Latest news with #Sofianos
IOL News
30-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Curves to contours: why the BBL reversal trend is shaping new beauty standards
Why are so many individuals opting to reverse one of the past decade's most sought-after cosmetic surgeries? There's increasing curiosity and urgency surrounding this phenomenon. Image: Vidal Balielo Jr/ Pexels If you spend any time on social media, you've probably noticed a shift. The same platforms that once glorified the 'BBL body', those dramatic, hourglass curves, are now buzzing with a different narrative: the 'BBL reversal'. From TikTok confessions about 'BBL smell' to celebrities and influencers dissolving their fillers and slimming down, there's a growing curiosity (and urgency) around why so many are choosing to reverse one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries of the last decade. As Professor Chrysis Sofianos, a consultant plastic surgeon, shared with "Independent Media Lifestyle", This isn't just a fleeting trend, it's a cultural moment that invites us all to rethink what body confidence really means. 'The exaggerated curves made famous by celebrities in the late 2010s are giving way to a more athletic, natural silhouette. Beauty standards are shifting, and so is what we value in our bodies.' From BBL boom to BBL regret: What changed? Let's rewind. The Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, became a household name in the late 2010s, thanks to celebrities and influencers making the 'snatched waist, big booty' look aspirational. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, BBLs increased by over 90% between 2015 and 2020. But what felt empowering for some has, for others, evolved into regret. Why? 'The answer is layered. Beauty standards are always shifting. Right now, the pendulum is swinging toward a more athletic, natural shape. But more importantly, we're now seeing the long-term consequences of rushed or poorly performed BBLs. "Many people feel physically uncomfortable, experience pain, or simply no longer recognise themselves in the mirror. Others feel stigmatised or out of step with changing social norms.' Sofianos says, 'Some reversals are driven by regret. Others have realised the procedure didn't age well, or it's causing functional problems like chronic pain or trouble finding clothes that fit.' What exactly is a BBL reversal? To be clear, a BBL reversal isn't as simple as just 'removing fat'. As Sofianos explains, 'While liposuction can reduce the volume of transferred fat, it's much more complex. The fat has integrated into your body's tissues, so removal must be precise, safe, and strategic.' The process often involves dealing with stretched skin, uneven contours, or over-projection. Sometimes, skin tightening, fat redistribution, or even reconstructive contouring is needed. It's a bespoke procedure, tailored to each person. So why are people reversing or removing their BBLs? 'Patients' reasons are as unique as their bodies. Many say they feel disproportionate or physically uncomfortable, think pain when sitting or sleeping. Others mention changing lifestyles or fashion choices that make a BBL feel impractical or even embarrassing. "And then there's the emotional side: feeling self-conscious, struggling at work, or just not recognising yourself in the mirror anymore.' What are the risks of removing one's BBL? It's worth knowing that a reversal comes with its own set of challenges, warns Sofianos. While it doesn't carry the same risk of fat embolism as the original BBL (which can be life-threatening if fat is injected incorrectly), complications still exist: contour irregularities, dimpling, fluid pockets, and asymmetry are all possible. Plus, since the surgery often involves revising tissue that's already been operated on, healing can be unpredictable. 'In the hands of an experienced surgeon, it's generally safe,' Sofianos says, but it must be planned carefully with a clear understanding of your goals and expectations.' What results can you expect? The truth is that the full 'reversal' may not mean you'll look exactly like your pre-BBL self. Surgeons assess your skin's elasticity, fat distribution, and scar tissue to create a plan, which may involve staged procedures. Scarring is usually minimal if only liposuction is needed, but more extensive work can leave visible scars, especially if skin removal is necessary. The main goal is restoring balance and comfort. He adds, "Physically, most patients recover well when they have realistic expectations. But emotionally, it's a mixed bag: some feel immediate relief, while others grapple with sadness or frustration about their initial decision. "It's common to need time to adjust to your new body image, so psychological support or at least honest conversations with your surgeon are vital." A screenshot of Summer Walker's Instagram story, seemingly poking fun at Wandi Ndlovu's BBL and comparing it to chicken thighs. Image: Instagram stories If the idea of another operation is overwhelming, you're not alone. 'Start with a consultation, you're not committing to anything,' advises Sofianos. Non-invasive treatments like radiofrequency or ultrasound skin tightening can help with mild contouring but won't remove fat. But if discomfort or unhappiness persists, surgical intervention might be the most meaningful way forward, provided it's done safely, by a fully qualified professional. Perhaps the most important takeaway is this: BBL reversals are not failures. 'This is an opportunity to reflect on where our body decisions come from,' says Sofianos. Are we making changes for ourselves, or because we feel pressured by social trends? Cosmetic surgery can be empowering, but it should be guided by self-awareness and long-term thinking. 'Bodies change. Identities evolve. What matters most is that the choices we make, surgical or not, reflect who we are right now, not who we felt we had to be in the past.
IOL News
30-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Chasing perfection: why South Africans are betting their lives on bargain cosmetic procedures abroad
Despite the presence of top-tier surgeons in South Africa, citizens are increasingly opting for foreign clinics. Image: Pixabay/pexels We've all seen the glossy before-and-afters on Instagram: a tummy tuck in Turkey, a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)in Mexico, or a budget-friendly nose job in Thailand often sold as part of a 'surgery holiday' package. But behind these airbrushed posts lies a sobering truth: the growing wave of medical tourism for cosmetic procedures is costing people far more than they bargained for, sometimes, even their lives. Between 2009 and 2022, 93 US citizens died in the Dominican Republic following cosmetic surgery, mainly due to fat embolisms, according to CDC data. In Turkey, at least 28 British nationals have lost their lives since 2019 from complications after cosmetic procedures. And those are just the reported deaths. So, what's happening behind the scenes of these so-called beauty bargains? And why are South Africans increasingly drawn to foreign clinics despite having top-tier surgeons at home? We spoke to Professor Chrysis Sofianos, one of South Africa's leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons, who is sounding the alarm: 'These aren't isolated tragedies; they're symptoms of a much bigger, dangerous trend.' The red flags we ignore Many patients travel abroad hoping to save money or chase the results they've seen on influencers. But what social media doesn't show is the rushed consultations, language barriers, lack of follow-up care and the sometimes illegal activity that happens under the knife. Sofianos says, 'There have been reports of patients returning from surgery in Turkey missing organs, like kidneys, removed and likely sold on the black market. That's how far this has gone.' Even when surgeries go 'well', complications can arise: delayed wound healing, infections, seromas, implant malposition, or worse. Many patients travel abroad hoping to save money or chase the results they've seen on influencers. Image: X/TakaThimna These risks are amplified when you're on a plane two days later or recovering in an unlicensed hotel with no medical staff on standby. The real cost of 'cheap' While a Brazilian Butt Lift might cost R40 000 abroad versus R90 000 locally, Sofianos says, "Patients don't factor in emergency revisions, hospitalisation, or specialist consultations. 'These procedures aren't actually cheap in the long run. Patients often end up paying more to fix botched procedures at home,' he explains. 'I've had to perform revision surgeries, drain fluid build-ups, and treat life-threatening infections, all from complications that could've been avoided with proper care.' To make matters worse, most medical aid schemes won't cover complications from elective overseas procedures, leaving patients with the full bill and often emotional trauma. What you're not paying for overseas? The upfront price tag may seem enticing, but overseas clinics often cut costs by rushing pre-op assessments, packing multiple surgeries into a single day, and offering minimal post-op care. Safety is sacrificed for volume. 'In South Africa, plastic surgeons go through more than a decade of rigorous training, much of it in high-pressure trauma and burn units,' Sofianos explains. 'We're not just cosmetic doctors, we're surgeons trained to handle complex, life-threatening cases.' He adds that local pricing reflects this comprehensive journey: hospital-grade anaesthesia, sterile theatres, certified teams, and personal aftercare. 'It's not just about the hour in the operating room, it's about the whole process, start to finish.' Influencer illusions: The role of social media Many people are swayed by filtered images and sponsored posts, where influencers glamorise their 'surgery journeys' abroad. 'But what you don't see are the complications, the regret, the revisions, and the silent suffering,' Sofianos warns Some influencers are paid either in cash or surgery discounts to promote foreign clinics. This marketing often blurs the line between lifestyle content and medical advice, which can be dangerous.
