Both men and women come to my office to consult about aesthetic surgery or medicine. With practices becoming increasingly accessible, we are turning to it more and more often or at an increasingly younger age. In our society driven primarily by image, the temptation is strong to follow the diktats of appearances, thus placing our body and our face under the influence of trends that come and go and are often launched by stars, previously by the media but now via social media.
For this reason, the role of advisor and “guardian against excesses” of the plastic surgeon is essential. Fortunately, the latest trend is the “French Touch”, which is on the contrary a very balanced, subtle approach to aesthetic surgery in pursuit of a natural result, far from clichés.
Kate Moss vs. Kim Kardashian
More often than not, trends emerge from the world of show business – especially the fashion world, itself both a source of inspiration and respresentative of society. These trends can push people (especially women) to subject their bodies to the diktats of fashion.
The size of breasts has changed a lot over the years but Kim Kardishian-style well-rounded buttocks are currently in. But do you have to yield? In the 90s, Kate Moss was the reference with her androgynous look and ultra skinny body; today we revere the callipygian silhouette which, to be honest, is unattainable for most women: breasts and buttocks but a very slim waist. As for the face, angular faces are the trend with a pronounced jaw accentuated by hollow cheeks and protruding cheekbones, like the models Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner or the actress Angelina Jolie.
The media clearly convey an ideal of beauty, often of slenderness and control of your appearance. Studies show that women do not feel as good about themselves after spending time on social media, confronted with images touched-up to varying degrees and far from reality.
Aesthetic surgery thus seems to be the answer to all their insecurities, especially with the improvement in techniques and advances. It is actually possible to treat yourself to a totally personalized body.
However, what do you do once all these trends have moved on? Another radical change?
The advisory role of the surgeon
Above all, what does this desire to follow the trends at all costs reveal about ourselves? Indeed, surgery and the resulting physical transformation does not solve the psychological problem and being able to detect if the request is too eccentric or if it is within the context of a psychological, emotional or professional crisis is an integral part of a surgeon’s job.
However, in France it is clear that most patient requests are coherent and that men as well as women are above all looking for discretion and class. The most common request is for a change that is totally inconspicuous.
This trend is the result of a very French sense of refinement but also a taboo that nevertheless continues to linger with regard to plastic surgery… very French as well!
My philosophy: seek a natural, balanced result
Aesthetic surgery must above all be a change to be in harmony with yourself, not follow a trend.
The success of aesthetic medicine procedures (non-invasive techniques, without surgery) demonstrates this desire for something more natural and well-balanced. This pursuit of sublimation, a less radical change that can be perfectly transposed to surgery has also been helped by the advances in the field.
Furthermore, I always prefer more targeted procedures in harmony with the shape and personality of my patient, and not procedures to meet a passing canon of beauty – which will have changed within ten years.
For example, for a lift, we will work on the skin but also the muscles and look to naturally tighten the skin without it appearing stretched or transformed.
Today, if you wish to increase the size of your breasts by one cup, breast augmentation can be performed without implants using lipofilling: a totally natural method of injecting your own fat and with which the risk is close to zero.
For injections, I prefer accurate doses that will not freeze or alter facial expressions by exagerating the volume (lips, cheek bones) and above all that are tailored to the age of my patient!
This approach known as the French Touch is based on respecting the lines, the expressions, and even the charm of each face. Precise gestures ensure minimal and often imperceptible scars. The change is always discreet or in any case perfectly suited to the shape of the face or body: there is no standardization.
It also means knowing how to say no. Indeed, a serious, experienced surgeon knows how to guide and above all advise. They will always ensure that the patient has clearly understood but also that the expectations are realistic so the result, as natural as it is, also brings great satisfaction and can stand the test of time.