there are different procedures suitable for different age groups.
Contrary to popular belief, men also undergo plastic surgery. The ratio of women to men is presently at 80:20, though I believe that this figure will increase gradually, as men are becoming more comfortable with admitting that they want parts of their bodies changed.
Q: Breast augmentation is popular among women. What are the main types of implants used?
A: Silicone implants are the most common. They are basically a silicone shell that is filled with silicone gel. They have a soft and natural feel. Saline implants are used on patients who either have to avoid silicone for medical reasons or prefer implants made of natural materials. They are essentially implants filled with a sterile saline solution that can be varied in quantity to change the feel, shape, and firmness of the breast.
Q: There are many plastic surgeons and clinics in the world. What should someone consider before choosing where to have the procedure done?
A: You should always look for information on the surgeon. Don’t rely only on what their website says; look for what their clients say about their services. There are various forums where you can find people who have undergone plastic surgery. These are the best people to get information from since they give it based on their experiences.
Look into the history of the clinic too. A larger clinic with an established background will have more professionals such as the plastic surgeon, an anesthesiologist, and surgical nurses, all of whom will play important parts in the procedure. Lastly, ensure that the clinic and all the professionals working there are registered with the relevant professional bodies.
Q: As we wrap up this interview, what is the future of plastic surgery in your opinion?
A: Plastic surgery will definitely keep on growing in popularity, and we as surgeons are looking for ways to further make it non-invasive than it currently is. Minimally invasive procedures such as treatments with dermaplax and platelet-rich plasma are going to be trending soon. From the first cleft palate surgery to the various plastic surgery procedures we have today, the field has really grown in leaps and bounds. It will be exciting to see what will come next for plastic surgery.
