His Philosophy

It is commonly said that a doctor’s medical education is the most valuable tool he or she can possess.  And while it does hold true that knowledge is key when dealing with any pathology, aesthetic plastic surgery appears to go beyond this rule. During my training, I have had the luck to meet and work with brilliant academics and surgeons from prestigious institutions around the world. Over the years, I have come to realise that one’s ability to teach or generate innovative research results does not necessarily correlate with artistic perfection. The skill set that is required to produce what is regarded by the patient (and hopefully others) an aesthetically pleasing result does not seem to be based upon intellect or intelligence or perhaps even where one trained. It is rather a multifaceted mixture of knowledge and proficiency, competence, patience and persistence, a sense of symmetry and an artistic eye for detail and perfection.

I am truly humbled and grateful
for the responsibility and privilege to change
another human’s appearance

What a good medical education and training can, however, give you is insight into how to approach any particular problem, and finding the right system to solving it. At the end of the day, everyone learns from the same books and manuscripts. The difference seen at the final-result is determined by the systematic approach, careful planning and excellent execution one might choose to follow. This is by no means an easy path, and one commonly shortened by cutting corners or making compromises. The professional and uncompromising approach requires discipline, focus and unyielding patience.  Perhaps, it is this set of skills that a good education can signify, rather than the raw volume of knowledge one acquires through it.

Selection, Planning and Perfection

The most critical elements of Dr Panayi’s surgical philosophy are selection, planning and perfection. His training and the subsequent years of gathering surgical experience, have helped him develop a sharp judgment, while he observed and absorbed techniques from the masters in the art.

Selection requires discipline. Surgeons who have minimal selection standards are willing to operate on anyone and everyone. In contrast, Dr. Panayi’s surgical plan must be in alignment with the goals and desires of his patient, and he must be confident that he will achieve the results intended by the patient. Each side’s goals must be in agreement. If they are not, Dr. Panayi feels he has failed in his ability to communicate honestly and effectively with respect to his and his patient’s mutual objectives. That is his responsibility, one that he proudly carries. But selection does not stop at accepting to operate on the right surgical candidate. It also involves finding the appropriate procedure best suited to the patient’s specific problem and needs. Sometimes patients will present with a problem and a proposed solution. Rather than merely adopting or rejecting what his patients have to say, Dr. Panayi first carefully and patiently listens, before methodically proposing and designing a tailor-made treatment plan, personalised to fit each patient’s particular goals.

Planning any surgical procedure is as, if not more important than the execution itself. Dr. Panayi consistently utilizes a comprehensive analysis to map out effective treatment plans, which may also include appropriate non-invasive treatments. That is what he calls the ‘’complete aesthetic package’’, i.e. combining surgical and non-surgical techniques to achieve the best possible result. During this initial consultation, the patient can also learn about effective and reliable ways to optimize their diet and exercise regimens to promote a healthier lifestyle. A complete pre-operative medical history and photographic documentation is followed by careful and precise planning of the chosen surgery. At its core, planning involves detailed pre-operative measurements of curves, angles and contours of facial / body features, including size, relationships and proportions, as well as 3D simulation of the desired effect, which will improve intra-operative judgement and adjustment.  Similar to an architect who first “conceptualizes” a structure, Dr. Panayi prepares a detailed and customized plan based on the unique needs, tissue quality, and anatomical features of the patient. Only after this detailed planning is completed, creative design is used to add that ‘artistic touch’.

Perfection, the art of precision and meticulous follow-through, is a mental state. Developing a deeper understanding about one’s surgical plan and following that course until one has achieved the desired results requires pure focus and patience. Mental deviation is not permitted. By definition, this is a rare skill, one that can be learned but takes years to master. Dr. Panayi’s résumé is a testament to his promise.