Patients influenced by social media are a ‘red flag’.
Cosmetic Procedures have been available in Malta for a long time now. While health-related cosmetic procedures are offered for free ( following car accidents for example), others for beauty purposes are offered in private practices hospitals, and clinics.
Jason Debono, a qualified doctor, and owner of Revivestetik, who has been working in cosmetic procedures for the last 15 years explained that the main reason why people try cosmetic surgery is not because they want to change the way they look but rather because they want to remove a negative aspect of their features such as; tired look, deep wrinkles, sad smile and a sagging face amongst others. A different group consists of people who perceive a defect in their face and want to improve it/eliminate it.
Debono believes that those who really want to change the way they look are usually pressured by social media or pressure groups. Others suffer from body dysmorphia image, in such cases, he tries to educate them however he sometimes refuses to do the procedure altogether.
Patience influenced by Social Media, always takes a picture of a celebrity/influencer, with them and usually starts the consultation by showing him the picture. “That’s a red flag in my mind to tread carefully and see what the patient actually wants.”
Debono explained the importance of warning patients that cosmetic procedures are highly addictive. Most Patience are aware and therefore he has no problem carrying out the procedures as long as they do not overdo it.
The most common cosmetic procedure in both men and women between 30 years and old age is Botulinum Toxin treatments (Botox) followed closely by Dermal (temporal) fillers in both sexes 20 years till old age.
On the other hand, the most common cosmetic surgery is Rhinoplasty ( changing the shape and function of the nose), and this is common in men and women between 20-the 40s. Breast enhancement is also common in women 20-50s, while facelifts are common to both sexes after the age of 55.
A voice in the echo 