Philosophy, vision and ambition at Victoriakliniken.
My philosophy
In some ways, choosing a plastic surgeon is a bit like choosing partners. There must be a good personal chemistry and You have to share certain values. By telling You a little bit about myself and my thoughts, I hope that You can more easily determine if we are a good match as a doctor/patient.
First of all, because plastic surgery is something completely voluntary, the choice to have the surgery creates a special responsibility for both physicians and patients to consider: safety, and acting conservatively.
This belief guides me in everything I do, from how I do the consultations, to which surgical techniques I use, and how I take care of my patients after surgery.
As I strive for results that are both exceptional AND predictable, I don’t start using new surgical techniques until the benefits are obvious and I am well aware of the risks involved.
When well-documented methods are used in the best way, it benefits most patients more than what the “latest fad” does.
It does not mean that I am not using the latest technology. On the contrary. I participate in several clinical studies, and work as a consultant for several companies in developing new and better technologies and products.
But I do not let these technologies become a standard in my clinic until all test data demonstrates their safety and effectiveness.
I also realize that I’m not the best surgeon for everyone. If a patient wants or needs, an unusual operation, which is beyond my expertise, I’m happy to help the patient find the right doctor for the purpose.
If I feel that a patient is not fit to undergo surgery, either by physical or psychological reasons, I will say it. I often meet patients whose health and appearance would gain more by exercising and losing weight, than to undergo liposuction, or patients might improve their looks more by going to a dentist than to do a facelift.
Although I have a goal to give my patients what they want, it is inevitably so, that my own aesthetic sense will come in to play.
I’m honest with my own belief in a classic, natural and soft beauty. The risk is probably greater that I lift a face too little than too much, to avoid the unnatural, tight look that could otherwise be the result of a facelift. And I think that huge breast implants not only looks and feels unnatural, but they also create a greater risk of long-term problems for the patient. I understand that not all patients share my views on the aesthetic, and I will not go ahead with any surgery, unless we have agreed on what is appropriate.
Against this background, the following is what You can expect from me:
- First, my unique experience of consultations. Many plastic surgeons send their patients to the patient coordinators, or the like, after a few moments with You. I set aside time for You and will let it take the time it takes.
- There is often a wide variety of surgical choices You can make, with a different cost, risk, recovery time, scarring and results. My aim is to go through all of this as much and as carefully as possible with You, before an operation. That way You can make Your choice based on knowledge. And whether You decide to go ahead with Your surgery, wait a while, or even not follow through with it, You can be sure that You leave my clinic with a dramatically improved understanding of Your own situation.
- This dialogue will continue throughout our relationship as doctor and patient. Often I hear patients operated at other clinics complain that the result was not as expected. For me that is totally unacceptable. Therefore, I will explain the impact and consequences of every decision we take together. I will keep in touch with You to make sure that You know exactly what expectations are realistic to have.
Many patients may be scared before their consultation. I remind them that all plastic surgery is voluntary, and if they do not feel 100-percent sure, they should not go through with the operation. It is natural to feel uncertainty about a plastic surgery procedure, but in my experience it will “click” when You’ve found the right surgeon. When it does, You will enjoy the staff and the doctor, even the reception and waiting areas will “feel right” when You walk through the door.
I hope You choose to step through our door, to see if I am “Your doctor”.
Charles Randquist
How do you create the world’s best clinic for breast surgery?
Through:
– creating predictable results.
– striving towards fewer complications and reoperations.
– providing a better experience of the time before and after surgery.
If everyone agreed on this, all would be well. But today you see many examples of poor aesthetics and bad judgement, leading to unnecessary complications.
So how do we get there?
It’s about being in control.
From the 90s onwards, Dr. Charles Randquist abandoned saline and liquid silicone implants and currently uses exclusively form-stable silicone. This, combined with a “sharper” surgical technique with proprietary surgical instruments, “Instant Stille by Randquist”, resulting in less bleeding, has led to better healing and less scarring.
Dr Randquist has developed a working model consisting of 5 P’s:
- Patient selection and education
- Proportional thinking
- Planning BEFORE surgery
- Performance DURING surgery
- Post-operative care AFTER surgery
A successful practice is not so much built by the patients you operate on, but rather by those you choose NOT to operate on.
As a surgeon you must have the courage to say “I don’t do that.”
The patient must receive proper knowledge from trained staff, on how to take care of him- or herself before and after the operation, not least with regard to diet, alcohol and tobacco, and physical training.
Proportional Thinking
To work proportionately means, for a breast procedure, taking into account the patient’s physique, to accurately measure the breasts, as well as to examine in detail the patient’s skin type.
What is ultimately deemed “well-proportioned” breasts is often a matter of taste. The important thing is that you, as a surgeon, at all times is in control and work according to certain guidelines, and that the implants are always placed in the same way.
Planning
A well-planned surgery means that the surgeon carefully examines the patient’s physical conditions regarding any asymmetries in the chest. Then it is important to select the correct implant size and shape, and determine how these should be placed in the body in relation to the unique characteristics of the patient.
Performance
Performance is about choosing the right surgical instruments and proper equipment to perform the operation in the best way. It is also about what steps to take when it comes to keeping a sterile environment, by preparing the patient, the surgeon and other staff for the operation. It is also about how to move around in the operating room. No unnecessary movements that can influence the sterile environment and the outcome of the operation.
Post-operative care
To achieve the absolute best results from a breast surgery, the patient should begin with a special training program already two hours after surgery. This is to counteract stiffness, help the body to drain the operated area and improve circulation to speed up the healing process. Getting started with the exercises also reduce the pain after an operation.
A silicone-based adhesive is to be used from when stitches are removed, for about six months (until the six-month visit). After the stitches have been removed we also recommend to always wear a sport-bra, or the equivalent, both day and night.
Victoriaklinkens overall objectives are
- Security and predictability
- Sound surgical principles
- To have the best short- and long-term results.
Measuring performance is also very important.
If you do not measure, you can not handle it!
We follow our patients for four years after surgery, and include a guarantee, which is valid for 5 years. If capsular contraction should arise during this period, we will re-operate the patient free of charge.
Our Vision
We have created a safe, warm and harmonious environment, where body and mind can experience a time free from stress.
Our desire is that this environment and the fantastic surroundings of Victoriakliniken, in combination with our philosophy and the best possible personal service, will meet the highest requirements.
Our goal is to through high skills, modern technology and sense of aesthetics always achieve a harmonious and proportionate beauty that meets your requirements.
Victoriakliniken stands for confidentiality, integrity, quality, safety, security and personal care.
- The process is controlled by our ethics.
- The result is created by our aesthetics.
- The safety is achieved by our planning
- The risks are minimized by our knowledge.
- The complications are managed through a long-term relationship.