Kaldari ... slams financially-motivated surgeons
A PLASTIC surgeon says he is fully booked until February 2010 – with nose jobs being the procedure most favoured by Qatar residents.
In an interview with Gulf Times, Saed Kaldari, a certified consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon, also revealed that although most of his clients were women, an increasing number of men were going under the knife in order to enhance their looks.
Although the majority of men opted for nose-reshaping – like 80% of his clients – there was a growing trend among figure-conscious males for liposuction procedures that create ‘six-pack’ abdomens and pectoral implants that give a more masculine appearance. Chin, cheek and jaw line augmentation were also on a number of surgery wish-lists.
Kaldari, who holds a Swedish Board certificate in plastic and reconstructive surgery with facial reconstructive surgery as a subspecialty, says huge developments in techniques, along with faster recovery times, have heightened interest in the field.
He explained: “Facial skin tightening adapted in the past has become a complete rejuvenation and augmentation, with operation recovery time incredibly reduced.”
In Qatar, the government provides free plastic and reconstructive surgery for Qatari nationals and discounts for residents. However, priority is given to those in need of reconstructive work.
“Reconstructive surgery patients are indisputably and immediately given priority because their defections are a cause of accidents or health issues that could develop into something very dangerous,” Kaldari explained.
A grease lump, for instance, situated in the neck might look unsightly, but it could also develop into a cancerous tumour if neglected.
However, it is in the field of cosmetic surgery that attitudes have dramatically changed.
Where once Qatari women would have recovered from procedures out of sight at home, these days many have no qualms about showing the plasters and casts that will soon reveal a stunning new nose. Although not all female clients are easy to satisfy.
With many women being motivated to change their appearance by glossy magazines showcasing celebrity beauty, many assume that surgery will bestow upon them the same flawless attributes. Kaldari explained that even though he could give an approximation of what the end result would look using computer software, there was sometimes an unreal expectation of what he could do.
“People are not aware that filtering and photo-shopping is applied on the photographs of showbiz personalities – the people they wish to look like.”
Kaldari blamed today’s fast-food generation for unrealistic expectations, causing some clients to demand immediate surgery and short recovery times.
The consultant said some women suffered from Body Dysmorphic Syndrome, a condition that causes them to see flaws that are not there. Kaldari said these particular women had expectations far exceeding what plastic surgery could actually achieve. The surgeon added that he refused to operate on such cases.
Kaldari expressed concern about operating on surgery-obsessed, teenagers, children and those suffering from depression. He said procedures on such clients should only be undertaken in very rare and difficult cases.
As an experienced surgeon, who takes a highly ethical stance within his profession, Kaldari slammed financially-motivated surgeons who take the cash without thinking of the client’s greater wellbeing. He cited the pop singer Michael Jackson as an example of when plastic surgery can go horribly wrong.
Speaking of the singer’s surgeon, Kaldari said: “He should have known better; a nose cannot be operated on more than three or four times, rarely five.”
Kaldari said that with the increase in popularity of cosmetic procedures, some surgeons were carrying out operations despite not specialising in the field.
The consultant explained that it was imperative that a plastic surgeon possessed an “aesthetic eye”. He said: “Furthermore, ordinary surgeons are not able to perform the sometimes very intricate work needed for such surgery.”
Kaldari is currently working on a study of nose operations, looking at techniques to reduce bruising and speed up recovery times for impatient patients.
