Remarks on Perfection in Plastic Surgery of the Face

An expectation of perfect and close to ideal outcomes is attributed not only to aesthetic, but also to reconstructive surgery. Contrary to quite common belief and despite great potential, the real chances for achieving attractive appearance are limited to relatively simple cases with moderately abnormal morphology, sufficient homogenous material, and hardly conspicuous scars potential. Therefore, the expectations for fully satisfactory outcomes should be limited to jaw surgery, cosmetic rhinoplasty, otoplasty, and some rejuvenation procedures, provided the best and uneventful surgery is secured. On the basis of over 40 years of clinical practice (KK) and survey of about 30,000 photos presenting both early and long term outcomes, the authors present their own subjective opinion on the value and potential of plastic surgery with regard to aesthetic evaluation. The paper is illustrated by numerous examples of plastic and esthetic procedures.