Plastic surgery in Kenya has undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding its reputation as an exclusive privilege for the affluent. Once seen as a taboo subject, it has now become a popular option for many seeking to enhance their appearance or improve their overall well-being. Botox, fillers, liposuction, and even more extensive plastic surgeries are no longer shameful secrets. Instead, they’ve become common topics of conversation, especially on social media, reflecting a significant shift in societal attitudes and accessibility.

An Expert’s Perspective/ General Overview

I recently had a conversation with Dr. Tilman Stasch at his office on 14 Riverside Drive. He is a renowned, fully qualified, and internationally board-certified Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic, and Hand Surgeon, trained in Germany, the UK (London and Edinburgh), and South Africa.

For this piece, I wanted to focus on women and the rise in plastic surgery and one of my first questions was if he had seen a significant increase. (We shall have another piece focusing on men, later)

“Yes, I have really seen an upsurge in women seeking plastic surgery, especially among the age groups of early 30s to late 40s. It’s definitely become more acceptable in society, unlike before when it was seen as a foreign, not-talked-about concept. Most of these women are glad that they can seek and afford these procedures in Kenya rather than travel miles away abroad, which is also far more expensive,” Dr. Stasch explained.

Understanding Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery alters certain areas of your body to treat medical issues or enhance appearance. Surgeons might perform procedures on the face, neck, breasts, stomach, arms, and legs. Reconstructive surgery repairs defects or injuries and restores function. It is important to note that plastic surgeons carry out plastic and aesthetic surgery and may cater for a whole range of cosmetic procedures, while other physicians, such as dermatologists, may perform cosmetic procedures but are usually not qualified to perform plastic surgical operations.

“Looking good” is subjective. What looks good to one person may not appeal to another. Different strokes for different folks. Who are we to judge what one does with their bodies? Plastic and cosmetic surgery are neither good nor bad. Both types of surgery have pros and cons. They can benefit people medically or psychologically and help improve a person’s confidence and self-esteem. However, like any other surgery, cosmetic and plastic surgery have risks and possible complications that may negatively affect a person’s health.

Popular Procedures

I was curious about the specific procedures that have seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years.

“The Brazilian butt lift, liposuction, tummy tucks, breast reduction, and facial rejuvenation have all become very popular. We also see a lot of interest in fat grafting in the face, to restore youthful appearance” Dr. Stasch noted.

When it comes to age, Dr. Stasch shared some insights: “We see younger clients opting for breast augmentation and liposuction, while older clients tend to go for tummy tucks and facelifts. For instance, breast reductions are common among younger clients, whereas eye lifts and facelifts are more popular among those in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s.”

Top Five Plastic Surgery Procedures Among Kenyan Women

Liposuction

Tummy Tuck

Brazilian Butt Lift

Breast Reduction

Breast Augmentation

Liposuction: Liposuction is a surgical operation that removes fat from targeted areas of the body using a special suction technique, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, or neck. This procedure also contours these areas to enhance their shape. The amount of fat removed depends on the appearance and volume of fat in the area. The resulting changes in shape are typically permanent, provided your weight remains stable. Water-jet assisted liposuction will allow the surgeon to use the fat to enhance other areas of the body, if desired (called lipofilling or fat grafting).

(Below OP: Tummy Tuck (500g) Post OP: 4 months)

Tummy Tuck: A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery aimed at improving the appearance and shape of the abdomen. During this procedure, excess skin and fat are removed, and the fascia (connective tissue) of the abdominal wall is usually tightened with sutures. The remaining skin is then repositioned to create a more toned and firm appearance.

(Below: OP: Tummy Tuck (500g) Post OP: 4 months)

Kenyan Butt Lift: A buttock lift is a cosmetic operation designed to enhance the appearance of the buttocks. It can be performed in conjunction with other operations like liposuction and tummy tuck, to contour not only the buttocks, but also allow the creation of a narrow waistline, and S-shaped body silhouette. During the surgery, fat is removed from one part of the body and transferred gently to hip dips, buttocks and thighs. Dr Stasch has coined the name “Kenyan Butt lift”, referring to the “Brazilian Butt lift”, since there are fundamental differences in the technique and results.

