Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Sept 7: Cosmetic surgery is witnessing a sharp rise in Kashmir as more people turn to procedures like rhinoplasty, liposuction and tummy tucks, even as doctors warn that nearly 60 percent of tendon injuries are not diagnosed at the initial stage, putting patients at risk of permanent disability.
In an exclusive interview with Excelsior, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Bhat, former head of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Super Speciality Hospital Srinagar and now a senior plastic surgeon at Safa Marwa Hospital Srinagar, said demand for cosmetic procedures is steadily growing.
“Earlier there was no demand, but now people are influenced by television and beauty channels. Patients want to look good, and we are seeing more cases of nose reshaping, breast surgery, tummy tucks and liposuction,” Dr Bhat said.
He added that liposuction can act as a “kick start” for obese patients, encouraging lifestyle changes and reducing risks of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.
At the same time, Dr Bhat stressed that plastic surgery also plays a vital role in treating tendon and nerve injuries, which he described as a race against time. “Tendon injuries must be treated within six to 12 hours, and in rare cases within 24 hours. If delayed, the tendon fluid dries up, and after three months the finger becomes permanently stiff,” he explained.
The surgeon said many cases are mishandled at the first point of care. “Nearly 60 percent of tendon injuries are not diagnosed initially. If patients reach specialized centers immediately, we can do primary repair. If delayed, tendon grafts become necessary, which are more complex,” he said.
He described the repair process as delicate, requiring precise identification of tendon ends, proper suturing techniques and positioning of the hand to ensure long-term recovery. Missing nerve injuries, he warned, can be equally damaging. “The tendon may work after repair, but without sensation, patients risk burns or frostbite because they cannot feel hot or cold,” he said.
Dr Bhat urged both the public and general doctors to take such injuries seriously. “If a cut cause finger to stay bent or lose sensation, the patient must be referred without delay to a center with plastic surgery facilities,” he said.
While highlighting the popularity of cosmetic procedures, he emphasized that the functional side of plastic surgery should not be ignored. “Looking good is important, but timely tendon and nerve repair can save a person from permanent disability,” he said.
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