Aesthetic surgeon discusses cosmetic treatment trends and safety advice

An aesthetic surgeon has outlined current trends in cosmetic treatments and offered safety advice for patients, warning against unqualified practitioners and the pressure on young people to undergo procedures.

Speaking in a recent interview, Dr Ivy, an aesthetic medical expert with a clinic on Harley Street in London, said the most common desire among patients is to look like themselves, but 'optimised' and fresh. She noted that people do not want to look aged or tired, but rather to achieve a version of themselves from perhaps ten years ago. The surgeon emphasised that treatments should be tailored to the individual, following rules of proportion rather than fashion trends.

Dr Ivy observed a growing number of men seeking treatments, with the most popular being neuromodulators such as Botox. Men typically want to look refreshed while preserving a muscular look, often focusing on the jawline. For women, the typical patient is in her late 40s and wants subtle enhancement rather than an exaggerated appearance.

The surgeon expressed strong concern about very young women having procedures. 'Young people are beautiful because they are young,' she said, adding that those aged 18 to 20 do not need treatments. She advised that beauty lies in discipline and lifestyle, and that a holistic approach including healthy living and exercise is important.

On safety, Dr Ivy stressed the importance of choosing a qualified practitioner. She listed red flags: a person who is not a doctor or nurse, who has no knowledge of anatomy, who uses materials that cannot be found online, or who makes unrealistic promises. She recommended asking for before-and-after photos and seeking referrals from other doctors or previous patients. The surgeon also noted that financing plans are available, describing cosmetic treatment as a marathon rather than a one-off expense.

The interview covered a range of treatments, including dermal fillers and threads for jawline definition, as well as the surgeon's own trademark techniques such as 'diamond lips' and 'face design', which are based on the geometry and mathematics of facial proportions. She cautioned against following fashion trends, such as overly large lips, and instead advocated for a scientific, personalised approach.