The Interest in Aesthetics Increased During the Pandemic. During the pandemic period, there has been a significant increase, especially in facial surgeries. During the time we spent at home, we started spending more time on social media. These platforms, where everyone is in an effort to look better and more beautiful, have naturally increased interest in aesthetic operations. In particular, ears started to appear more tense due to wearing masks, leading to an increase in prominent ear surgery. The same increase is observed in rhinoplasty as well.
Interest in Aesthetics Increased During the Pandemic
Tummy, nose, and breast aesthetics are at the top of the list. In abdominal aesthetics, tummy tuck and contouring are the most preferred methods. A sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, and failure to adhere to a diet program lead to fat accumulation. Unfortunately, a large part of these fats becomes stubborn despite diet and exercise. While autumn and winter months were previously preferred for preparation for summer, recently, aesthetic surgeries have been performed in all seasons. For nose surgeries, a natural and non-exaggerated appearance is desired. Breast surgeries, which are preferred due to age, breastfeeding, and genetic factors, frequently involve lifting and augmentation. Buttock aesthetics have also become popular recently. Both fat transfer and implants are among the methods used for buttock shaping. In medical aesthetic applications, Botox and fillers have always been the most preferred ones. Especially, "moderate lip filler" is in high demand.
Many Aesthetic Surgeries Do Not Require Hospitalization
Eyelid aesthetics and prominent ear correction are among the surgeries performed under local anesthesia. For surgeries performed under general anesthesia, usually, one-night hospitalization is sufficient. Many of the patients who undergo surgery in the morning start walking around in the afternoon.
90% of our patients are able to return to their normal lives on the same day.
We observe such rapid recovery after breast surgery, rhinoplasty, prominent ear, and eyelid surgeries. Generally, a one-week rest period is sufficient. In most cases, resting at home for a week is enough for the recovery process. After a week, individuals can comfortably return to work.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
A person must first like and love themselves. As the feeling of dissatisfaction with oneself increases, psychological issues such as depression may arise. Although aesthetic surgeries provide long-lasting results, the body's aging process continues. The patient’s quality of life, avoiding sun exposure, not smoking, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet all contribute to the longevity of surgical results. Every surgery carries risks; making this a lifestyle and undergoing extreme procedures such as removing ribs is, in my opinion, a sign of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (Body Image Disorder). This disorder involves an excessive preoccupation with one's physical appearance and exaggerated reactions to perceived flaws. I consider it risky to perform procedures on individuals with this condition and choose not to do so.
Prof. Dr. Umut Tuncel
Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist
