Ten
Questions
to
Ivo Pitanguy

By Katia Naves / Photos by: Marluci Balbino

 Brazil is number two in the world in terms of number of plastic surgery procedures performed, second only to the U.S.A. In 2003, there were 400,000 surgeries performed (70% women and 30% men). Why does Brazil enjoy world-wide prominence in plastic surgery?

Brazil is a beautiful country and its people strive to be in harmony with their own images and looks. It is a country full of marvelous landscapes, inspired by contrasting nature. Our school of plastic surgery has produced many well trained surgeons who have spread out all over the country, allowing the population access to high level plastic surgery.

  There are many criticisms of the "banalization" of liposuction. What are the real risks of this surgical intervention?
All surgeries must be faced with seriousness.  It is a surgery that has its precise applications, mostly involving localized fat, in both men and women.  It is a great instrument of plastic surgery. On the other hand, liposuction is not a weight loss method, and when used in extreme cases, with the removal of great volumes of fat, it has risks. 

  The Regional Counsel of Medicine (CRM) has determined several rules for the execution of liposuction. What is your opinion on these measures?
The CRM has made these rules based on what the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery considers to be the most correct procedures. Liposuction, when well executed, brings excellent results.

  Does the vanity of Brazilian women contribute to the expansion of plastic surgery in the country? Is this vanity extreme?
This vanity is not exclusive to Brazilian women. We are living at a time of a great youth cult, not just in Brazil, but all around the world. This cult emerges from advertising, the promotion of beauty products, cosmetics, and special dietary supplements. This development is flawed, because the young of today are the old of tomorrow.  In reality I see this as a transitory phase, because to be human involves preparing for each step in your life with dignity. The only problem with youth, according to Bertrand Russell, is that it is wasted on the young, who do not have the capacity to appreciate it.

  What do you think about Brazilian beauty?

Brazilian beauty exists because we have a tremendous mix of races; with Aboriginal, African, Asian and European influences. It is the mixture of these races with a chromosomic addition, which creates our diversified beauty. Due to its plurality, Brazilian beauty is unique.

   Have you ever refused to perform a surgery?

We surgeons develop a psychological profile of each patient. If we feel that a patient is not certain about what he or she intends to do, and if we notice that what we propose is not well understood, it is important at this moment that we decline to perform a surgery. In serious cases we indicate psychological support.

  How about the fear of operating? Have you ever experienced this?

Yes, I have experienced this feeling, because all doctors fear other doctors, once we know and are aware of our limitations. On the other hand, I do not fear to operate on anybody, because we learn to operate. But there are cases where we distrust ourselves in performing a surgery because of the critical condition which limits the result, as in traumatic, congenital or operation sequels. If the patient understands the limitations, any improvement that we can offer will be well received.

  You have already operated on stars and celebrities from around the world. What is the difference between operating on anonymous people and celebrities?

During the last 40 years of dealing with very poor patients and patients from diverse social classes, I have learned that there is no difference for the doctor between the prince and the beggar; this I tell my pupils.

  The search for unattainable beauty: how do you deal with this?

If the person has an unrealistic expectation, we must evaluate, observe, and listen to what he or she desires to have done. We never operate beyond the realistic expectation that we can deliver. Many patients are looking for an aid; often they require psychotherapeutic support, which in some cases can help more than a surgery.

  What is the advice for someone who wants to have plastic surgery performed?

The person must have an internal motivation, and not external. If he/she cannot tolerate himself or herself for some reason, then surgery may bring the joy of living in peace with their image. They must still look for a surgeon who listens to them and understands them. As well as having a refined knowledge of surgical techniques - it should be a trained plastic surgeon who is a member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery.                                                                                                                

-(This article appeared in the Brazilian beauty magazine, Plastica e Beleza. This edited version was translated by the staff of CosmeticVacations.)