The Star
05-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
SA surgeon breaks down the deep plane facelift surge amid global aesthetic trends
Kris Jenner's 'new face' has everyone talking - and it's widely speculated to be the result of a deep plane facelift , a procedure now dubbed the gold standard in facial rejuvenation. Let's not even get into how Khanyi Mbau's face broke the internet. The demand for natural-looking, sophisticated facial transformations has reached an all-time high, both globally and here in South Africa. A global weight loss boom, fuelled by miracle diabetes drugs, has led to an unexpected side effect: the 'O weight loss face' , marked by hollowed cheeks, sagging jowls, and prematurely aged skin. In turn, this phenomenon has sparked a significant rise in demand for advanced facial rejuvenation, and particularly the deep plane facelift – what experts term 'the facelift that lifts where it matters most' . 'One of the most common complaints I hear from patients is, 'I finally have the body I wanted, but my face looks 10 years older,'' says Professor Chrysis Sofianos, one of South Africa's leading plastic surgeons and experts in deep plane facelifts. The Gauteng-based specialist notes that he has seen a meteoric increase in consultations from patients seeking to reverse the facial deflation and laxity caused by rapid weight loss. 'This is just one instance where the deep plane facelift truly shines, as it restores natural facial harmony by lifting and repositioning deep tissues, not just tightening the skin. By addressing the deeper structural changes caused by significant weight loss, this approach delivers far more natural outcomes and a timeless look. The Facelift No One Can See What sets the deep plane facelift apart? Unlike traditional facelifts that only address the skin's surface, the deep plane technique lifts beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer of tissue to reposition and support the foundational structures of the face. This approach not only rejuvenates the face more effectively than other techniques, but also avoids the tell-tale 'pulled' look, offering a more subtle, organic-looking transformation. Professor Sofianos further enhances his results with the Vertical Restore method, lifting facial tissues vertically – in harmony with the way gravity naturally impacts the face over time. This technique provides holistic rejuvenation of the midface, jawline, neck, and brow, with results that restore youthful contours and expressions. 'Only a handful of surgeons currently offer this breakthrough procedure, and I can confidently state that the deep plane facelift is the gold standard for natural, long-lasting revitalisation.' According to Professor Sofianos, deep plane facelifts offer several major advantages compared to conventional facelifts: Superior, long-lasting results : By repositioning deeper facial structures rather than merely tightening the skin, the deep plane facelift offers longer-lasting, more authentic outcomes. Natural look and movement : The technique avoids excessive skin tension, ensuring the face remains expressive and vibrant, even in motion. Comprehensive rejuvenation : From sagging jowls and hollow cheeks to neck laxity, the deep plane facelift addresses multiple problem areas in one single, unified procedure. The Ultimate One-Stop Shop for Aesthetic Excellence and Care Professor Sofianos's practice is not only a leader in surgical innovation but also a complete one-stop destination for all aesthetic needs. His clinic offers a full suite of surgical and non-surgical procedures – from advanced facial surgeries to injectables, laser treatments, skin rejuvenation, and body contouring. Each treatment is bespoke and delivered with meticulous care to ensure natural, balanced, and long-lasting results. What truly sets Professor Sofianos apart, however, is his absolute commitment to patient care. Every facelift is supported by a holistic pre- and post-operative care programme, designed to optimise recovery and results. A signature component of this is the integration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which is included as standard in his facelift packages. HBOT begins around 7–10 days after surgery, dramatically improving oxygen delivery to tissues, speeding up wound healing, reducing bruising and swelling, and significantly shortening overall healing time. As a result of these additional post-surgical interventions, the typical recovery period is two to three weeks, with most patients able to resume social activities within a month. With comprehensive aftercare – including HBOT and nutrient therapies – patients benefit from accelerated healing and refined results that continue to improve for several months post-surgery. 'The success of a procedure isn't just about the surgery itself, but about guiding patients through a complete journey from start to finish,' he explains. 'My patients receive comprehensive, full-spectrum care – including pre-operative preparation, expert surgical techniques, post-operative hyperbaric therapy, scar management, and continuous follow-ups. It's this level of commitment that ensures optimal outcomes, supporting patients through every step of their transformation and helping them feel comfortable and secure throughout.' A Lasting Solution for Facial Rejuvenation in the Weight Loss Era As weight loss medications continue to help patients address issues with weight management and obesity, experts predict that the demand for facial rejuvenation will only rise. 'This trend has created both challenges and opportunities for plastic surgeons, and in many ways is reshaping our field in real time. The good news for patients is that we're at the beginning of a new chapter in aesthetic medicine – where a combination of sophisticated surgical techniques and aftercare procedures are helping people achieve what was once thought impossible: natural-looking transformations that truly turn back the clock.' For those seeking to restore their youthful appearance with confidence and discretion, the deep plane facelift offers an unmatched, cutting-edge solution, delivered with precision, artistry, and unparalleled care by Professor Chrysis Sofianos and his dedicated team.
