Cosmetic surgery services are increasingly used in Estonia to improve one’s well-being and self-confidence.
People often come for a surgeon’s consultation when more than one procedure is needed to achieve the desired result, or conversely, when it’s too early. Cosmetic surgery specialists Jüri Kullamaa and Pille Kirjanen from Kotka Private Hospital’s Plastic Surgery Center explain at what age various cosmetic procedures should be considered.
Filler Injections
Compared to more complex surgeries, the result of filler injections is visible immediately after the procedure – be it corrected facial features, smoothed wrinkles, or added volume to the lips. The latter is primarily used because lips tend to become thinner with age. “Contrary to a widespread myth, filler injections do have an age limit – they are not recommended for those under 18,” explained plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Pille Kirjanen.
Breast Plastic Surgery
Among cosmetic surgical procedures, breast augmentation is undoubtedly the most popular cosmetic surgical service in Estonia, but patients also visit the surgeon to correct asymmetric shapes or to reduce the breast size. “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 naturally developed, and the body is well capable of recovering from the procedure,” assessed experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Jüri Kullamaa.
Liposuction
Often, just before the upcoming beach season, many women worry about excess fat accumulated in certain areas, yet the procedure is not recommended for women who have not yet given birth. “Weight gain during pregnancy and skin stretching will revert the results to the 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 procedure. 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 sagging or drooping skin on or around the eyes is a concern, removing the excess skin can help, as it gives the face a tired look. This operation is mostly directly related to aging, which is why eyelid correction surgery is usually performed on patients over 35 years old. There is no upper recommended age limit for this operation, and the oldest patients who have sought help for this have even been over 80 years old.
Face and Neck Correction
Facial skin laxity is influenced by several factors, from heredity to excessive sun exposure, which has reduced tissue elasticity. Face and neck lifts, and forehead lifts, 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 will restore 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 the skin of a young person recovers from the procedure faster than that of an older person, 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.
The article was published in Õhtuleht
