We watch them go through painful, form-altering, and sometimes risky, surgical procedures and wonder why anyone would choose to subject themselves to such an ordeal. Whether it is to correct a problem, reconstruct a body part or just simply due to vanity — which seems to be the majority of cases — plastic surgery has become much sought after. The reality TV series, Dr. 90210 among others, taps into audiences’ fascination and curiosity about patients who opt for these procedures and the surgeons who perform them. The shows exposes lives, thoughts and feelings, up close and personal. This hit medical drama series, Dr. 90210, peels back the top layer of glamour, money, and beauty that permeates Beverly Hills and is back for its third season on E! Entertainment, exclusively on Showtime every Monday at 01:00 KSA.
The series follows the cosmetic surgeons and meets the people who rely on them, taking the audience inside during the consultation with the patients and as the actual surgeries take place. It showcases plastic surgeons who work in Beverly Hills and chronicles their personal lives, as well as their professional accomplishments. The episodes feature the thoughts and changes of each patient as they undergo plastic surgery, pre-and post-operation, as well as an inside look at each surgery as it is actually taking place.
Season 3 will feature intriguing patients, some familiar faces and the introduction of some new doctors. Some of the procedures will include tummy tucks, body lifts, a revision rhinoplasty (nose job), and facial surgeries. Dr. Robert Rey and his wife Hayley will return as well as Dr. Linda Li and her husband Dr. Bill Fulcher who are preparing for the birth of their first child. Also introduced is Dr. Paul Nassif, a renowned surgeon who’s married to a Maloof — the billionaire owners of the Palms in Vegas and the Sacramento Kings.
Via E-mail, Dr. Robert Rey gave Arab News this interview through Showtime. Dr. Rey specializes in minimal-scar Plastic Surgery. He brings to Beverly Hills, from Harvard Medical School, the absolute latest minimal scar, endoscopic, fiberoptic and laser techniques. By treating a large number of film, television and fashion industry patients, Dr. Rey is keenly aware of the importance of minimal or no scars and is highly dedicated to a natural look. He also does other areas of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has expertise in the latest techniques in lip sculpture, breast lift, breast reduction, brow lift, endoscopic face lift, nose improvement surgery, ear reshaping, laser eyelid rejuvenation surgery, neck lift, male surgery, tummy tightening, lip enhancement, Botox and Collagen. He has signed a two year contract with the Dr. 90210 show.
“Plastic surgery has advanced in the last few years in many ways. A few years ago people had little understanding of plastic surgery, but we find that people now are more educated; they have done research and are more understanding and aware of the risks involved. Seventy-five percent of people do not mind others knowing that they have had plastic surgery as it is far more acceptable. People these days are much more open and relaxed,” said Dr. Rey. “The world is competitive and looking good gives you the edge on life, in business and in relationships — life is easier if you look your best.”
According to Dr. Rey, over the past few years the most popular surgery has been: 1. Liposuction, 2. Breast Improvement, 3. Eyes (making them look younger), 4. Noses and 5. Breast Reduction.
“The easiest surgery is making someone’s lips fuller for cosmetic reasons and the hardest surgery is the reconstruction of limbs or the reconstruction of a breast after cancer as the breast has to be reconstructed from tissue taken from the stomach.”
More than one operation can be performed at once. A surgeon can perform surgery for up to nine hours; a longer time than that and there are risks involved. To speed up the process, two doctors can perform two operations on the patient at the same time — for example a face lift and a tummy tuck. “There is no particular age at which you should have surgery done; it all depends on the aging process which differs from person to person. It might depend on your ethnic group and your genetics; for example, Anglo Saxons have thinner skin so tend to age quicker than people with darker skin. It’s all about looking after yourself, exercising, managing your stress, not smoking, moisturizing your skin, and drinking plenty of water.”
Dr. Rey said that he sometimes rejects prospective patients for several reasons. One is psychological problems. “The patient will be extremely attractive but still wants improvements where they are not necessary. The problem is psychological and not physical so the patient should seek help.” Another reason is if they are too young and want surgery such as breast enlargements. “I would reject a patient if they smoked heavily as this could cause circulation problems. Other reasons for refusing to do the surgery are diabetes, asthma, heart disease and liver disease.”
As with any surgery, there are risks of side effects from plastic surgery but they are very low, according to Dr. Rey. “There are side effects with surgery but they are extremely rare; for example, liposuction is associated with bruising, swelling, temporary numbness, and discomfort in the surgically treated areas. Depression is common following cosmetic surgery. There are several factors that contribute to post-operative depression. With any surgical procedure, there is always a possibility of bleeding, infection, reaction to the anesthesia, slow healing or an unexpected result. Allergic reactions such as itching, redness, and swelling may occur. Fat injections can cause lumping or scarring. Any implant that is a foreign substance may become infected or be rejected by the body. If there are complications that create heavy scarring, your physician may choose excision or steroid injections. Although rare, there are times when it is impossible to improve an unsightly scar.”
There are different techniques and types of face lifts, depending on the patient’s age, skin quality and the desired result. Trying to turn back the clock and erase the signs of aging has become almost an obsession among many people. Since he began his practice six years ago, Dr. Rey has operated on over 5,000 people. Statistics show that 96% of women have cosmetic surgery and 4% of men.
With the growing popularity of cosmetic surgery, it has become almost a fashion to have it done, even for those who don’t need it. Has cosmetic surgery become too commercialized by surgeons and has it become a goal in itself rather than a need or to correct an obvious flaw? Dr. Rey believes it is cultural — some abuse it, some don’t.
“There is not really a broad answer as most plastic surgeons are ethical. We help a lot of people build self-confidence and feel better about themselves. But people can become addicted and it can be abused.” He points out, however, that it is not only the plastic surgeon’s fault. “The media hasn’t done people a favor by putting perfect-looking people on the covers of magazines. Believe me, they are not perfect because I see them in my office. The photos are digitally manipulated but it gives women all over the world the impression that this is what I should look like, and pushes them into plastic surgery. And sometimes, it is cultural.”