IOL News
05-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
SA surgeon breaks down the deep plane facelift surge amid global aesthetic trends
Kris Jenner's 'new face' has everyone talking - and it's widely speculated to be the result of a deep plane facelift, a procedure now dubbed the gold standard in facial rejuvenation. Let's not even get into how Khanyi Mbau's face broke the internet. The demand for natural-looking, sophisticated facial transformations has reached an all-time high, both globally and here in South Africa. A global weight loss boom, fuelled by miracle diabetes drugs, has led to an unexpected side effect: the 'O weight loss face', marked by hollowed cheeks, sagging jowls, and prematurely aged skin. In turn, this phenomenon has sparked a significant rise in demand for advanced facial rejuvenation, and particularly the deep plane facelift – what experts term 'the facelift that lifts where it matters most'. 'One of the most common complaints I hear from patients is, 'I finally have the body I wanted, but my face looks 10 years older,'' says Professor Chrysis Sofianos, one of South Africa's leading plastic surgeons and experts in deep plane facelifts. The Gauteng-based specialist notes that he has seen a meteoric increase in consultations from patients seeking to reverse the facial deflation and laxity caused by rapid weight loss. 'This is just one instance where the deep plane facelift truly shines, as it restores natural facial harmony by lifting and repositioning deep tissues, not just tightening the skin. By addressing the deeper structural changes caused by significant weight loss, this approach delivers far more natural outcomes and a timeless look. The Facelift No One Can See What sets the deep plane facelift apart? Unlike traditional facelifts that only address the skin's surface, the deep plane technique lifts beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer of tissue to reposition and support the foundational structures of the face. This approach not only rejuvenates the face more effectively than other techniques, but also avoids the tell-tale 'pulled' look, offering a more subtle, organic-looking transformation. Professor Sofianos further enhances his results with the Vertical Restore method, lifting facial tissues vertically – in harmony with the way gravity naturally impacts the face over time. This technique provides holistic rejuvenation of the midface, jawline, neck, and brow, with results that restore youthful contours and expressions. 'Only a handful of surgeons currently offer this breakthrough procedure, and I can confidently state that the deep plane facelift is the gold standard for natural, long-lasting revitalisation.' According to Professor Sofianos, deep plane facelifts offer several major advantages compared to conventional facelifts: Superior, long-lasting results : By repositioning deeper facial structures rather than merely tightening the skin, the deep plane facelift offers longer-lasting, more authentic outcomes. Natural look and movement : The technique avoids excessive skin tension, ensuring the face remains expressive and vibrant, even in motion. Comprehensive rejuvenation : From sagging jowls and hollow cheeks to neck laxity, the deep plane facelift addresses multiple problem areas in one single, unified procedure. The Ultimate One-Stop Shop for Aesthetic Excellence and Care Professor Sofianos's practice is not only a leader in surgical innovation but also a complete one-stop destination for all aesthetic needs. His clinic offers a full suite of surgical and non-surgical procedures – from advanced facial surgeries to injectables, laser treatments, skin rejuvenation, and body contouring. Each treatment is bespoke and delivered with meticulous care to ensure natural, balanced, and long-lasting results. What truly sets Professor Sofianos apart, however, is his absolute commitment to patient care. Every facelift is supported by a holistic pre- and post-operative care programme, designed to optimise recovery and results. A signature component of this is the integration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which is included as standard in his facelift packages. HBOT begins around 7–10 days after surgery, dramatically improving oxygen delivery to tissues, speeding up wound healing, reducing bruising and swelling, and significantly shortening overall healing time. As a result of these additional post-surgical interventions, the typical recovery period is two to three weeks, with most patients able to resume social activities within a month. With comprehensive aftercare – including HBOT and nutrient therapies – patients benefit from accelerated healing and refined results that continue to improve for several months post-surgery. 'The success of a procedure isn't just about the surgery itself, but about guiding patients through a complete journey from start to finish,' he explains. 'My patients receive comprehensive, full-spectrum care – including pre-operative preparation, expert surgical techniques, post-operative hyperbaric therapy, scar management, and continuous follow-ups. It's this level of commitment that ensures optimal outcomes, supporting patients through every step of their transformation and helping them feel comfortable and secure throughout.' A Lasting Solution for Facial Rejuvenation in the Weight Loss Era As weight loss medications continue to help patients address issues with weight management and obesity, experts predict that the demand for facial rejuvenation will only rise. 'This trend has created both challenges and opportunities for plastic surgeons, and in many ways is reshaping our field in real time. The good news for patients is that we're at the beginning of a new chapter in aesthetic medicine – where a combination of sophisticated surgical techniques and aftercare procedures are helping people achieve what was once thought impossible: natural-looking transformations that truly turn back the clock.' For those seeking to restore their youthful appearance with confidence and discretion, the deep plane facelift offers an unmatched, cutting-edge solution, delivered with precision, artistry, and unparalleled care by Professor Chrysis Sofianos and his dedicated team.
