FASHION & BEAUTY
Spotlight on…
hyder Ridha, cosmetic and aesthetic surgeon at Spire harpenden hospital mr ridha has recently started practicing at spire Harpenden. Here, he explains how cosmetic surgery can change more than just how you look. How long Have you been a surgeon?
“I’ve been a surgeon for 10 years. I am based at the Lister hospital for my NHS post and Spire Harpenden for my private work.”
wHat do you do?
“I’m a fully accredited Plastic and Cosmetic surgeon, specialising in breast, skin and head & neck microsurgical reconstruction. This involves using a patient’s own tissue to reconstruct areas in the body, following cancer treatment or trauma. This is performed with microsurgery and avoids the use of foreign materials, giving a more natural result. I am also fully trained in surgical and non-surgical aesthetic treatments, specialising in the face, breasts and body. This includes procedures such as breast augmentation, reduction or uplift; facial surgery including facelifts, nose reshaping and eyelid rejuvenation. Body surgery includes tummy tucks, liposuction and lipofilling (fat injections).”
wHat questions do patients commonly ask you?
“Will I look artificial or look like I’ve had plastic surgery? I reassure my patients that the idea of aesthetic surgery is to try to create a natural look so that you look more rejuvenated and fresh, but do not look artificial. A lot of patients are also concerned about scarring; with any kind of surgery there will be scars, however as a plastic surgeon I have been trained to place these scars in areas that are hidden and not so obvious.”
wHat’s tHe biggest mytH about cosmetic surgery? “That it’s only beneficial in terms of appearance. Although it does enhance appearance to an extent, I feel the greatest benefit is in terms of patients self-esteem and confidence - something which is not appreciated by people who haven’t had cosmetic surgery. This is particularly the case in 78
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breast reconstruction after a patient has had a mastectomy. Although the main aim of treatment is to remove the cancer which is life threatening, the reconstruction of the breast is particularly important in terms of improving quality of life and regaining confidence after such a life changing event.’’
wHat is your favourite tHing about being a surgeon?
The thing I enjoy most is the impact that I can have on a patient’s life in a positive way, just from a surgical procedure.
wHat do you do in your spare time?
I am a keen footballer and I still continue playing to keep myself fit and feel that it is a great stress reliever. My other pleasure is cars, and I enjoy watching races as well as going to the tracks and driving myself. I also enjoy travelling when time allows, and am particularly fond of Italy, as I love the food and walking around the beautiful historic sites.
wHat’s your favourite film?
I really enjoy science fiction – I have recently seen Interstellar, a film about space and time travel- which I really enjoyed.
wHat do you like about spire Harpenden?
The staff are professional and friendly. Teresa, the clinical nurse who specialises in cosmetic surgery is an amazing member of the team and helps support patients throughout their journey from start to finish. THE DETAILS Ambrose Lane, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 4BP 01582 714 420 www.spirehealthcare.com/harpenden