Recently, a 90-year-old lady came to see me in my practice. She looked about 70. Yes, even as a plastic surgeon, I was impressed. Time does not leave its mark equally on everyone, I thought.

She undoubtedly owes her youthful appearance partly to good genes. But over the years, she had also chosen to give nature a little discreet help through aesthetic treatments – always with a natural result. Her expressive face radiated life experience and vitality.

Her visit reminded me how broad the age range of my patients is – and how individual their circumstances and wishes are.

Today, in Switzerland – as in many other countries – it has become much more common and socially accepted than twenty years ago for women of different ages (and, increasingly, men too) to have cosmetic treatments. This applies both to surgical procedures such as breast operations and to minimally invasive treatments like wrinkle injections with botulinum toxin A or fillers such as hyaluronic acid.

The decision to have such a treatment usually stems from a personal wish: to enhance one’s appearance, to feel more comfortable in one’s own skin, or to regain confidence. Women are doing something positive for themselves.

I know many women whose motivation to visit the hairdresser is the same as to visit me: they want to refresh their appearance. At the hairdresser, they colour their hair every six weeks; with me, they smooth their facial lines every six months.

It’s important not to forget that wrinkle treatments in the form of injections – unlike hair colouring – are medical procedures. Even if they appear simple and quick, they require an in-depth understanding of anatomy, experience with active substances such as botulinum toxin («Botox») or compounds like hyaluronic acid, and an experienced aesthetic eye.

In Switzerland, treatments with the neurotoxin botulinum toxin type A or with hyaluronic acid may only be carried out by licensed doctors.

Patients often ask what a vial of «Botox» or filler costs. The question is understandable but misses the point – and reflects a widespread misconception: that the material itself is what makes the treatment costly. That is not the case. The real value lies not in the product, but in the doctor’s knowledge and hands-on skill.

The better question, therefore, is this: What qualifications and experience does the person you are trusting have in performing treatments with «Botox» and hyaluronic acid?

It’s not about injecting everything in the vial into the skin. The vial’s content must be applied precisely in the right spot and at the correct dose. If applied incorrectly – for example, by someone without sufficient medical training – it can not only lead to poor aesthetic results but also pose serious health risks. Incorrect injections can damage or block blood vessels; in the worst cases, this can result in tissue necrosis, vision loss, or even life-threatening complications.

The goal is not to change the face dramatically, but to harmonise it – so that one looks fresher without anyone being able to say exactly why.

Many of my patients value precisely this subtle effect: they look more rested, alert, and relaxed – but not «done». A good wrinkle treatment goes unnoticed – and it is safe.

The lady who recently sat across from me in consultation did not come for a wrinkle treatment. Her facial lines suit her perfectly. Besides, from a certain age and depth, some wrinkles can no longer simply be «injected away». She came to me for an eyelid lift.

Whether it’s wrinkle treatment, eyelid surgery, a face or neck lift, or a correction of the nose or ears – I’ll gladly advise you on what we could do for your face.

Dr. med. Borut Banič

Board-certified Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery (FMH)

Fellow of The European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (FEBOPRAS)