At Karidis Clinic, patients often return to Mr Alex Karidis for further surgery. Laurence first underwent a facelift with Alex ten years ago and returned at age 50 for a secondary facelift. His reasons for undergoing surgery might have changed, but he felt that both times Alex understood exactly what he was trying to achieve, as he explained in the latest episode of Konfidence with Alex Karidis.
Laurence explains why he decided to undergo a facelift at age 40
Laurence: About 18 years ago, my journey started with analysing my facial anatomy. I was never happy with the balance in my facial appearance as I was always bottom-heavy, and I took after my father, who had very poor skin elasticity. No matter how much I dieted, I could never get rid of this look.
So, when I looked in the mirror, I didn’t see the best version of myself. And I wanted to improve that. From about 32 until I was 40, I studied plastic surgery and cosmetic surgeons before deciding to proceed.
I did try alternatives like Botox and fillers, but for me, it was never going to complete me as a person. I then came across you and learned how experienced you were. I did a lot of research before I made that decision.
Alex: So, it’s not something you would attribute to ageing because, obviously, at the age of 32, it’s not a question of ageing. We all have a certain appearance as we develop, and you felt that that was not ideal in your mind.
Laurence: I didn’t want to look like anybody else, like a celebrity. It was never about that. It was about transforming me to be a better version of myself.
Laurence explains what was different the second time around
Laurence: Ageing started to kick in and I decided to have another one to keep that look I’ve always desired and I set out to get 10 years ago.
Alex: And did you kick yourself once you woke up and say, what have I done again?
Laurence: No, it was different this time. Beforehand, one of your staff members discussed the operation, and she asked how I felt when I came around last time after the anaesthetic, and I told them. She told me that a lot of things had changed in the last 10 years in terms of the drugs that are used and what the anaesthesiologists can give you. I said I didn’t want to feel sick when I came around as I felt a little bit nauseous last time, so that was taken care of, and I didn’t feel as though I’d been hit by a sledgehammer when I came around. It was like, blink, open, it’s done. It felt nothing like last time.
You also reset your expectations differently because you’ve been through it once before, and so maybe you think to yourself, okay, here we go again, this is going to hurt, this is going to be bad, and so maybe because of that, you don’t have as bad an experience second time around.
I had hardly any bruising, and I thought that was great. The swelling wasn’t bad as well. So, I was pleased with that, and the recovery time was very, very fast.
Alex: Well, practice does make perfect, they say. Having been through this experience twice, Laurence, what would your advice be to a younger you thinking about this now?
Laurence: My advice is to do your homework. It’s not something you take lightly. Make sure that you are ready mentally, physically and emotionally. But more importantly, choose the surgeon that’s right for you.
