Plastic Surgeon, 14 years of surgical experience, Member of the European Society of Rhinoplasty, Member of the Russian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

dr_skvortsov

dr.skvortsov_ds

+79169993942

What inspired you to choose plastic surgery as your professional path? Tell us about the beginning of your interest in aesthetic medicine.

My interest in surgery and medicine, in general, began in childhood. I was fascinated by all living things, how they were structured from the inside, and why they worked the way they did. At that time, I didn’t yet know what anatomy and physiology were, but biology textbooks were my favorite reading. As I grew older, my interest in aesthetics also developed. Naturally, a curiosity for the opposite sex emerged, along with an interest in beauty related to the face and body contours. Even the characters in movies were often handsome and muscular. All of this helped shape my general view of the aesthetics of the human body. If something was lacking in this aesthetic, I felt a desire to understand how it could be corrected or added. I was curious about how such changes could affect a person’s internal and external perception of themselves.

There are many branches within this field. Why did rhinoplasty become your main specialty?

The nose is the central part of the face, and in my opinion, one of the most important elements contributing to the overall aesthetic appearance. Personally, as a man, I don’t find the size of hips, breast size, or the degree of muscle definition in men as important. However, the nose, strangely enough, plays a huge role in the beauty and attractiveness of the face as a whole. And honestly, I consider the nose to be the most expressive and even sensual part of the face.

How do you think rhinoplasty has changed over the past 10-20 years? How has the focus shifted from «perfect form» to «harmony with the face»?

Twenty years ago, simply removing a hump or narrowing the tip of the nose was considered progress. Reconstructing the nose and reshaping it was viewed as an impressive result. But over time, this became insufficient. Aesthetic taste, proper lines, proportions, angles, «golden sections», and even the trends of the time became part of rhinoplasty. The question arose: how can surgery be performed with minimal trauma, stability, functionality, and a short recovery period? Techniques and methods evolved. Surgeons began developing their own approaches, leading to the creation of structural, preservation, and hybrid rhinoplasty concepts, as well as rhinoplasty sculpture using Piezo devices.

How do you help patients understand that the ideal of beauty is individuality? How do you approach people who bring in samples from the internet or have expectations that don’t always match reality?

I do not take away my patients individuality. I improve the nose anatomy that nature has gifted them. For example, I make the lines smoother and more even, create the correct angle and projection of the nose tip, and eliminate deviations and asymmetry in the nasal bridge. An essential part of the work also involves improving the function of the nose, i.e., breathing. To help the patient better understand the expected result, I create photo simulations in advance. However, I always explain that this is only a sketch, a work plan. The real result will be more natural and harmonious.

As for the samples brought in by patients, whether they are photos of celebrities or movie stars, they help me understand their aesthetic taste and internal perception of beauty. But I always make sure the patient understands that this does not mean the final result will be exactly the same.

How are social media and filters changing people’s perception of their appearance? Do you notice a rise in unrealistic requests?

Yes, it is definitely noticeable. We live in an era of video calls, messengers, and social media. People increasingly see themselves from different angles, use filters to enhance their appearance, and this leads to more requests for aesthetic changes. Preferences and trends are emerging, but it’s important to maintain a clear mindset. Surgery remains surgery: it requires rehabilitation and a tissue adaptation period, which is unique to each patient.

How do minimally invasive methods affect the demand for traditional surgery? Do you view non-surgical methods as a threat or as a complement to your work?

There are many cosmetic techniques, and I view them positively. Sometimes the temporary results of such procedures serve as a kind of «test drive», after which a person decides to undergo surgery to achieve a stable result. But these methods cannot fully replace surgery.

Do you think it is necessary to consult with a psychologist before undergoing plastic surgery? Have you ever refused patients for ethical reasons?

I believe that a consultation with a psychologist is an important part of preparation for surgery. It would be useful to have questionnaires to assess how psychologically ready the patient is, whether they understand the risks, and if they are aware of the purpose of the operation. This would make it easier for the surgeon to determine the true motivation of the patient. Many foreign clinics already practice this, and I am convinced that it should be implemented in Russia as well.

I refuse patients if I see doubts, a lack of seriousness, no indication for the surgery, or if their desired result does not align with the anatomy and proportions of their face.

How do you work with those who come for surgery under the influence of fashion or societal pressure?

If it is really important to the person, we discuss all the points I mentioned earlier.

How do you envision plastic surgery in 10–15 years? What role will artificial intelligence play in predicting surgical outcomes?

Perhaps the future lies in robotic surgeries controlled by artificial intelligence. However, I sincerely hope that the unique skills of surgeons, their aesthetic taste, and individualized approach will remain irreplaceable.

Many people view plastic surgery as a «pursuit of appearance». If you could change how society perceives plastic surgery, what would you say?

For some, it is a pursuit of appearance, for others, it is the dream of a lifetime, and for some, it is a new chapter or a way to rid themselves of complexes. Everyone has their own answer and solution. The most important thing is to live in harmony with oneself and others. Be healthy, beautiful, and happy!

Have you ever encountered a moral dilemma in your practice, such as a patient requesting surgery that you believe will not improve their appearance but will satisfy their desires?

Yes, of course. There are surgeries that patients often perceive as a cure-all for their aesthetic needs, but their anatomy may not allow them to achieve what they are striving for. My job is to explain this or to refuse. For example, removing Bichat’s fat pads does not solve the issue of lifting the middle face or increasing cheek volume. An upper lip lift procedure («bullhorn») does not increase the volume of the lips or their projection but only shortens the length of the lips. Moreover, the scar in the area of the open nostrils will always be a sign of the procedure.

Are there «forbidden» requests that you would never agree to?

Yes, these are operations that are not part of the global protocol for aesthetic surgery, that compromise the function of the organ, or that result in a diminished aesthetic appearance.

Have you ever helped patients overcome psychological complexes without resorting to surgery?

These issues should ideally be handled by a psychologist. However, our job as surgeons is to explain to the patient whether their choice of surgery is justified and whether it will bring the desired aesthetic result. We need to recommend or, on the contrary, discourage them from the procedure.

In your practice, you meet patients who are already on the path of aesthetic surgery. How do you help them avoid the «surgical vicious cycle» and maintain natural harmony?

Our goal is to achieve aesthetic harmony. If a patient is undergoing surgery for the sake of surgery itself, if it becomes an obsession to completely change themselves or turns into a series of «seasonal» surgeries that harm the tissues and do not provide an aesthetic effect, we need to have a conversation and stop this process. Usually, this requires not only the surgeon’s intervention but also the work of a psychologist to identify and address the cause of this behavior.

If you could change one thing in the field of plastic surgery at the societal or legislative level, what would it be?

I would introduce a more detailed standardized questionnaire for patients before surgery that would reveal the psychological aspects of their request. I would also recommend mandatory psychological support during the preparation for surgery and the postoperative period to help manage the «vicious cycle» of surgeries for the sake of surgery.

What societal changes, in your opinion, influence the perception of plastic surgery and beauty? Have you noticed any changes in patient requests over the past few years?

Fashion and trends regarding appearance are constantly changing, and so are the types of surgeries, as they are closely linked. For example, in recent years, the era of video calls and working «remotely» has influenced how people perceive their appearance. They are more likely to see themselves head-on through a camera, which has led to a surge in requests for more expressive eyes, brows, eyelids, cheekbones, and overall facial contouring, as well as rhinoplasty with an emphasis on front projection. Patients now desire a refined nasal bridge and a defined tip. Many also seek a short recovery period, which is driving demand for new surgical tools and cosmetic devices such as lasers and ultrasound.