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Mzansi meets Hollywood: Kris Jenner and Khanyi Mbau facelift secrets revealed
Kris Jenner's 'new face' has sent the internet into a frenzy, along with Khanyi Mbau's recent facial transformation that lit up South African timelines. While memes fly and speculation swirls, aesthetic insiders are nodding knowingly. She looks at least 20 years younger — but how? The likely culprit? The deep plane facelift — a sophisticated procedure now being hailed as the gold standard in facial rejuvenation. Kris Jenner attends the 2024 Met Gala a year before surgery. Picture: Dipasupil/Getty Images That is shaking the beauty industry and is attainable in Mzansi Fuelled by a global weight loss boom – thanks in part to revolutionary diabetes medications like Ozempic and Wegovy – many patients are now experiencing an unexpected side effect: the dreaded 'O weight loss face'. Characterised by hollowed cheeks, drooping jowls, and skin that looks older than its years, this phenomenon is causing a massive rise in facial surgery consultations worldwide. 'One of the most common things I hear is, 'I finally have the body I've always wanted, but now my face looks a decade older,'' says Professor Chrysis Sofianos, a Gauteng-based plastic surgeon and one of South Africa's experts in the deep plane facelift. According to Sofianos, the deep plane facelift is tailor-made for this challenge. 'Unlike traditional facelifts that simply tighten the skin, the deep plane technique repositions and lifts the deeper facial tissues, restoring volume and harmony in a way that looks completely natural.' The facelift that doesn't look like a facelift The deep plane facelift works below the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer of tissue – the facial scaffolding, so to speak. This innovative method allows surgeons to lift the midface, jawline, neck, and even brow in a single, cohesive movement. The result? A refreshed, youthful appearance without that overdone, 'pulled back' look is often seen in more superficial techniques. 'Think of it as lifting the face from the inside out,' explains Sofianos. 'It restores the architecture of youth while preserving natural facial expressions and movement.' What makes Sofianos's approach even more cutting-edge is his use of the Vertical Restore technique, which elevates tissue upwards rather than sideways, mimicking how gravity naturally ages the face. This method yields even more refined, comprehensive results that last. ALSO READ:Holding cell drama in Mozambique: Scotts Maphuma in 'hot water' over no-show Why the deep plane facelift is in high demand Compared to conventional facelifts, the deep plane approach offers several major benefits: Natural movement and expression: By working beneath the skin's surface, the face moves naturally, with no stiffness or tightness. Longer-lasting results: The deeper repositioning means your youthful glow lasts far beyond what traditional lifts can offer. One procedure, total rejuvenation: Sagging cheeks, jowls, and neck laxity can all be addressed in one go. At Professor Sofianos's clinic, patients don't just get world-class surgical results – they're taken on a complete journey of transformation. From bespoke consultations and expert facial surgeries to injectables, laser treatments, and body contouring, every procedure is carefully curated to suit individual needs. What truly elevates the experience, though, is Sofianos's says 'Surgery is only part of the story,' he says. 'Our goal is full-spectrum care— from pre-op to full recovery and beyond.' A key part of this aftercare protocol is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), included as standard with every facelift. Starting seven to 10 days post-op, HBOT significantly accelerates healing by boosting oxygen delivery to tissues. Patients report reduced swelling, faster scar healing, and smoother overall recovery. Most patients return to social life in just 2–3 weeks. ALSO READ:Love hurts: Seven common sex injuries Rejuvenation for the weight loss era Picture: iStock As global beauty trends shift toward medical weight loss, aesthetic medicine is adapting in real-time. At the forefront of that evolution is the deep plane facelift, offering a natural, elegant solution for those seeking to align their rejuvenated bodies with youthful, expressive faces. 'We're entering a new era,' says Sofianos. 'With the right surgical techniques and comprehensive care, turning back the clock doesn't have to look obvious — it can be subtle, sophisticated, and transformative.'
