From Plastic Surgery to Cosmetic Surgery

After graduating from medical school, I worked as a university plastic surgeon. I chose that path simply because I had a strong desire to operate. But in insurance-covered medicine, much of the work wasn’t surgical, and the number of operations was limited. Wanting more opportunities to perform surgery, I moved to a major cosmetic surgery clinic where I could gain far more surgical experience.

In cosmetic surgery, I was able to study and perform procedures across the entire body, and those years were truly fulfilling. Because I was naturally skilled with my hands—and because few cosmetic surgeons at the time had plastic surgery training—I was entrusted with a large number of operations.

Opening a Clinic Specializing in Lower-Eyelid Rejuvenation

In 2021, I opened KUMA CARE CLINIC, a clinic specializing exclusively in lower-eyelid rejuvenation. The concept of a single-specialty cosmetic clinic did not yet exist in the field. I had two main reasons for choosing this direction.
First, clarity for patients. Many patients feel uncertain about which clinic to choose, and that uncertainty often prevents them from proceeding with surgery. By focusing solely on this procedure, I believed patients would more easily understand that there would be no issues regarding technical skill, helping reduce anxiety and increase trust.
Second, on a personal level, I simply love the procedure. Lower-eyelid rejuvenation is a simple, low-risk operation that eliminates unnecessary fat and provides a dramatic rejuvenating effect in a single session. When performed carefully to minimize swelling, patients can see the change immediately—and many are moved to tears.

Precision, Expertise, and a Flat-Rate Fee System

Lower-eyelid rejuvenation (transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty) is sometimes described as a simple procedure, but that is not the case. While removing fat is easy, achieving a smooth, natural result without removing too much or too little requires a far higher level of judgment, experience, and surgical skill.
At our clinic, we perform what we describe as “painless, swelling-free lower-eyelid rejuvenation.” Beyond the aesthetics of the final result, we have developed original techniques to minimize pain and swelling so patients can undergo surgery with confidence. For about two years before opening the clinic, I dedicated myself to refining these techniques until I was fully satisfied.
We also use a flat-rate fee system. Prices do not vary from patient to patient, and our structure inherently prevents the sales-driven upselling practices common in the cosmetic surgery industry. We do not employ counselors; instead, nurses and reception staff provide all preoperative explanations and instructions.

More Than 7,000 Procedures in Four Years

​​Since opening in 2021, we have been fortunate to welcome patients from all over Japan and abroad. While many come from Osaka and the Kansai region, one out of every five patients now comes from outside the region.
The high volume of surgeries we perform helps build trust and reassurance for patients. Today, more than half of our new patients come through referrals from those who have already undergone treatment at our clinic. This motivates me to continue our work with even greater focus.

Changing the Culture of Cosmetic Surgery

The cosmetic surgery field appears glamorous on the surface yet is often heavily criticized. I think the root cause lies in the industry’s sales-first mentality. At our clinic, we do not think about sales at all—we simply practice medicine with sincerity. In daily consultations, I make it a priority to speak honestly about everything, both the positive and the negative. While this may seem obvious, in the cosmetic surgery industry, very few surgeons truly do this.
Thanks to the many patients who visit us from across Japan, we have been able to maintain this approach. I do not believe I can single-handedly change the cosmetic surgery industry, but if I continue working with integrity and even a few surgeons resonate with this mindset, I believe the field can gradually move in a better direction. At the very least, I intend to keep moving forward on that path.