Cosmetic surgery services are increasingly used in Estonia to improve one’s well-being and self-confidence. Often, people come for a surgeon’s consultation when more than one procedure is needed to achieve the desired result, or conversely – when it is too early. Kotka Private Hospital surgeons Dr. Jüri Kullamaa and Dr. Pille Kirjanen explain at what age different beauty procedures should be considered.
Filler Injections
Compared to more complex surgeries, the result of filler injections is visible immediately after the procedure – whether it’s corrected facial features, smoothed wrinkles, or added volume to the lips. The latter is primarily used because lips tend to become thinner with age. “Unlike a widespread myth, filler injections also have an age limit – they are not recommended for those under 18,” explains plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Pille Kirjanen.
Breast Plastic Surgery
Among cosmetic surgical procedures, breast augmentation is undoubtedly the most popular cosmetic surgery service in Estonia, but people also turn to a surgeon to correct asymmetry or even to reduce the breasts. “A woman who wishes to undergo the procedure should be at least 25 years old – by then, the shape and size of the breasts have ‘grown out’ into their natural form, and the body is well-equipped to recover from the procedure,” estimated long-experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Jüri Kullamaa.
Liposuction
Often, just before the upcoming beach season, many women worry about excess fat accumulated in certain areas, but the procedure is nevertheless not recommended for women who have not yet become mothers. “Weight gain and skin stretching associated with pregnancy will revert the body to its pre-procedure state, making it simply pointless,” commented Dr. Kirjanen, adding that she also does not recommend the procedure for those under 35. “Liposuction is a medical procedure not intended as a simple cosmetic treatment. Healthy eating and sufficient physical activity are still the primary corrective methods that should always be preferred over liposuction,” said Dr. Kirjanen.
Eyelid Plastic Surgery
If loose or drooping skin on or around the eyes is a concern, then removing excess skin, which gives the face a tired appearance, can help. This operation is mostly directly related to aging, which is why eyelid correction surgery is generally performed on patients over 35 years old. There is no upper recommended age limit for this operation, and the oldest individuals who have sought help for it have even been over 80 years old.
Face and Neck Correction
The loosening of facial skin is influenced by several factors, from heredity to excessive sun exposure, which has reduced tissue elasticity. Surgeries that tighten the face and neck and lift the forehead are generally performed from the age of 40. “The result of the operation lasts approximately eight to ten years, and after that, if necessary, a repeat surgery can be performed, which restores a youthful appearance,” said Dr. Kullamaa.
Ear Correction
If a person is not satisfied with the shape or position of their ears, it can be changed with surgery, even before reaching adulthood. “Since a young person’s skin recovers from the procedure faster than an older person’s, and the procedure is so gentle that it doesn’t even require hospitalisation, it can indeed be done at a younger age to improve a person’s well-being,” said Dr. Kullamaa, whose youngest patients have been 6-7 years old.
