It can be said that he can make dreams of a beautiful face and perfect body come true. Both men and women visit him - and he informs, advises and warns. Through correction of imperfections he gives his patients strength and confidence. Doctor Wojciech Wacłowicz, plastic surgery and child surgery specialist, agreed to answer some of our questions.

How long have you been specialising in cosmetic surgery? What makes you still so passionate about it?

'Cosmetic surgery is only a small element of plastic and reconstruction surgery, which I've been doing for 8 years. It is also the most emotional, sometimes even controversial, discipline.  On the one hand, cosmetic treatments give youth back - at least its external attributes, thus fulfilling one of the oldest dreams of humanity. On the other hand, it is said that one should age in dignity, without correcting God's work.'

'Nowadays cosmetic surgery is able to do a lot. Development of new operation techniques, introduction of modern equipment and new materials - all this allows for great results in appearance correction. Cosmetic surgery can be applied to almost all body parts: neck, face, breasts, limbs and intimate areas. The type of treatment is adjusted for each patient individually. Some people look younger after only small cosmetic corrections, like botox or filler injections, for others the same effect might require a complicated surgery.

Are patients nowadays more willing to undergo plastic surgery? What affects their decisions?

For the past few years we've been observing important changes in the society regarding appearance correction treatments. Not long ago undergoing cosmetic surgery was kept secret. Patients would go to distant cities to have the surgery. Nowadays a healthy, young body is fashionable and so is visiting plastic surgery clinics. Is it good? This tendency is characteristic of our times. Apparently the quality of our life is improving, to feel more comfortable we buy new cars and clothes, so why not improve your appearance when it starts to bother us? In many cases plastic surgery can remove appearance deficiencies which are sometimes difficult to accept by patients who have had to live with them since childhood.  Ears sticking out is such an example. Many times I've dealt with young, charming women for whom that problem was such a nightmare that when I wanted to see their ears before the surgery, they were extremely nervous. The same women after the operation would put their hair into a ponytail and happily announce that she'd dreamt of such a hairstyle all her life. Such reactions are often accompanied by changes in the style of one's clothes into a happier, bolder one. New strength and life can be observed in behavior. And in such moments I feel that plastic surgery is something more to me than a job, a profession. I feel that I'm a doctor of souls.

What are the dangers of cosmetic surgery?

When we talk about plastic surgery we shouldn't forget that it is a type of surgery. When planning an effect we must take the risk into our account - complications are possible. Luckily, they are very rare, but are discussed in detail before an operation, during consultations. There is a group of patients who, because of their health, should be very careful about deciding on any surgeries. An interview with the patient is an extremely important moment. Sometimes one meeting is not enough to fully understand the needs and expectations of a patient. It must be established if they are realistic and feasible, or if they are a result of emotional disorders. If it's the latter case, then I cannot help - the surgery won't bring the desired effect, which is the patient's happiness and satisfaction.

When you see a stranger, do you think what could be 'corrected' about him/her?

I never suggest in any way what could be corrected. The patient makes decisions. If he or she doesn't know or isn't sure, then we cancel the operation. It is the only such situation in patient-doctor relations, when it is the patient who tells the doctor what to do and what results are expected. I always explain in detail the surgery and possible achievable effect and only after the patient's acceptance do we decide on the treatment.

What are the most common treatments?

- The most common are ear corrections, breast corrections (both enlargement and reduction), face and eye wrinkle reduction, and so called modeling treatments like fat removal. It also depends on what's fashionable - recently the number of patients deciding on intimate parts correction is growing, as is the number of men visiting plastic surgery clinics.

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