Interviewed Expert: Professor Hu Zhiqi, Director of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
With summer's arrival, not only have major tourist attractions become crowded, but the plastic surgery industry has also become highly sought after. Promotional advertisements for various cosmetic procedures have flooded Guangzhou's buses, subways, and television stations, overwhelming people's senses with lightning speed. Consequently, the number of patients visiting hospital plastic surgery clinics has also surged.According to observations by editors from Public Health Network at Nanfang Hospital's Plastic Surgery Department, the clinic is now packed with beauty-seekers seeking consultations. The department has even set up dedicated beds in the corridors to accommodate the high demand.
Director Hu Zhiqi, Head of Plastic Surgery at Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
Summer Break Sparks Student Plastic Surgery Boom: Students and Teachers Dominate the Crowd
Director Hu Zhiqi of the Plastic Surgery Department at Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, attributes the summer surge primarily to timing: "The extended summer break provides ample time for post-operative recovery. Students and teachers form the core demographic during this period, particularly students—whether driven by personal aesthetic aspirations or seeking confidence boosts to enhance job prospects and romantic relationships."Regarding procedure types, reconstructive surgeries for deformities are more common, such as correcting congenital abnormalities, microtia, cleft lip, hemangiomas, scars, and burns. Additionally, in the cosmetic field, procedures like double eyelid surgery, facial slimming, rhinoplasty, and other facial feature surgeries, along with minimally invasive cosmetic treatments, are the most popular."
However, Director Hu Zhiqi cautions that while summer break plastic surgery for students may appear trendy, minors must approach cosmetic procedures rationally. "Since facial bones in minors are still developing, outcomes are unpredictable. Premature decisions may backfire. For instance, how can one determine the appropriate implant size for an immature nose? How can final results be guaranteed?Furthermore, since minors' bodies are still developing, certain features may change as they mature. Therefore, early cosmetic procedures are not recommended. Minors should approach this rationally and only consider surgery once they are physically and psychologically mature." Of course, corrective surgeries for congenital deformities, such as cleft lip or microtia, require early intervention.
Approach Summer Plastic Surgery Rationally: Three Tips for Safe Beautification
So how can one safely enhance their appearance during summer break? Director Hu Zhiqi shares three strategies:
1. Choose reputable, well-qualified cosmetic surgery institutions and select experienced specialist doctors. Ensure thorough preoperative communication and examinations to minimize surgical risks.Summer is peak season for cosmetic procedures, with aggressive marketing campaigns flooding every channel. Patients must stay vigilant and choose wisely to avoid being swayed by promotional hype.
2. Approach cosmetic procedures with objectivity and rationality. Maintain a healthy mindset before undergoing surgery and develop a realistic understanding of what cosmetic enhancement can achieve. While it can enhance your appearance, it cannot completely transform you. Avoid blindly following trends.
3. Post-surgery, the most critical steps are preventing wound inflammation, hematoma, and bleeding. Ensure your recovery environment is well-ventilated;Practice diligent sun protection; minimize strenuous exercise and excessive sweating to reduce infection risks; maintain a light, bland diet.
Expert Profile:
Hu Zhiqi graduated from the Medical Department of the First Military Medical University in 1985. He entered Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences for a combined master's and doctoral program in 1988, earning his PhD in Microsurgical Plastic Surgery in 1993. He studied in Japan for one year in 2003.With 30 years of experience in microsurgical cosmetic surgery, he possesses extensive clinical expertise in burn and post-traumatic scar reconstruction, congenital deformities, and facial/trunk cosmetic procedures. He demonstrates strong capabilities in resolving complex cases within his specialty and excels in microsurgical techniques.Pioneered novel surgical techniques using temporalis muscle, temporal fascia, and galea aponeurotica transposition for treating late-stage facial paralysis. Primary research focuses on clinical and basic studies of late-stage facial paralysis and hair transplantation.