In recent times, there has been a growing hype around cosmetic surgeries, driven largely by their increased availability, affordability, and influence from social media beauty trends.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

However, unbeknownst to many individuals seeking corrective procedures, approval for cosmetic surgery is hardly ever immediate because of several reasons.

Cosmetic dermatologist and CEO of Avane Clinic Pranav Pancholi, recently broke down the intricate process a facility and patient have to undergo for a surgery to kick off, and it all begins with a series of medical, psychological, and lifestyle assessments before a patient is cleared for any operation.

According to Pancholi, the evaluations often include a pre-operative psychological screening where the specialists assess a patient's expectations and mental health stability.

📌 What You Need to Know

In some cases, clinicians specifically screen for conditions such as body dysmorphia, where an individual spends an unhealthy amount of time preoccupied with their physical appearance.

"We live in a world where mental health is a global issue. So, for us we try to help the situation by providing solutions, but it is not straightforward," Pancholi revealed.

Pancholi also noted that the rising demand for cosmetic procedures has exposed gaps in regulation, with some clinics failing to follow proper ethical and medical standards. This can take up to a month from the time the patient initially suggested a cosmetic procedure.

He noted that beyond physical suitability, psychological readiness is increasingly becoming a key factor in determining whether a patient is fit for surgery, as unrealistic expectations and untreated mental health concerns can lead to dissatisfaction even after technically successful procedures.

"When it is too cheap, think twice, especially when it is your body. People are doing BBLs for Ksh120,000, which can be very dangerous," Pancholi said during the launch of Kenya's first plastic and reconstructive surgery facility.

Another plastic surgeon, Shaban Saidi, also broke down some of the reasons why some plastic surgery patients still felt dissatisfied with results after major operations like liposuction or gastric balloon surgery, noting that in many cases the issue is not the procedure itself but unrealistic expectations or failure to maintain post-surgery lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and weight management.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke