Can plastic surgery manage without the help of cosmeticians?

Dr Michael T. Hiller: Of course, each profession can act independently. However, the crucial question is: how can plastic surgery and cosmetics work together to achieve the best possible result for the patient?

Aesthetic surgery, such as a facelift or upper eyelid lift, can bring about wonderful changes. However, the subsequent care provided by a competent beautician - for example through targeted treatments to support wound healing or to promote a radiant complexion - takes the results to a whole new level.

What makes a good beautician and what is the role of a plastic surgeon?

A first-class beautician not only brings expertise and precision, but also the ability to respond to the individual needs of the skin. Treatments such as peelings, microdermabrasion or special care concepts can optimally prepare the skin and tissue for an operation and promote regeneration afterwards.

My job as a plastic surgeon is to understand the patient's wishes and needs precisely and to translate them into customised surgical solutions. Together, we create the basis for a lasting, aesthetically pleasing result.

What does the day-to-day collaboration between you and cosmeticians look like?

Close collaboration is essential. Before an operation, we often use treatments such as medical endermologie to promote blood circulation in the tissue and prepare it optimally. After procedures such as liposuction or face lifts, such measures help to remove lymphatic fluid and promote healing.

In addition, experienced beauticians can play a decisive role in recognising the right time for a surgical procedure. If, for example, thermal treatments, peels or other non-invasive procedures no longer achieve sufficient results, it is the beautician who clearly and empathetically explains to the patient that surgery may be the more sensible option.

This expertise is particularly valuable, as beauticians often build up a trusting relationship with their clients over long periods of time. Their expert advice can help to avoid unnecessary frustration and set realistic expectations.

What role does preventative skincare play in the collaboration?

One area that is often underestimated is preventative skincare. Many patients initially seek advice from their beautician in order to do something about skin ageing at an early stage. This is where specialised skin analyses and care programmes come into play, which are tailored to the individual needs of the skin.

Well cared for and elastic skin is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also makes the work of a plastic surgeon much easier. For example, the skin heals much faster after procedures such as a facelift or eyelid lift if it has been intensively cared for beforehand.

Cosmeticians can also help to delay the need for surgical procedures in the long term through regular skin care programmes. Treatments such as chemical peels, LED light therapies or highly effective skincare products can smooth fine lines, improve the skin's elasticity and in many cases prevent the need for surgery.

This preventative care shows that beauticians not only play an important role in connection with surgical treatments, but also as experts who help their clients to preserve their natural beauty for as long as possible. This once again emphasises how valuable this partnership is for patients.

How important is emotional support for patients?

In addition to the technical and aesthetic aspects, beauticians also play a crucial role in the emotional preparation and support of their clients. Many people who are interested in cosmetic surgery initially feel insecure or anxious about the procedure.

In these cases, beauticians are often the first port of call. They know their customers well, know what aesthetic concerns they have and can give them support and guidance through empathetic discussions. A beautician who is informed about the possibilities of plastic surgery can not only reduce anxiety, but also create realistic expectations.

They are also important counsellors after a procedure. During the healing phase, beauticians can not only promote skin regeneration through targeted treatments, but also provide emotional support. Many patients appreciate having someone at their side who understands their wishes and supports them throughout the process.

This emotional dimension is invaluable as it enhances the patient's wellbeing and supports the success of the treatment on all levels - aesthetic, physical and mental.

How do patients benefit from this close cooperation?

Many patients feel that they are in good hands with their beautician and trust her. This trust is a wonderful bridge to plastic surgery. Beauticians can help to reduce anxiety, provide initial information about procedures and even accompany patients to consultations.

This collaboration not only creates a smooth transition between cosmetic and surgical treatments, but also individualised care that puts people at the centre. For patients, this means that they receive optimal support from the consultation to the operation and aftercare - an all-round carefree package for their aesthetic wishes.

How can cosmeticians help to conceal the after-effects of an operation?

Surgery, even if it goes perfectly, can leave visible after-effects such as haematomas, swelling or redness, which can be unsettling for patients. This is where the beautician's expertise comes into play: with targeted techniques and high-quality products, they can help to conceal these temporary traces so that patients feel comfortable and socially acceptable again more quickly.

For example, beauticians are skilled in the use of camouflage make-up - highly pigmented products that make redness, bruising or scars appear to disappear without stressing the skin. They can advise patients individually, select the right colours and show them how to apply the make-up at home.

In addition, many beauticians offer special treatments that accelerate the healing process and soothe the appearance of the skin. Lymphatic drainage can relieve swelling, while cooling masks or soothing serums relax the skin and promote circulation.

This type of support goes far beyond the purely aesthetic dimension: it gives patients back their self-confidence and enables them to return to everyday life more quickly - a huge psychological benefit after a procedure.

What role does male grooming play in the collaboration?

Male grooming is a growing area in aesthetic medicine and cosmetics. More and more men are attaching importance to a well-groomed appearance and are seeking both cosmetic treatments and surgical procedures to improve their appearance.

Beauticians play a key role here, as they can specifically cater to the needs of male skin, which differs from female skin in terms of structure, thickness and oil content. Special treatments, such as deep cleansing, microdermabrasion or soothing care after shaving, not only contribute to a healthy complexion, but also optimally prepare the skin for minimally invasive procedures such as Botox or hyaluronic acid treatments.

In plastic surgery, procedures such as eyelid lifts, facelifts and liposuction are particularly popular. Here, beauticians can make a decisive contribution to introducing men to these topics. Through their advice and care, male patients gain the confidence to venture into a plastic surgery practice and feel well looked after throughout the entire process.

Another advantage: men often appreciate discreet and pragmatic approaches. Through their work, beauticians can help to ensure that results look natural and can be perfectly integrated into everyday life.

This focus on male grooming shows that cosmetics and plastic surgery together can also offer innovative solutions to this growing market segment.

How important are education and training in cosmetics and plastic surgery?

Cosmeticians and plastic surgeons are not only united by a passion for aesthetics, but also by the desire to constantly develop their skills and keep up to date with the latest scientific developments. Through regular training and the exchange of expertise, both disciplines can benefit from each other and offer patients even better advice and treatment.

One example of this are workshops in which plastic surgeons inform beauticians about the latest surgical techniques and trends. This knowledge enables beauticians to prepare their clients competently for procedures and convey realistic expectations. Conversely, beauticians can keep surgeons up to date with new non-invasive technologies, such as the latest skin care devices or innovative treatment methods.

Another advantage of continuing education is the opportunity to set standards together. Through dialogue, clear recommendations can be developed for pre- and post-procedure treatment protocols based on scientific evidence and best practice. This creates a network of expertise that directly benefits patients.

Education and training are not only key to improving outcomes, but also an opportunity to further strengthen the bridge between cosmetics and plastic surgery.

One conclusion?

The combination of plastic surgery and professional cosmetics is an unbeatable team. Each discipline has its strengths and together we complement each other perfectly. My appeal to beauticians: Take the opportunity to work with us to achieve the best results for your clients. Let us combine your expertise and our surgical skills to achieve great things together.