I'm scared of aesthetic surgery myths... 

His book, Corrective Rhinoplasty is the only publication of its kind on the market. Although he says a plastic surgeon does not necessarily have to be an artist, no doubt he is one. We spoke with Jan Válka, M. D. on rhinoplasty, foreign clients and also on the arts.

Mr. Válka, we came across an opinion that nose surgery can be safely performed only within a certain age limit, how do you view this opinion?

I regard it as a myth and I'm sorry it appears even among some colleagues. Some of them sound rather authoritative when speaking about this issue, however I think that, unlike others, I have operated on many noses and I know it is not true. We learnt that noses should not be operated on after a person turns 30. Nevertheless, I have operated on older patients; the oldest woman was even 72. Of course, the skin is not so elastic but still the results are good. Rather than age, we are afraid of thick skin which makes it difficult to form the nose.

What do you do if foreign clients want to return home as soon as possible after the operation?

In Germany, where most of our clients are from, we have seventeen contracted physicians who take care of our patients; they can go for a redressing and check-up there. We are thus safe - otherwise subsequent care would be rather difficult. If we don’t have this ability, we run the risk that any minor complication may cause big troubles. And let's admit it; that would please our foreign colleagues.

In your opinion, how well informed are clients about the procedure they request?

Their advance knowledge increases, above all thanks to the Internet. It also depends on age; young people communicate more, they join internet discussions. Generally I would say that Czech clients are better informed than foreign clients.

How often do you encounter requests for a re-operation following a surgery performed by another surgeon?

Since I concentrate on rhinoplasty I can best review this category. I would say then that one third of patients come for re-operations. Unfortunately there are more and more patients who have undergone three and more corrective nose surgeries.

Why is it that you encounter so many requests for re-operations?

Rhinoplasty is perhaps the most demanding field in aesthetic surgery. Poor results are caused either by lack of experience or erudition of the surgeon or, it may be caused by poor healing process or lack of discipline from the patient.

What kind of nose do you prefer, whose nose do you admire?

Generally speaking, in women I like fine, thin noses with a slightly lifted tip. The nose must be in harmony with the whole face. With few exceptions we can see it on the faces which “sell” well.

In your book Corrective Rhinoplasty you used a picture by Hieronymus Bosch, what was the reason?

The idea comes from the thought that when an artist wants to express somebody as a villain, he gives him an ugly nose. Only Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene have nice noses in the picture.

I know you take photographs ...

It is relaxing and it is handy to make photo documentation before and after the procedure by myself. I like to photograph faces and the countryside; recently I worked on a series about handicapped children. They enjoyed it a lot and took it as a game. I am pleased these photographs bring other benefits when used for charity purposes.

It is a flattering myth. However, I think it is not necessary. One must rather be a skilful craftsman.

What is stressful for such an experienced man as you?

The more I operate the more I realize my own responsibility. I know more about possible complications. Some people may think that with my experience I could operate with my eyes shut but it's not true at all. On the contrary, I am not as confident as I used to be at the beginning of my career. Operating on famous people is generally rather stressful for me. I realize the professional importance of their appearance and moreover they often want too much.

I don’t look to adrenalin sports any more; aesthetic surgery often increases the blood pressure more than is healthy.