Maksym Ivanchuk is a renowned aesthetic plastic surgeon from Ukraine with extensive experience, currently operating his clinic in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Having performed over 3,000 surgeries, he adheres to a philosophy of mastery in his practice, combining exclusive, innovative techniques with a focus on individual beauty. He is firmly convinced that his work should serve to highlight a person's natural features. His mission is to help patients feel happier and more confident as they embrace the best version of themselves in the mirror.
Maksym Ivanchuk, the cover hero of L'Officiel Hommes Ukraine digital cover, talks about his modern vision of beauty, the specifics of his practice, and the balance between expertise and patients' wishes in the interview below.
What inspired you to pursue this career?
From an early age, I knew I wanted to help people, which is why I decided to become a doctor. Initially, I worked in general surgery, but one day, I had the opportunity to observe a plastic surgery procedure. I was captivated not only by the technical precision, but also by the philosophy behind plastic surgery — the ability to harmoniously enhance a person’s appearance, helping them feel more confident and beautiful. That was the moment — back in the 11th grade, even before entering medical school — when I realized that plastic surgery was my true calling.
From that point on, I immersed myself in this field. I trained in leading plastic surgery clinics, studied advanced techniques, observed the work of top surgeons, and analyzed facial and body anatomy from an aesthetic perspective. The deeper I delved into plastic surgery, the more I realized that it is not just a medical discipline but an art form. It requires not only knowledge and technical skill but also an artistic vision, a sense of proportion, and a highly individualized approach to each patient.
This profession demands extensive experience, absolute precision, and an endless pursuit of perfection. But for me, the most rewarding part is seeing how surgery transforms lives, giving people newfound confidence and happiness. That is what inspires me every day.
Has the concept of beauty changed a lot over the last few years?
Beauty is a concept that constantly evolves, but its essence remains unchanged. Today, we live in an era of personalized aesthetics, where universal beauty standards have given way to individuality. Now, the focus is not on following trends, but on enhancing one’s unique features and achieving a sense of harmony.
Most patients seek natural, balanced enhancements that make them look fresher and more attractive. About 70% prefer subtle refinements that maintain their natural characteristics, while the remaining 30% opt for more dramatic transformations with increased volume and pronounced features.
Regardless of the approach, what truly matters is how a person feels about themselves. Plastic surgery should never erase individuality; it should highlight one’s natural beauty and make them feel more confident and fulfilled. The ultimate measure of success is when a patient looks in the mirror and doesn’t see a «new» version of themselves but the best version — one they feel genuinely happy with.
What’s beautiful now?
Beauty today is not about fashion or trends — it is about self-expression. It is about being yourself but in an enhanced, more refined version, where every adjustment seamlessly blends into your natural proportions.
For me, the ideal aesthetic is one that doesn’t scream «surgery» but looks effortlessly natural. The best transformations are those where people notice how refreshed and radiant you look without realizing you’ve had anything done. True beauty is when you look in the mirror and feel happy with your reflection, when your day starts with a smile rather than focusing on imperfections.
Plastic surgery is not about completely changing someone’s appearance — it is about helping them see the version of themselves they’ve always wanted to see.
What are some of the most common misconceptions about your job?
One of the biggest misconceptions is the expectation of instant and perfectly predictable results, as if plastic surgery works like a filter or Photoshop. Today, social media creates an illusion of perfection, but real plastic surgery is not about digital enhancement — it’s a precise medical discipline combined with artistry.
Many patients come in with idealized images, wanting to look exactly like a particular celebrity or influencer. However, every individual is unique, with their own facial structure and proportions. A surgeon’s job is not to copy someone else’s face, but to create the perfect balance that suits each specific patient.
Plastic surgery is not magic; it is a combination of science, art, and technical expertise.
The best outcome is not when a patient becomes a replica of someone else, but when they become the best version of themselves.
Have you ever rejected any procedure if you believed the patient didn’t actually need it?
Yes, quite often. I always evaluate the necessity of a procedure from both an ethical and an aesthetic perspective. If a patient has already undergone multiple surgeries and wants yet another one, but I believe it will compromise their overall harmony, I will refuse to proceed.
Sometimes, a patient and I have completely different views on beauty. If their request does not align with principles of aesthetic harmony and natural results, I prefer to decline. My priority is not just fulfilling requests but ensuring that any changes enhance the patient’s appearance in a balanced and elegant way.
Plastic surgery should bring happiness and confidence, not become an endless pursuit of unrealistic perfection. A true artist in this field knows when to say «no» for the benefit of the patient.
Are people listening to opinions, or do they prefer to go with just their own view of things?
It depends on the patient. Some fully trust their surgeon and are open to professional recommendations, while others come with a very specific vision and are unwilling to deviate from it — even if it is not the best option for their appearance.
It is important to understand that a patient may be undergoing surgery for the first or second time in their life, whereas a surgeon performs these procedures every day for years. Experience and professional judgment allow the doctor to see things objectively and offer the best solutions. That is why I always advise my patients not just to follow their desires, but also to listen to expert recommendations. The best results come when there is a balance between personal preferences and professional expertise.
How has modern technology influenced plastic surgery?
Modern technology has completely transformed plastic surgery, making it more precise, safer, and more predictable. Today, we use 3D visualization to model the results before surgery, allowing patients to see how their face or body will look after the procedure and discuss every detail in advance. This significantly improves predictability and patient satisfaction.
However, the most important advancements are not just in technology, but in the unique surgical techniques we develop and implement. I have created around 20 exclusive techniques for face and body surgery, which no one else in the world uses. These innovative methods allow us to achieve results that cannot be replicated with standard surgical approaches, making my work truly unique and drawing patients from all over the world.
One of my signature techniques is the proprietary suture bonding technology, which significantly reduces the visibility of postoperative scars, ensuring the most aesthetic outcome. This is not just a stitching method — it is a specialized approach designed to create virtually invisible scars, which is especially crucial in plastic surgery.
Additionally, we place great emphasis on postoperative recovery, as a well-planned rehabilitation process is 50% of the success. In our postoperative recovery clinic, we have developed individualized rehabilitation programs for each patient. Our recovery protocols include:
- Manual massages to accelerate healing and reduce swelling;
- Lymphatic drainage massages to help eliminate excess fluids and decrease inflammation;
- Bioptron light therapy, which speeds up tissue regeneration, improves skin quality, and stimulates collagen production;
- IV vitamin infusions, which support the body’s recovery, strengthen the immune system, and accelerate healing.
With this comprehensive approach, we shorten recovery times, reduce postoperative discomfort, and make the healing process as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Today, plastic surgery is no longer just about performing a procedure.
It is a complete system designed not only to enhance a person’s appearance but also to ensure they feel healthy, energetic, and confident in their new look.
What drives and inspires you on a daily basis?
My greatest inspiration is my patients. Seeing their transformations, witnessing their happiness, and receiving heartfelt messages of gratitude remind me why I do what I do.
Plastic surgery is not just about changing appearances — it’s about changing lives. I see how patients become more confident, start believing in themselves, and achieve things they never thought possible. Knowing that I play a part in these transformations is what keeps me motivated every day.
For me, plastic surgery is not just a job — it is a mission. It is an art, a science, and psychology combined. And every day, I strive to make people happier through beauty, harmony, and confidence.