Exclusive interview with Dr. Moataz Al-Karmi, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Jordan Hospital.
Plastic surgery: between luxury and treatment… “A world we know little about.”
Dr. Moataz Al-Karmi
Consultant in plastic and reconstructive surgery
Interview conducted by: Manar Zawahra
Edited by: Murad Al-Mahdi
Amman,
Plastic and reconstructive surgery consultant Dr. Moataz Al-Karmi emphasized that plastic surgery is one of the most complex medical procedures and the one that most often overlaps with other medical specialties.
During his interview with Jordan Hospital newspaper, Dr. Al-Karmi added that the world of plastic surgery is vast and interconnected, requiring a physician’s artistic flair to always see the best and most beautiful, and through his vision, he can provide the best for his patients.
He noted that technology has significantly contributed to increasing the prevalence of cosmetic surgery, improving outcomes, and expanding the scope of demand for it among all age groups and both genders.
Dr. Al-Karmi explained that overcoming the “shame” theory also contributed to increasing demand for cosmetic surgeries, especially among men.
Below is the text of the interview:
Q: How common is cosmetic surgery nowadays?
A: The factors influencing the increase in cosmetic surgeries are the increase in the number of people, in addition to the person’s interest in himself, his view of himself, and working to improve it. Therefore, cosmetic injections help a lot. In addition, the end of the barrier of shyness has made men resort to plastic surgery, as they have the right to care for themselves.
Q: What are the most common cosmetic surgeries?
A: Nose correction procedures for men and women.
Q: Art plays a significant role in this specialty, and the plastic surgeon is somewhat similar to the painter. Do you agree?
A: The plastic surgeon must have a preliminary and future vision and must anticipate how the patient will look after surgery. Each case is different, and he must know the final result to advise the patient.
Q: Do people request specific things for their nose job?
A: The steps are the same for all operations, but some cases require modifications in terms of nose length and shape.
Q: Do some patients request a nose shape similar to a famous artist?
A: Yes, and a lot. This is incorrect, as the nose is a major facial organ, and the desired shape may not suit the patient’s face. Each case must be analyzed individually.
Q: What is the solution to a deviated septum affecting breathing?
A: If deviation affects breathing, surgery is necessary. If not, surgery is not needed.
Q: What does plastic and reconstructive surgery include?
A: It encompasses everything in surgery. A doctor studies general surgery first, then specializes in plastic surgery, which includes burn surgery, congenital deformities, accidents, skin tumors, and more.
Q: Most famous operations you performed?
A: Restoring an amputated hand at Jordan Hospital, performed with orthopedic doctors. The patient eventually returned to normal.
Q: Is there a cure for the seventh nerve?
A: Simple operations exist with good results, complex ones too. Return to normal exceeds 80%. Surgery is not always recommended.
Q: How did you manage to dispel fears about plastic surgery?
A: Differentiate between medical errors and procedure complications. If a procedure is performed in a hospital but infection occurs, it’s a complication. If performed by an unqualified doctor in a clinic, it’s a medical error.
Q: Must a plastic surgeon have talent?
A: Yes, to see the final picture beautifully and apply it.
Q: Treatment for dark circles and wrinkles?
A: Sensitive under-eye area is affected by sunlight and fat loss. Treated with filler or fat injections.
Q: Popularity of liposuction?
A: Not suitable for 10-15 kg overweight, suitable for significant overweight. Must lose weight before procedure. Major complications possible. Only a certified plastic surgeon should perform it.
Q: Treatment for facial pits?
A: Result from acne scars, treatment depends on depth: chemical, injections, or operations.
Q: Has technology developed in Jordan, especially at Jordan Hospital?
A: Yes, cosmetic surgery has advanced globally. Endoscopic surgeries and facelifts are now easier, safer, with threads and injections making operations simpler.
Q: Hair transplantation?
A: Yes, part of plastic surgery.
Q: Plastic surgeons are highest paid doctors?
A: Not necessarily, other specializations may earn more.
Q: How to differentiate cosmetic surgeries?
A: Cases classified by need: surgery, injections, etc. Doctors continuously train through courses, conferences, and workshops.
Q: Why did your daughter choose cosmetology?
A: It’s been my dream since medical school, and this ambition remained with my daughter as well.
Q: Role of medicine in medical tourism?
A: Attracted foreign cases, especially reconstructive surgery from war-torn countries.
Q: Any rare cases over 30 years?
A: Unrealistic requests like bringing a photo of themselves. We assess whether the look will suit the face. Advising patients is case-specific to prevent complications.
Q: Cases where you were surprised by the results?
A: Yes, many cases had wonderful results.
Q: What did you learn from your father, Dr. Zuhair Al-Karmi?
A: Humility, love of knowledge, respect for people, self-confidence, and raising children on the right path.
