Dr. G. Papečkys: Cosmetic surgery doesn't take anything away; on the contrary, it creates

Cosmetic surgery does not leave anyone indifferent in society: some - approve, while others, on the contrary - stay away from it. However, as times change, people's understanding of this field of medicine also changes. "In cosmetic surgery, nothing needs to be removed or taken away, but on the contrary - the doctor has the opportunity to create," says Gintaras Papečkys, founder and doctor of GP Cosmetic Surgery Clinic. It is no secret that each specialist has a unique approach to the concept of "beauty", so nowadays, it is not difficult for patients to find a doctor whose thoughts would coincide with their own. About the beginning of cosmetic surgery in Lithuania, changes in the understanding of beauty, inspiration and unchanging things - an interview with G. Papečkys.

You can boast a very long and successful work experience in cosmetic surgery. You started working just after Lithuania took its first steps towards independence. Tell us about how it all started, what did you learn from?

Frankly, I wasn't someone who knew from childhood that I would dedicate my life to medicine. I wasn't one of those who would treat flies, mosquitoes or ants (laughs). My first thoughts about the medical field came to me during my high school graduation year, at that time in the eleventh grade. I had graduated from a music school, so I had various idealistic fantasies that, for example, I would treat patients with music. Of course, when I became a surgeon, everything became much more concrete. Surgical work consisted of removing a certain part of an organ in order to treat and save the patient.

So, what changed? Why was the word "cosmetic" surgeon added to the existing profession?

In cosmetic surgery, nothing needs to be removed, on the contrary – the doctor has the opportunity to create. A new nose shape, a beautiful chest, a tummy tuck, facial changes, the same surgical methods are used, but they are designed for creativity. That's what fascinated me.

How is cosmetic surgery different now and thirty years ago?

During the Soviet era, there were various beginnings in this field, it seemed to be somewhat mysterious. At that time, there was the only aesthetic surgery clinic in Vilnius, but at that time we had little information about it. The closest thing to this field at that time was microsurgery, but it was not related to the sphere of beauty and aesthetics, but more to various injuries. However, when we started performing aesthetic surgeries in the first private clinic „Kauno Medicinos Centras“, which rented an operating room from a Russian military hospital, we saw the demand, because people came in droves. We were very surprised that there was such a need for aesthetic surgery. That is why I went in that direction.

You mentioned that you started working in this field as soon as Lithuania became independent. I guess we wouldn't be wrong if we called you the pioneer of plastic and cosmetic surgery in Lithuania?

I am one of the first to start working in this field during the independence era and the first to go independent in 1994.

Many years of work and a lot of practiceHow has the perception of beauty changed over time? What personal standards have changed? How does „beauty“ look to you, as a doctor, now?

As in every field of medicine, here too, you first understand what a beautiful chest, belly, and body shape should look like. However, getting to know the face was the most difficult - I had to go a long way before I understood how to properly analyze it and how to adapt to the demanding needs of patients in order to find the golden mean.

Every doctor has their own source of inspiration. What inspired you to be the specialist you are today?

Beauty does not change, but the attitude towards it changes. Over the years, I have realized that the main source that has constantly shaped me is nature and the innate beauty that everyone recognizes. When it comes to permanent changes that patients ask about, I first want to look at them when they are young and understand why and how they have changed. In my work, I constantly try to take nature into account, because only it produces the most beautiful results.

It's no secret that not everyone can be a surgeon, especially a cosmetic plastic surgeon. What personal qualities are needed for such a job? Physical preparation, understanding?

Of course, this is also physical work, hard, but I think that understanding is the most important thing. I emphasize that the understanding of each specialist is different. That is why I always remind my patients who come for changes and cosmetic surgeries to visit and talk to several cosmetic surgeons. This way they will get to know different doctors, their understanding of the concept of beauty. Then, if the specialist's thoughts coincide with the client's - we get a result that satisfies both parties.

Or maybe there are some beauty standards that you don't agree with?

The attitudes in society may differ from the attitudes I have. I can confidently say that I do not approve of the work of incompetent "specialists" who are expanding the era of low-quality, redundant "fillers". A true professional is not limited to just one method - we must not only perform the procedure and operation, but also properly advise the patient about his current appearance and general health situation and how to properly meet his expectations.

It is worth remembering that behind the fulfillment of the concept of "beauty" lies a large group of specialists: cosmetic surgeons, hair stylists, make-up artists, dentists, stylists and many others.

Is there a message you are trying to convey to society through your work?

There is, and it's simple: beauty is your choice (smiles).