Dr. Chukwuemeka Onyewu: ”Healthy skin starts with what you put inside your body”

Health Reporter edit

Despite the growing demand for beauty treatments, many people remain confused about safe and effective plastic surgery procedures. With the rise of social media, it can be difficult to tell which procedures are suitable for a particular body type or which ones have the best results.

To clear up any confusion or myths surrounding plastic surgery, we sat down with Dr. Chukwuemeka Onyewu, a leading plastic surgeon at Jamachi Plastic Surgery. Dr. Onyewu is one of the few surgeons in the world who have mastered the art of combining aesthetic treatments with advanced surgical techniques to create natural-looking results.

Let’s go back to the very beginning. What inspired you to become a plastic surgeon?

Looking back, I think my attraction to plastic surgery was the mix of science and art that is at the core of plastic surgery. You have to know your science cold. All parts of the body are fair game, from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet. But you have to be an artist. You have to be creative. In a sense, the body is your canvas and you get to express yourself in your work. You are given a set of tools and rules, and then you are free to express yourself. 

In general surgery and trauma, which is what I did before plastic surgery, we basically did the same procedures, the same way, over and over again. We became very good at those procedures, but there was very little room for creativity. The first time I saw a plastic surgeon create a breast for a woman who had lost her breast to cancer using her latissimus muscle….wow!….game over!

Share with us, what is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the joy on someone’s face who is thrilled with the transformation they have just experienced. It could be as simple as a repaired cut to the face or as complex as a replanted finger. There is no better feeling than seeing that smile.

What advice can you offer to individuals considering cosmetic surgery?

Advice to someone considering cosmetic surgery: Do your homework! Familiarize yourself with the procedure, your options, and the pros and cons so that when you go to your consultation, you are not overwhelmed with the information and can ask meaningful questions that will help you make an informed choice. Ask questions – lots of them.

What are the most common skin problems you see in your patients?

Probably the most common skin problem I see is bad scarring. Thick scars, raised scars, keloids, wide scars… The body can heal in so many different ways and is often unpredictable. We try to use materials and techniques that give the patient the best chance for an unnoticeable scar, but we cannot predict exactly how an individual will heal.

Talking about skin protection, how can individuals minimize the effects of UV damage and oxidative stress?

UV damage is best prevented by using a sunblock when outdoors. Even on days that do not seem very hot, there is still a significant amount of UV exposure, so sunscreen should be used.

What is the best way for people to nourish their skin to keep it looking healthy?

Healthy skin starts with what you put inside your body. Lots of water, adequate hydration, and healthy food choices are crucial. Then, keeping your outer skin moisturized comes next. Lock in moisture by putting lotion on right after showering to keep the skin moist and hydrated longer.

What are some of the current trends that you are seeing in the cosmetic surgery industry?

I’ve definitely noticed less dramatic Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs). Even though BBLs are still one of the hottest trends, the exaggerated look is becoming less popular. I’m seeing fewer artificial implants and more frequent use of fat instead, especially in the breasts.

What do you think the future of plastic surgery will look like?

I think the future of plastic surgery will be influenced by AI more than we care to believe. I think treatments will become more customized. At some point, I believe people will be able to scan their bodies into a machine and then make alterations themselves to a desired look. Then, the machine will calculate what needs to be done, like how much fat should be removed, how much skin, and so on. As procedures become safer, less invasive, and require less anesthesia, they will become more “normal,” and cosmetic procedures will be viewed just as “normal” as getting your hair done or getting a massage at the spa. Hopefully.