(Below: OP: Brazilian Butt Lift (Kenyan Butt Lift): Lipo 360 (5200cc), Fat Grafting butt and hips (1300cc each) Post OP: 7 months post op)

Breast Reduction: Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, involves removing fat, breast tissue, and skin from the breasts. This procedure can alleviate discomfort and enhance the appearance for those with large breasts by reducing volume and weight, but also lifting the breasts up. In effect, breast reduction surgery can boost self-image and facilitate participation in physical activities.

(Below: OP: Bilateral Breast Reduction R = 1345g L = 1200g.Post OP: 6 weeks post-op)

Breast Augmentation: Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to increase breast size. It involves placing implants beneath the breast tissue or chest muscles. An alternative is using the woman´s own fat, which can be used to increase the breasts. For some women, breast augmentation boosts confidence, while for others, it is a part of breast reconstruction for various medical conditions.

(Below: OP: Bilateral Breast Augmentation with Silicone – Motiva 340cc Post OP: 5 months post-op)

(pictures provided by Dr Tilman‘s clinic)

While all these procedures are available in Kenya, Dr. Tilman tells me that some Kenyan women still travel abroad, particularly to Dubai, the UK, South Africa, and Turkey, to seek operations like rhinoplasty. This surgical procedure, which reshapes the nose, is less common in Kenya but does have a slight demand. Interestingly, Dr. Tilman acknowledges that he does not practice rhinoplasty himself.

The costs of plastic surgery

Plastic and aesthetic surgery in Kenya is generally not more expensive than other operations, such as those in orthopaedics or general surgery. However, many insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures that are not medically necessary, so patients often have to pay out of pocket. Dr. Stasch explains that the costs of these operations depend on factors such as the level of expertise required, the length of time in the operating room, and the materials used. Smaller procedures can start at 400,000 KES, while more complex surgeries, like a four-hour operation that includes a tummy tuck, extensive liposuction, fat grafting, and possibly a breast lift, can exceed 990,000 KES.

Who is Eligible for These Procedures?

Eligibility for any of these procedures starts with a clean bill of health. Your medical history will be thoroughly checked, and you’ll undergo several tests to ensure you are a suitable candidate. “Having realistic expectations is crucial,” Dr. Tilman emphasizes. “Some clients come in wanting to look exactly like certain celebrities, which is often not feasible. For such patients, I sometimes recommend seeing a counselor or psychologist.” He also advises getting a second opinion before proceeding with any surgery.

Read Also: Vera Sidika is Set to Show Off New Busts After Surgical Procedure in New York

Unusual Requests in Plastic Surgery

Curious about the more unusual requests he receives, I asked Dr. Tilman to share some examples. “I’ve had requests for excessively large breasts, custom-made silicone implants, and even a scar face on the face. The latter was particularly strange,” he admits. “I am very particular about turning down such requests.”

Duration and Recovery of Surgery

The duration of surgery varies based on the procedure, ranging from one to four hours. Recovery time can take anywhere from one to two weeks, with final results expected at six weeks to three months. Regular follow-up check-ups to monitor progress are fundamental to aid in a successful recovery.

(stock image)

It’s crucial to note that plastic surgery should be performed in a hospital setting, staffed with qualified and experienced professionals, and equipped with the necessary surgical facilities. Cutting corners by conducting these procedures in inadequately equipped clinics, may significantly increase the risk of complications. Ensuring that your surgery is done in a properly equipped hospital can greatly reduce these risks, Dr Tilman stresses upon.

How to Choose the Right Surgeon (very, very important to take note)

Selecting the right surgeon is crucial for a successful outcome. Here’s what you need to look out for:

1. Check Their Qualifications: Ensure the surgeon has the necessary qualifications and certifications. They should be registered with the medical board.

2. Years of Experience: Experience plays a significant role in the quality of results. Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in the specific procedure you’re considering.

3. Rapport with the Doctor: It’s important to feel comfortable and build a good rapport with your surgeon. Clear communication and trust are essential for a positive experience.

4. Before and After Photos: A reputable plastic surgeon should be able to show you before and after photos of previous patients to demonstrate their work.

5. References and Reviews: Seek references from friends or look for online reviews about the surgeon. Personal testimonials and feedback can provide valuable insights. Ask around for feedback.

Please remember what works for one woman might not necessarily work for the next. It’s important that you consider your own unique features before going under the knife.

(Dr. Tilman Stasch, is the Aesthetic, Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgeon, at Dr. Stasch Clinic & Medi Spa, located 14 Riverside Drive, Grosvenor Building, 6th Floor, Nairobi https://drstasch.com/)