#Japan #Tokyo #Cosmetic Surgery #Lino Clinic #staff experience

Addressing Hidden Risks in Cosmetic Medicine

In recent years, cosmetic medicine has become a popular choice for many individuals. However, the rise in complications and requests for corrective surgery has raised alarm about safety and information transparency. There has been a steady stream of consultations regarding cosmetic procedures directed to consumer protection agencies, with complaints ranging from dissatisfaction with post-surgical outcomes to insufficient pre-operative explanations. Additionally, patients who have surgeries performed overseas often face challenges when dealing with infections or complications in their home country.

At LINO Clinic in Higashi-Ginza, we have noted a surge in consultations regarding complications after surgeries performed abroad, highlighting the critical need for robust post-operative care systems. Furthermore, the issue of inexperienced surgeons entering the cosmetic medical field poses a significant structural challenge for the industry, which calls for careful discussions surrounding the quality of medical care and how information is conveyed.

The Information Gap in Jaw Surgery

One of the major issues within cosmetic medicine lies in the "information gap" that exists between patients and medical professionals. In advanced surgical procedures like jaw surgery, it is often challenging for patients to fully comprehend the risks and limitations before the surgery, resulting in "invisible risks".

Some questions that need to be addressed include:

• - What type of surgery will be performed?
• - How much swelling and downtime can be expected post-surgery?
• - What possible complications or risks exist?
• - Are there discrepancies between the doctor and the patient’s visual expectations of the outcome?
• - How much change can be anticipated, and what are the limitations?
• - What type of responses can patients expect in the event of post-operative issues?
• - What does the follow-up care system look like post-surgery?

If this vital information is not sufficiently shared, patients may make decisions based on incomplete information, which can lead to discrepancies between expected and actual outcomes or even necessitate further surgeries.

LINO Clinic’s Initiative: Real Experiences Shared

In light of these challenges, LINO Clinic has initiated a project where our staff undergoes jaw surgery themselves, sharing their experiences to enhance the transparency of aesthetic medicine. This project focuses on “disclosure through real experiences,” aiming to deepen patient understanding beyond just one-sided information from medical institutions.

One of our staff members, Hana, recently underwent jaw surgery. Three years ago, she had a three-point contour surgery at another clinic, but continued to experience asymmetry in her jaw. After a CT scan at our facility, we found that there were issues with her cheekbone's form, necessitating a reassessment at the skeletal level and leading to the decision to perform jaw surgery to enable reconstruction.

Cases like Hana’s are not uncommon; even when it appears that things are improving, underlying structural problems can persist, making it essential to have a skilled diagnostic process and comprehensive explanations before surgery.

Sharing the Reality of Jaw Surgery on Social Media

We are documenting the actual surgical process and the subsequent recovery period on our social media channels. By showcasing the mental state before surgery, details on the surgery day, and the effects of swelling and pain on daily life, we aim to create an environment where patients can have a more concrete idea of what to expect after surgery.

Hana shares her jaw surgery journey on Instagram, openly posting updates about her recovery process.

Risk Awareness and Choosing the Right Surgeon

Hana has expressed her views on this initiative, stating: “Jaw surgery carries significant anxiety and risks. It’s crucial to understand what may happen to make informed choices about the surgery and the surgeon. After my initial surgery left me with lingering concerns, I encourage others to look beyond just affordability when choosing a clinic. Consider whether the medical team will take responsibility for post-operative care.”

Understanding Jaw Surgery: A Comprehensive Approach

Jaw surgery aims to adjust the positions and balance of the upper and lower jaws, improving occlusion and correcting skeletal deformities. The purpose is often twofold: aesthetic enhancement and functional improvement for conditions such as jaw deformities, occlusal abnormalities, and facial asymmetry.

In cases complicated by temporomandibular joint disorders, collaboration with orthodontics is essential to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that considers both aesthetic outcomes and functional improvements. At our clinic, we utilize CT imaging for skeletal diagnostics to tailor our approach for each patient and collaborate as needed with dental specialties to provide holistic care.

LINO Clinic’s Philosophy in Cosmetic Surgery

LINO Clinic in Higashi-Ginza operates under the philosophy of delivering only the essential medical care required. We are dedicated to providing timely information to support patient decision-making and striving for high transparency in medical practices.

Through this project, we aim to reduce “invisible risks” within aesthetic medicine, thereby creating an environment where patients can make informed choices. At the heart of this initiative is our director’s consistent commitment to “safety and quality in healthcare.” We prioritize providing only genuinely necessary treatments while avoiding excessive proposals during surgical assessments.

By actively disclosing inherently opaque information about surgical processes and recovery, we strive to ensure that patients obtain a thorough understanding in advance.

This timely disclosure of information reflects a solid guarantee of our commitment to the safety and quality of medical care, achieved through our personable approach to each patient.

Upcoming Documentary Featuring Jaw Surgery Experiences

The project will also involve the production of a documentary featuring a film director, aiming to document the surgery experience and downtime in more depth. This initiative will capture patients' psychological changes, decision-making processes, and dialogues with doctors, seeking to present a more comprehensive view of aesthetic medicine, incorporating insights from an outside perspective.

We will host a concise story that reflects the anxieties and conflicts patients face before surgery while showcasing the real post-operative experiences, enabling others to better imagine what lies ahead and aiding their decision-making processes. We will announce the release date and details once they are finalized.

About the Director

Dr. Kunio Miyazaki, a specialist in surgery, has accumulated over a decade of experience in cosmetic surgery, including over 10,000 procedures, particularly focusing on contouring surgeries involving bone cutting. He operates under the principle of providing essential care that prioritizes both functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Clinic Overview

• - Clinic Name: LINO Clinic Higashi-Ginza
• - Location: Chuo City, Tokyo (within walking distance from Higashi-Ginza Station)
• - Specialties: Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, Gynecological Plastics
• - Operation Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (by appointment only)

Contact Information

Phone: 9th Floor, Matsumoto Building 13, Ginza 3-11-13, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Official LINE: Please reach out via inquiry.
Website: LINO Clinic