"As long as mankind has existed, it has worked on its beauty."
Javier de Benito, Barcelona, Spain's most famous aesthetic surgeon. Interview by Eva Karcher. Excerpt from the book 'Aesthetic Surgery'
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What is the most unusual request for surgery you have encountered in your career?
A man once came to me for a nose job. He had already been operated on seven times, but none of the surgeons had truly understood what he wanted. This was to have a nose that looked exactly like the nose of Princess Caroline of Monaco!
What are your patients' reactions following surgery?
When they look into the mirror a few days after the operation, their reaction is usually quite positive. Sometimes they are a little apprehensive when they realize that their appearance has changed. Ultimately, their reactions depend on how well they understood the information they were given before the operation.
Could you name some of your more well-known patients?
Certainly not. The vow of secrecy is essential to the medical profession. I can only tell you what kinds of celebrities have been treated at our institute: actors, film and TV stars, politicians and famous sporting personalities.
Do you believe that beauty largely emanates from within?
There is an old saying claiming that "beauty is the mirror of the soul," but I don't believe it to be true. A person can be beautiful and at the same time depressed or even psychopathic. If somebody on the other hand is happy and feels good, this is reflected by the stance and energy they display. The greatest state of happiness would therefore be reached when beauty and well-being converge.
Do you think that beautiful people are happier and lead more fulfilled lives?
Already in the age of classical Antiquity, Socrates noted that beauty was the best letter of recommendation. This suggests that a good-looking person has an advantage when applying for jobs etc., and finds it easier to gain access to many kinds of events than an ugly person would. Lasting success and happiness, however, depend on other qualities and values.
Do beautiful people have better sex?
See previous answer.
What does the future hold for cosmetic surgery?
I believe plastic surgery has a great future ahead of it, especially now that genetic research has opened the doors to a longer life. As our life expectancy is growing, we shouldn't only prepare our organism for a longer lifespan - our appearance should also match our vitality.
Page 1 2 3
Page 1 2 3
What is the most unusual request for surgery you have encountered in your career?
A man once came to me for a nose job. He had already been operated on seven times, but none of the surgeons had truly understood what he wanted. This was to have a nose that looked exactly like the nose of Princess Caroline of Monaco!
What are your patients' reactions following surgery?
When they look into the mirror a few days after the operation, their reaction is usually quite positive. Sometimes they are a little apprehensive when they realize that their appearance has changed. Ultimately, their reactions depend on how well they understood the information they were given before the operation.
Could you name some of your more well-known patients?
Certainly not. The vow of secrecy is essential to the medical profession. I can only tell you what kinds of celebrities have been treated at our institute: actors, film and TV stars, politicians and famous sporting personalities.
Do you believe that beauty largely emanates from within?
There is an old saying claiming that "beauty is the mirror of the soul," but I don't believe it to be true. A person can be beautiful and at the same time depressed or even psychopathic. If somebody on the other hand is happy and feels good, this is reflected by the stance and energy they display. The greatest state of happiness would therefore be reached when beauty and well-being converge.
Do you think that beautiful people are happier and lead more fulfilled lives?
Already in the age of classical Antiquity, Socrates noted that beauty was the best letter of recommendation. This suggests that a good-looking person has an advantage when applying for jobs etc., and finds it easier to gain access to many kinds of events than an ugly person would. Lasting success and happiness, however, depend on other qualities and values.
Do beautiful people have better sex?
See previous answer.
What does the future hold for cosmetic surgery?
I believe plastic surgery has a great future ahead of it, especially now that genetic research has opened the doors to a longer life. As our life expectancy is growing, we shouldn't only prepare our organism for a longer lifespan - our appearance should also match our vitality.
Page 1 2 3
