Dr. Osman Bashir Tahir is a man inspired by beauty. As a Plastic Surgeon, he is respected and well regarded amongst his peers, both locally and globally. He has received training at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world and trained under the best surgeons known worldwide. His credentials include qualifications from King Edward Medical College, Queen Mary-University of London, The American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine & the World's Oldest (550 year old) and most renowned Institute-The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He is Pakistan's only qualified Vaser Hi-Definition Liposculpture surgeon, and was trained by the inventor of the procedure himself, Dr Alfredo Hoyos. Dr OBT has also obtained a fellowship in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Singapore conducted under the supervision of Dr Woffles Wu, regarded as one of the best Aesthetic Surgeons in the world. Here are some excerpts from his interview:

You! How long you have been working as a plastic surgeon?

Dr. OBT: I have been operating since 2004, starting off with General Surgery and then Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery since 2006.

 You! What made you interested in this field?

Dr. OBT:  The perfect blend of art and science can be found in Plastic Surgery. We are not all about nose jobs and breast augmentation. We reconstruct noses after accidents, replant fingers and hands, treat burn patients and birth defects such as cleft lip and palate to enable feeding and proper growth. You need to be meticulous and have an artistic eye. I have always been an artist and won drawing competitions in school. You cannot acquire a sense of aesthetics, you either have it or you don't!

You! When did you set up your clinic in Lahore?

Dr. OBT: As the founding CEO of Al Razi Healthcare, I set up three medical centres. I then decided I want to work only for myself, and setup Halcyon MediCare in Apri 2011. We offer nonsurgical solutions, minimally invasive Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery, Hair restoration surgery and a complete Dental setup offering implantology and cosmetic dentistry.

You! What exactly is Hi-Definition Liposculpture?

 Dr. OBT: Being Hi-Def certified, I am a member of an elite 'club' of surgeons. We don't just do liposuction. We sculpt the human body into a work of art. With hi-defintion liposculpturing with Vaser Ultrasonic lipo I can define a masculine chest, chiseled abs and give woman an S-curve with the correct proportions of waist-to-hip ratio.

You! What is the difference between  Liposuction and Liposculpture?

Dr. OBT: Any surgeon can do liposuction, but liposculpture needs extensive experience and training. I have been trained by the Advanced Bodysculpting Institute and Dynam X Artistic Bodysculpting.

 You! Why women must go for liposculpture?

Dr. OBT: 'Must' is not the right word. Aesthetic surgery is an elective surgery, and one must 'want' to make a positive difference for themselves. I only treat patients who are already committed to a regular work-out regime, are eating correct and want to shape themselves up by removing stubborn fat which is resistant to diet and excercise.

You! What are the benefits of Liposcultpture?

Dr. OBT: A higher self-esteem, more confidence and encouragement to stay healthy by eating right and working out to maintain the results from the operation. I do also combine this procedure with mini-tucks and tummy-tucks for mothers who have excess skin and need both lipo plus skin removal. I perform ultrasonic lipo, Vaser lipo, which is the latest and most advanced form of liposuction, as ultrasound energy only targets fat and doesn't damage other structures such as vessels or nerves, and gives more skin tightening.

You! What are the side effects?

Dr. OBT: The same side effects of any surgery such as infection, swelling etc... I must add that in the latest research according to the Journal of Plastic and Reconstrutive Surgery it has been proved that Vaser Lipo causes upto 30% less bleeding and upto 60% more skin tightening as compared to tradition liposuction.

You! Is this a costly procedure?

Dr. OBT: Bodysculpting requires finesse and is more time consuming, and so is more expensive than traditional methods.

You! Who are your clients?

Dr. OBT: Most of my patients are type 'A' personalities, who are very successful and have a positive outlook on life, they take their health very seriously. I also treat many models, media personalities and politicians. I never disclose who I treat, it's against my code of ethics. I even have a backdoor for celebrities who don't want to be seen at the waiting area.

You! What do you suggest to women who want to opt for liposculpture? Are there any risk factors involved?

Dr. OBT: I would say do your research, google a lot, and if you have achieved as much as you can by working out and those bulges are still not going then go for it! There are areas in the body which are resistant to diet and excercise, such as love handles, back bra rolls, outer thighs etc...

 You! What is your targeted age group of women?

Dr. OBT: The Aesthetic Plastic Surgery side of my practice has approximately 90% women and 10% men, between ages of 12-70 years. The Reconstructive side of my practice has an equal men to women ratio.

You! What advise do you want to give to women who want to remain fit and in shape?

Dr. OBT: Work out at least 5 days a week, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, be more active all day long and meditate through prayers and yoga.

You! What is your health regimen?

Dr. OBT: I hit the weights at least 3 times a week, on other days I go for cycling, run with my dogs or walk in the park near my house.

You! What women should eat in order to have a healthy, flawless skin?

Dr. OBT: Antioxidant rich foods, vitamin supplements, monthly hydrafacials and prescribed creams for fine wrinkles, pigmentation etc. Over the counter skin products do not work as well as medical graded skincare advised by a medical expert. Sunblock is a must to prevent skin damage, daily!

You! What is your idea of beauty?

Dr. OBT: Beauty is something which goes right down from physical attractiveness to mental stimulation. Everyone has their own concept of beauty, it can even stem from childhood experiences, beautiful people can literally take your breath away! Beauty concepts also change with time, women were preferred much more voluptious and heavier half a century ago. Now it's all about being skinny. I think I'ts unhealthy to be underweight, I advise my patients to follow a healthy lifestyle, and beauty will radiate from within, the rest of the work can be done by me!

 You! Do you think there is growing awareness among Asian women as far as their appearances are concerned?

Dr. OBT: This is a global phenomenon. Attractive people are paid better, and get more opportunities in life. A person who is in control of his/her life by managing bodyweight and maintaining a healthy appearance are more likely to be hired, as compared to overweight, unhealthy candidates. I believe it's about positivity and negativity, you may call it being superficial, but this is the truth of the world we live in.

Corrigendum:

Last week, in our 10 July issue, Dr. Osman's name was inadvertently printed wrong. The error is regretted. We are reprinting the article for the purpose of clarity. Ed.