The French Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (SOFCEP) is holding its 37th congress this week in Monaco, marking the first time the event has been hosted in the principality. Over 600 specialists are attending the conference at the Grimaldi Forum, where top surgeons are discussing innovations and trends in cosmetic surgery.
Customization and the Rise of the “Natural” Look
Dr. Henri Plot, Paris-based aesthetic surgeon and President of SOFCEP, said the most common request today is for results that look “natural.” He emphasized that cosmetic surgery is not one-size-fits-all, but must be adapted to each individual. “We tailor the technique to the patient, not the other way around,” he explained.
Breast augmentation, for example, involves many factors — including volume, implant placement, body shape, and future maternity plans. Dr. Plot highlighted that patient compliance with post-surgical care is just as important as the surgery itself. He noted, “I’ve refused procedures when I knew patients wouldn’t follow the recovery plan, like taking time off from intense physical activity.”
While social media has made aesthetic surgeons more visible, Dr. Plot believes personal consultations and patient trust are still at the core of the profession.
Thread Lifts: A Minimally Invasive Alternative
Dr. Nicolas Georgieu, Vice President of SOFCEP and a surgeon in Bayonne, spoke about a growing trend: permanent tensor threads. These non-absorbable threads, made of polyester and silicone, are inserted under the skin to gently lift facial tissues without incisions or scarring.
“This isn’t a facelift, but for certain patients between 30 and 50, it offers real, lasting results,” he said. The threads last four to five years and must be placed with precision. “It’s a surgical technique that requires deep anatomical knowledge,” Georgieu added. He now performs the procedure weekly under local anesthesia.
Fat Grafting and Risks in Body Contouring
Dr. Michel Rouif, General Secretary of SOFCEP and a surgeon in Tours, warned about risks linked to fat injections, especially in the calves. He advised against intramuscular injections due to the danger of tissue necrosis. Instead, he recommends a safer hybrid technique combining implants with fat grafting to create volume while reducing complications.
Dr. Rouif also predicted a rise in skin-sagging issues caused by fast weight loss, especially from diabetes medications now popular for slimming. “Surgeons should be prepared to treat these new patient profiles,” he said.
AI in Aesthetic Consultations
Technology is also playing a growing role in pre-surgical planning. Dr. Rouif highlighted a new AI-powered tool by Dr. Jacques van der Meulen that shows patients multiple potential outcomes based on their face. “It’s not just about looking younger—it’s about appearing less tired or unwell,” he noted.
Breaking the Taboo Around Intimate Surgery
Dr. Flore Delaunay, a surgeon in Rennes and SOFCEP’s social media coordinator, spoke about intimate surgery — a topic still often hidden from public view. “Most of the procedures are reconstructive and meant to improve comfort, not aesthetics,” she explained.
Common requests include reducing the size of the labia minora (nymphoplasty), increasing labia majora volume, and treating vaginal dryness caused by menopause or cancer therapy. “Many women only speak about these issues during a consultation for the first time,” Dr. Delaunay added. “But now we have real solutions.”
Safety Above All
While the cosmetic surgery field continues to evolve and gain popularity, SOFCEP reminds the public that all procedures must meet high medical standards. “This is not something to be treated casually, like buying bread,” the organization stated. All techniques presented at the congress are backed by scientific research to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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