Dr Nerina Wilkinson has been in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery for over 25 years. She speaks to Ingrid Wood about the advancements she has seen and what the best procedures are right now. A patient’s physical and emotional health, goals and suitability for the procedure are all crucial factors, explains plastic surgeon Dr Nerina Wilkinson, who runs Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, a private medical aesthetics clinic in Cape Town. “Additionally, prioritising non-surgical options when appropriate can be a consideration for both younger and older individuals seeking cosmetic enhancements,” she says.
In terms of gender, Dr Wilkinson’s males and female clients lean towards eyelid rejuvenation (blepharoplasty) and liposuction.
The new approach to blepharoplasty – achieved by combining traditional upper lid blepharoplasty with periorbital lipofilling (using your own fat to volumise and enhance the upper or lower eyelid) and stem cell therapy to enhance and tighten eyelid skin – means more ‘naturally refreshed’ eyelids, explains Dr Wilknson. “It has become increasingly popular among individuals in the workplace as it is a relatively small surgical procedure with impactful results. Many men seek this procedure to not only help them maintain a refreshed appearance, but it also boosts their self-confidence in a work culture where youthful vitality is often emphasised.”
Liposculpture is another popular procedure across genders. “It combines the benefits of liposuction and lipofilling for body contouring and enhancement, allowing for the removal of unwanted fat from areas of excess and utilising that harvested fat to enhance other areas,” explains Dr Wilkinson, who says men tend to target the abdomen, flanks (love handles), chest (to treat gynecomastia or ‘man boobs’) and the neck.
Vaginal rejuvenation and labiaplasty address multiple concerns for women – functional and aesthetic – from treating vaginal laxity and urinary incontinence, to enhancing the appearance and comfort of the external genitalia.
Hair rejuvenation tends to be more sought after by men. “Hair transplant procedures, along with innovative treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, growth factors and stem cell therapies, offer effective solutions to restore and maintain a thicker, more youthful head of hair, which can significantly impact self-esteem and overall confidence,” says Dr Wilkinson.
Ultimately, there is a fine line between rejuvenation and alteration and it’s important to have a very honest and thorough discussion with your aesthetic doctor or plastic surgeon before embarking on any cosmetic procedure journey.
