This is stated by plastic surgeons Dr Pille Kirjanen and Dr Jüri Kullamaa. According to them, it’s also a myth that cosmetic surgery prices are cheaper in Latvia.
While during the time of the Russian army, the main problem for men seeking cosmetic doctors was cutting noses straight again, and even some time ago, men were extremely reserved about cosmetic surgeries, today, Estonian men are already much bolder in correcting their appearance. This is great because sometimes very little is enough for a person to feel more confident and attractive and to gain courage in their work and private life, say doctors Jüri Kullamaa and Pille Kirjanen from the Estonian Centre for Aesthetic Surgery.
However, according to Kullamaa, it must be acknowledged that the Estonian man is shier than men elsewhere in the world. “In reality, one shouldn’t deny themselves an operation due to false shame, but rather take a bold step if something about their appearance seriously bothers them. It’s worth it if it contributes to your well-being and self-confidence. At the same time, if a person feels they can manage without surgery, there’s naturally no point in embarking on that journey.”
The main concerns for which men turn to cosmetic surgeons today are gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement at a certain age or due to fat tissue growth. Also abdominoplasty, excess skin around the eyes, and botulinum toxin, or Botox, for smoothing wrinkles, and filler injections for sunken areas. “Men have started using creams much more than, for example, 10 years ago, but pain is still often feared. While women nicely endure injections or surgery for the sake of beauty, men are more hesitant. Results are desired, but not pain,” admits Kullamaa, adding that in reality, not every correction means surgery or injection; many problems like acne or red blood vessels can be solved with laser procedures.”
Unlicensed cosmetic doctors are still a major concern
Dr Pille Kirjanen states that a cosmetic surgeon must have aesthetic sense and time to delve deep into each person’s problem, so that the result is safe, beautiful, and lasting. “Although people are indeed increasingly caring about their health, they are not always aware of the dangers that may accompany treatments and operations. Often people come to the clinic showing beautiful pictures of what they wish to become. A cosmetic surgeon’s job is to advise people and sometimes bring them back to reality when expectations are too unrealistic. The result of a cosmetic surgeon’s work must be aesthetic. To our delight, increasing emphasis is being placed on background checks and on ensuring that the surgery is performed by a trained and experienced plastic surgeon who continuously stays updated in their field.”
According to her, there’s a big difference whether a doctor has trained as a general, plastic, or vascular surgeon. “Basic medicine is naturally the same, but during specialization, one learns in depth according to a different curriculum. Unfortunately, both in Estonia and elsewhere in the world, there are situations where surgeries are performed by unlicensed individuals. At the same time, there are countries where even syringes intended for cosmetic injections may only be held by a trained doctor – Estonia, unfortunately, is not yet that far. This would, however, be a very correct step, because cosmetic injections are also a procedure that carries risks and should certainly not be performed in a beauty salon.”
Kullamaa agrees that today’s business environment is cluttered with unlicensed beauty clinic employees. “The field of aesthetics is an area where lifelong learning must be guaranteed. Rules are in place, and doctors are trained according to each field; for example, we have had a separate plastic surgery residency, or specialization, for years. It may seem that injections, hair removal, and laser therapy are simple procedures, but even for these, one should have a deep understanding of human anatomy. Another problem is when injections are performed in beauty salons rather than in clinic premises that meet the requirements. People interested in beauty services should definitely thoroughly research the background of the chosen company and its employees before making a decision.”
Myths not worth believing
The popularity of plastic surgery is growing worldwide today, and according to doctors at the Estonian Centre for Aesthetic Surgery operating in Kotka Health House, non-surgical solutions such as injections and laser therapy are showing an even greater growth trend. This is partly due to fear and partly to allow beauty procedures to be done without a long absence from work.
Speaking of myths circulating among people, doctors first highlight breast implant surgery. Breast augmentation surgeries are by far the most common aesthetic surgeries worldwide, but often people’s understanding of their results differs, and doctors have to caution women, for example, about keeping breasts to a normal size – partly for aesthetic reasons and partly because the larger the implant, the more problems may arise. Estonians are relatively conservative, and persuasion is more often needed with foreigners who travel here for surgery. “But whoever undertakes breast augmentation surgery must consider that it will likely not be their last breast operation. It may be necessary to replace the implant or correct the breast due to sagging that occurs during life,” says Kirjanen, adding that scars are another myth. “Scars remain with every operation. It is irresponsible to promise a scar-free and lifelong breast operation!”
Plastic surgery services are not cheaper in Latvia
More and more patients are asking whether aesthetic surgery prices are cheaper in Latvia than in Estonia? According to Kullamaa, the first argument for preferring Estonia is certainly that plastic surgery here is of a very high standard. And if you factor in the additional costs of traveling to Latvia, such as transport and accommodation, traveling to Riga for surgery will definitely not be cheaper.
“Mostly, we perform beauty procedures uniformly worldwide. The focus on beauty, however, differs – one way in Europe and a bit differently in America. At the World Congress of Aesthetic Surgeons held in the USA at the end of last year, it was discussed with other doctors that while people in Europe generally hope to achieve a fresher, younger, and natural version of themselves through aesthetic surgery, in America and Russia, aesthetic surgery is a status symbol that shows you can afford it,” says Kullamaa.
Kirjanen adds: “We are pleased that in Estonia, much emphasis is placed on the safety of aesthetic surgery and achieving a modest result. Sometimes, in communication with people, it comes across as if plastic surgery is a luxury product, but in reality, today it is a much more accessible service than it was during the Estonian kroon era. Often, people are willing to save and accumulate for travel but not for the sake of their own health or well-being. It’s a matter of choices!”
The story was published on the Bestmarketing website.
