— Gevorg Yuryevich, a few years ago it was commonly believed that plastic surgery belonged to the elite field of medicine, and many did not even dream of having an operation. How relevant is this issue today?
— Plastic surgery is still considered elite in Western countries, where the cost of operations reaches sky-high levels. In our country, prices for plastic surgery have always been quite affordable, and therefore the flow of patients is not only not decreasing, but increasing. We are approached not only by our fellow citizens, but also by residents of other countries, in particular, from Russia.
— What problems do patients most frequently seek help with?
— Most frequently, patients come due to dissatisfaction with the shape of their nose and ears. Minimally invasive techniques, such as lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid-based fillers and botulinum toxin injections, are gaining increasing popularity due to the short recovery period and a pronounced effect.
— Gevorg Yuryevich, often the result of rhinoplasty turns out not as desired… Not to mention that all operated noses look similar, regardless of whether the new nose suits the shape of the face or not. What, in your opinion, is the problem?
— I don’t have such a problem. Before the surgery, all my patients undergo a brief photo session and then computer modeling, which clearly shows the post-operative changes. Both at the modeling stage and during the operation, I always take into account facial proportions, certain individual features of the patient, and even their character, which, accordingly, excludes template results… I try to make the most natural-looking noses.
— Are there cases when you refuse to perform surgery on patients? If so, for what reasons?
— A refusal to perform surgery — based on medical criteria — occurs when there are contraindications. A patient is also refused if their desires do not match the possibilities of plastic surgery.
— Gevorg Yuryevich, what is the main difficulty in the work of a plastic surgeon?
— The result of any plastic surgeon’s work is, as they say, “on the face”. There must be no mistake. You always need to give your best. A good plastic surgeon has a low percentage of unsuccessful results.
— What criteria do you personally consider fundamental for a patient when choosing a clinic and a doctor?
— All patients go through certain stages when choosing a plastic surgeon.
At the very beginning, all available information is collected: this is mainly the Internet and word of mouth. Then the circle narrows down to 2-3 of the most likely candidates. This is followed by scheduling consultations with these surgeons, and only then does the patient choose their plastic surgeon. For some patients, the determining criterion is the demand for this surgeon, for others — the number and results of his works, for others — personal sympathy and trust. It is good when several criteria match.
— You have interned at clinics in the USA, Georgia, Russia, and Israel. Does plastic surgery in Armenia differ from that abroad?
— Scientifically and practically, the differences are minimal. The main differences lie in the technical aspect and mentality, but that is a topic for a separate and long conversation.
— What principles do you, as a doctor, follow in your work?
— Maximum involvement and attention to each patient, regardless of the complexity of the procedure or surgery being performed. Everything I do, I do for the sake of the patient. The meaning of my work is to help a person become beautiful and preserve their beauty, which means gaining self-confidence, raising self-esteem, and achieving success in life.
— Gevorg Yuryevich, most of our women, especially after childbirth, develop problems with weight and figure. Do you help women specifically with these problems?
— Weight correction is handled by nutritionists, not plastic surgeons. We deal with reshaping. Mostly after pregnancy, issues arise with the shape of the breasts (ptosis and loss of volume) and abdomen (the presence of a skin-fat apron and stretch marks). Restoring the previous shape of the breast can be achieved through mammoplasty (breast augmentation using silicone implants) or mastopexy (breast lift). The shape of the anterior abdominal wall is corrected using abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).
— How important is it for you to establish a relationship of trust with a patient before the operation?
— Exceptionally important, as the result of the operation, its success, and, as a consequence, the patient’s satisfaction with their appearance depend on it. A surgeon’s work does not end right after the operation. Many plastic surgeries require a great deal of patience from the patient during the post-operative “swelling” period. It is during this period that it is very important for the plastic surgeon to provide moral support to the patient.
— Wishes for our women
— At all times, women have been valued primarily for their grace and beauty, the radiance of their eyes, and their radiant smile. I wish our women to always be healthy, cheerful, and surrounded by the closest people who love you with all their hearts!
Mariam Samvelyan, “Armyanka” magazine
