Greece has become an increasingly popular destination for aesthetic tourism. We met the Dr Georgios Aravanis, one of the most experienced surgeons in this field, in Athens
The earliest work in plastic surgery in Greece dates back to ancient times, when surgeons performed rhinoplasty (nose surgery) to help people disfigured by leprosy or war wounds. Ancient Greek physicians, such as Hippocrates, also developed surgical techniques to treat scars and birth defects.
Over the past few decades, cosmetic surgery has become increasingly popular in the country, especially in big cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. Greek cosmetic surgeons are renowned for their expertise and natural approach to beauty; cosmetic surgery procedures are generally designed to improve appearance in a subtle, natural way rather than to produce dramatic, artificial results. Moreover, most of the clinics and hospitals offer modern facilities and advanced equipment.
Among the most popular interventions are rhinoplasty, liposuction, breast augmentation, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), facelift but above all hair transplantation. Patients come from all over the world to benefit from the skills and expertise of Greek surgeons. Treatments are generally priced lower than in many other countries while offering similar quality. In addition, Greece offers an ideal setting for those looking to combine their “medical” trip with a vacation. We went to meet a qualified surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in the field.
Doctor Aravanis: the medical reference in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery
The plastic surgeon graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 1990. He continued his training in surgery at the 401 Military Hospital in Athens and at the Sismanoglio Hospital. He then specialized in plastic surgery at Agios Savvas Hospital and Athens State Hospital and obtained the title of specialist in 2000.
Dr. Aravanis studied for many years alongside two highly reputed Greek surgeons: Dr. Andreas Foustanos at IASO Hospital and Dr. Spyros Lazarou at Hygeia Hospital. During his specialization, regularly visiting the University Hospital of Liège in Belgium, he collaborated with eminent plastic surgeons. He was also for many years Deputy Director and Director of the Plastic Surgery Department of the 401 General Military Hospital in Athens.
A cosmetic surgery clinic with proven know-how for two decades
The clinic is part of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Society of Plastic, Restorative and Aesthetic Surgery as well as the World Society for Aesthetic Surgery (ISAPS). The Doctor has published several studies in scientific journals and made numerous presentations at national and international conferences. He received the first prize from the Hellenic Society of Plastic Surgery for presenting a paper at the 4th Panhellenic Congress in 1999. See the complete CV
The Clinique Aravanis, located in Athens in the Psychico district, performs different types of surgery such as: rhinoplasty, liposuction, eyelid surgery, breast surgery and facial rejuvenation. The Doctor also offers his patients to follow post-operative programs to help them regain their shape following surgery. He collaborates directly with the teams of the Metropolitan Clinic in Athens.
The doctor also performs non-invasive anti-aging and facial rejuvenation treatments such as Botox, hyaluronic acid, laser skin treatments and mesotherapy in his office. Finally, minor procedures such as the removal of moles and other skin lesions are also performed.
For 20 years, our cosmetic surgery clinic has put its expertise at your service for tailor-made results.
The aging of the face is the natural process that every human being would like to interrupt. For this, we have gone from traditional methods, namely facelift surgery of the face, to the more revolutionary methods that have emerged thanks to technological advances and the development of medicine. Non-invasive means have been developed, including laser and injectable treatments.
The causes of facial aging
As we age, our skin loses its firmness, radiance and elasticity. The main factor is sun exposure; UV rays can damage skin cells and reduce the production of collagen and elastin, which are the proteins that keep skin firm and elastic. But not only ! Intense facial expressions can also contribute to the appearance of wrinkles. Finally, the loss of volume and gravity is also a major factor in the aging of the face.
The causes are countless, the most reassuring is that innovative solutions are available in this clinic!
Presentation of the non-invasive techniques proposed by Dr. Georgios Aravanis
Lasers to rejuvenate the face
The fractional laser Targeting small areas of skin with split beams of light, this treatment helps stimulate collagen production which improves skin’s appearance and texture. For hair removal, the clinic uses the new generation laser “Diode Initia” and for the treatment of varicose veins, and the Nd YaG laser.
The photoregeneration lasernot only reduces wrinkles, but also dark spots and acne scars, it helps the skin to produce collagen and elastin.
Our clinic is there to advise you on a personalized treatment!
Injectable treatments
In addition to lasers, there are also injectable treatments. The most widely used is probably and Botox which combines speed and efficiency. This injection of botulinum toxin reduces expression lines which gives the skin a smoother appearance. Other non-invasive injections include hyaluronic acid which is already present naturally in the body, it serves to hydrate and plump the skin. It is a dermal filler used to add volume to the lips, cheeks, and other areas of the face.
Another type of injection is mesotherapy, invented in 1952 by French doctor Michel Pistor, which uses cocktails of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that nourish and hydrate the skin. It is used on different parts of the body but mostly on the face.
For facial relaxation, thread lifting is a recent method that is incredibly effective and gives exceptional results.
To eliminate stubborn local fat, the clinic uses the pioneering technology of ZELTIQ’s Coolsculpting system, certified by the FDA and cryolipolysis.
For those who do not live in Greece, the clinic answers all your requests and will offer you a telephone appointment. The Doctor also speaks English which will facilitate exchanges.
