Cosmetic surgery is no longer taboo in the Czech Republic

According to a 2021 report by The Aesthetics Society, spending on plastic surgery over the past couple of years has seen tremendous growth as people increasingly find themselves in front of cameras.

Non-permanent procedures – injectables, lasers, and peels – are gaining global popularity among social-media-savvy millennials, middle-aged women, and even men who are increasingly seeking out a more “Zoom-ready” look. In the Czech Republic, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) tops the list as the most popular plastic surgery.

Many of these treatments promise beauty and a youthful appearance, but not all are cosmetic. We spoke to the experts at Prague-based clinic Asklepion who told us that their clients – both foreigners and Czech alike – are turning to a range of rejuvenating procedures to improve both physical and mental health.

For those who’ve been considering a spring refresh but struggling with long-held stigmas surrounding “having work done,” Dr. Hana Smutková, head of the dermatology department at the Institute of Clinical and Aesthetic Medicine Asklepion, believes there’s no better time to explore the options.

“Women and men are taking better care of themselves,” she explains. “It is a trend in society in general – as people gain better social and employment status, they are more active and want to feel good.”

While social media is often seen as creating unrealistic beauty standards, Dr. Helena Singerová, a plastic surgeon at Asklepion, says that social networks have also emboldened women to celebrate their differences and view cosmetic procedures with less stigma attached.

“Women are no longer so ashamed to share their flaws on social networks and then show the results after these procedures,” Dr. Singerová says. “Today, only very rarely do patients come to us who are completely detached from reality and request something that is not realistic for them,” she adds.

In the Czech Republic, plastic surgery and aesthetic procedures attract not only Czech but also foreign clients – both those living here and some who come especially to have these procedures done in Prague – although the Asklepion experts say there are some differences in what Czechs and foreigners are looking for.

Expats who move to the Czech Republic, for instance, often say they experience changes to their skin and hair. Finding a solution often requires a careful discussion with a professional, says Dr. Smutková. “We always have to consider the season, skin type (phototype and its possible problems – veins, pigments, wrinkles, acne),” Dr. Smutková advises.

Asklepion sees many clients interested in liposuction and techniques to improve the quality of the skin. For example, the clinic uses the new BodyTite method, which can strengthen the skin above the aspirated part of the body more than conventional liposuction.

“This makes it possible to offer this operation to a wider audience than in the past,” Dr. Singerová says. “This method also speeds up the healing process, although we recommend wearing elastic compression underwear for the same length of time as with the classic method, so that the tissues heal as well as possible.”

“A large percentage of Czech women also undergo facial procedures, which include face and neck lift, or the very popular eyelid surgery called blepharoplasty,” says Dr. Singerová. “Foreign clients also undergo eyelid surgery, but a larger number focuses on their breasts, abdomen and, above all, liposuction with BodyTite.”

For those apprehensive about invasive procedures, Dr. Smutková says there are plenty of other options such as injections, which can be used to reduce wrinkles, revitalize the contours of the face and improve skin nutrition through vitamin cocktails with hyaluronic acid or plasma.

These are ideal because the recovery is quick compared to more invasive options, she explains. “Healing after laser procedures is longer, pigments are highlighted, skin is usually red, sometimes with scabs for about a week,” Dr. Smutková adds. 

Although aesthetic surgery might be seen as something only related to beauty, Dr. Singerová says it can sometimes address mental and health issues as well. This is the case, for example, with sagging eyelids, which can cause tearing, increased eye fatigue, and sometimes even persistent eczema in the areas of eyelid skin storage.

“Surgical removal of excess skin is suitable in this case not only in terms of aesthetics, but it’s also functional,” Dr. Singerová explains. 

The same is true for women with large breasts undergoing a reduction with a breast lift to reduce back pain, painful bruising of the bra straps caused by the weight, and sometimes skin problems at the points of contact with the skin of the breasts.  

With the stigma of plastic surgery fading away, more and more women (and men) in the Czech Republic are looking to improve the way they feel and look. Curious what your options are? The experts at Asklepion can help you discuss your concerns and see if you’re a good candidate for a “touch up.”