Eyes are one of the main areas of concern in terms of ageing for many people. Dark circle,s puffiness, lines and eye bags all show your age.
In this feature I speak to the leading Ocuoloplastic Surgeon in the UK. Rated as a top practitioner in Tatler’s beauty and cosmetic surgery guide.
Ric Caesar, Consultant Oculoplastic surgeon based at Optegra Eye Hospital London, Queen Ann Street answers my questions below.
What treatments do you offer?
I offer blepharoplasty – which is plastic surgery for the eye lids. This includes surgery to the upper and lower lid lifts, eye bag removal, botox and facial fillers.
How long have you been doing what you do?
I’ve been in the industry for 14 years. Prior to that, I trained in Cambridge, London, Oxford and Melbourne.
Tell me about yourself, your qualifications and how you got into the aesthetics industry?
I am a consultant oculoplastic surgeon based in London at Optegra Eye Hospital Central London on Queen Ann Street, I also have a practice in the Cotswolds. As an oculoplastic surgeon I specialise in the eyes and eyelids. The aesthetic aspect of this surgery guides all the operations I perform as the eyes and eyelids are at the core of our face, and our facial identity.
For the last 3 years I’ve been listed as one of the “best for eyes” in Tatler’s beauty and cosmetic surgery guide, which I am delighted about and hold the following qualifications –MA, MB, BChir, FRCOphth and am also a founder member of British Oculoplastic Surgeons Society.
What made you want to enter the world of aesthetics?
One of the main things that drew me into the industry was how rewarding it is as a surgeon. It’s incredible to be able to apply my surgical skill to help patients achieve their desires. I love being able to be part of a patients’ journey and to see their confidence grow.
Do you have a signature treatment? Something that differentiates you from the rest?
I specialise in keeping my patients looking natural. The secret of success in any surgery is to do the right operation, for the right patient, at the right time and aesthetics is no different. The science of surgery is knowing how to physically do an operation, but the art of surgery is knowing when not to operate, or when to do less to achieve more.
The ageing process is inevitable and is a fight we all eventually lose, however the upper lid blepharoplasty is a joyously effective strike.
What are your plans for the future business wise?
I am extremely busy, which is great. For now, I’m focused on continuing to be the best surgeon I can be and delivering great care to all of my patients. I'm interested in continuing to help educate the next generation of oculoplastic surgeons.
I'm also planning more hands on training sessions to give master classes in aesthetic techniques.
What do you think will be the next big thing in your line of work? Industry?
I think that this would be the modulation of genetic factors in ageing. The simple stuff is well known but hard to achieve. Never smoke, stay hydrated, moisturise and enjoy the sun, but protect your face with sun cream all year round.
Despite this we are aware that there are genetic factors in ageing that are directly inherited from your parents, and more complex epigenetic factors. For example, the way the skin responds to environmental stress may be able to be modulated by pharmacology rather than surgery.
Any words of advice for people considering the treatments?
I’d always recommend doing your research, on both your procedure and surgeon. When you go for a consultation, make sure that you have a good rapport with your surgeon as your eyes are in their hands. We’re more than happy to answer any questions that you may have, regarding the procedure itself, before and after surgery etc. The more you know, the more informed your decision can be!
Any tips for those interested in joining the industry?
The one tip I’d give is never miss up a training opportunity. Focus on your patient needs and the rest will follow.
http://www.cosmeticeyesurgery.co.uk/