04 Mar Dr. Joe Khoury
Sculpting Confidence: The Art and Science of Body Contouring
Plastic and Aesthetic Magazine had the privilege of meeting with Dr. Joe Khoury, a European Board-Certified and American-trained plastic surgeon practicing in Lebanon. With a wealth of international experience and expertise, Dr. Joe is at the forefront of advanced surgical techniques, offering patients exceptional results in plastic surgery and body contouring. In this exclusive interview, he shares his insights on the latest trends, innovations, and the importance of personalized care in aesthetic medicine.
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to specialize in plastic surgery?
Sure! I started my medical studies at Université Saint-Joseph in Lebanon, where I completed four years of training. Then, I pursued further specialization in France. During my time in France, I was fortunate to receive an opportunity to complete an aesthetic surgery fellowship in the United States. This was a significant milestone in my career because I was the first non-American to be accepted into that particular fellowship. There, I mastered advanced techniques in aesthetic surgery before returning to Lebanon in 2019. However, with the economic crisis, I decided to relocate to Dubai, where I am now a licensed plastic surgeon. I hold licenses to practice in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and several other markets.
What made you choose body contouring as your specialization?
When I returned to Lebanon, I realized that in order to set myself apart from other plastic surgeons, I needed to specialize in a field that was both in demand and not widely available. I had learned techniques in the U.S. that were not yet being practiced in Lebanon. One of these was high-definition liposuction, which no other surgeon at the time was performing correctly. Another was the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), which I saw not only as a surgical procedure but also from a marketing and aesthetic standpoint. It enhances the body’s proportions in a way that looks natural and flattering.
When I introduced these procedures, I took a risk because I did not focus on traditional surgeries like rhinoplasty. Instead, I built a niche around high-definition liposuction and BBL. Fortunately, the market responded positively, and I was able to establish a strong presence, particularly through social media. I also became a key opinion leader and trainer for one of the largest liposuction companies, MicroAire. Over time, I became a scientific reference in the Middle East for body contouring procedures, not just a social media influencer.
What exactly is a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover is a combination of surgical procedures designed to restore a woman’s body after pregnancy. Traditionally, it involved breast surgery and an abdominal procedure, such as a tummy tuck or liposuction. However, I have expanded the concept to include the buttocks as well, because shaping all three areas together creates a more harmonious and balanced figure.The breast procedure can involve either augmentation (implants) or a lift, depending on the patient’s needs. The goal is to restore the body to its pre-pregnancy shape—or even enhance it—so that a woman feels confident from every angle, not just from the front.
Who is an ideal candidate for this procedure?
Any woman can undergo a Mommy Makeover, but there are specific criteria to ensure safety and optimal results. The patient must be a non-smoker or willing to quit before surgery, should not be more than 10 kg (22 lbs) above her ideal body weight (with a maximum BMI of 30), and must not have uncontrolled medical conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol.
How long before the surgery should a patient stop smoking?
Ideally, at least six weeks before surgery, according to American medical recommendations. However, at a minimum, patients should quit smoking at least two weeks before the procedure.
How soon after childbirth can a woman undergo this surgery?
The general rule is six months after childbirth. If the mother is breastfeeding, she should wait at least one month after stopping in order to allow her hormones to stabilize and for her weight to return to a steady level.
What are the risks associated with these procedures?
Like any surgical procedure, a Mommy Makeover carries risks. However, when performed on a healthy, non-smoking patient within the recommended weight range, the risk of severe complications—such as life-threatening issues—is extremely low. There are always minor risks, like in any surgery, but major complications are rare if all safety guidelines are followed.
How long does the surgery take, and what is the recovery period?
For a full Mommy Makeover, I have developed a specialized approach called the “ABC Technique,” which is my trademarked method. It includes a tummy tuck, high-definition liposuction, and a Brazilian Butt Lift. When combined with breast surgery, the total procedure takes approximately five hours. The recovery process is as follows:
- Week 1: The patient stays at home and rests.
- Week 2: Light movement is allowed, but no strenuous activity.
- Week 3 and beyond: The patient can resume normal activities but should avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise.
Many women want this surgery but are hesitant. What advice would you give them?
The decision to undergo plastic surgery is a personal one. No one should feel pressured into it. However, I do have some key pieces of advice for those considering it:
Make sure your weight is stable and within the recommended range.
Choose a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon rather than relying on social media for recommendations.
Verify your surgeon’s credentials through professional medical associations.
Ask about scarring. A skilled surgeon will ensure that scars are well-hidden and minimal.
What is the difference between a standard tummy tuck and a 360-degree tummy tuck?
A standard tummy tuck focuses on the front of the abdomen, while a 360-degree tummy tuck (also known as a body lift or circumferential abdominoplasty) addresses excess skin and fat around the entire midsection, including the lower back and sides. This is particularly beneficial for patients who have experienced significant weight loss and need a more comprehensive body contouring approach.
Recently, there have been concerns about Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) complications. Can you address this?
The rise in complications is due to unqualified or non-licensed doctors performing the procedure incorrectly. When performed by a skilled and certified plastic surgeon, the BBL is a very safe procedure. It involves harvesting fat from one area of the body and strategically injecting it into the buttocks to enhance volume and shape—without the need for implants.
What is your opinion on using butt implants instead of fat transfer?
I strongly disagree with using implants in the buttocks.
A BBL and a butt implant are two completely different procedures. A BBL involves using the patient’s own fat, making it more natural. Butt implants, on the other hand, can create unnatural results and come with higher complication rates, such as implant shifting or infections.
Some people say that fat transfer doesn’t last because the body absorbs it. Is this true?
This is a common misconception. Fat is fat, and if the correct technique is used, about 80% of the transferred fat will survive and remain permanent. It’s all about proper harvesting, processing, and reinjection techniques.
Learn more about Dr. Joe Khoury: https://drjoekhoury.com