Dr. Kai Kaye: Cosmetic Surgeon, Ocean Clinic, Marbella

Easy on the eye, and always in good company, Dr. Kai Kaye can be spotted at all the best parties in Marbella. But for him, beauty is not only skin deep…. read more about one of our leading cosmetic surgeons…

Why did you choose the medical profession?
I was interested in science since I was a kid, and medicine is a beautiful profession, which allows you to work and study scientifically, but also to be with human beings, to interact and to communicate with them about things that really matter to them.

Were you immediately attracted to practicing cosmetic surgery?
No, I did know within my first year of med school that I wanted to be a surgeon because I love the manual aspect of this specialty, but the attraction to plastic and cosmetic surgery came later during an exchange year in Paris – I was just impressed by the wide range of this field of specialty; you do reconstructive surgery and aesthetic surgery, you work on children and on older people, one day you work on a face,  another day on a hand or a leg – it is just never routine, and no working day is the same.

How do you feel when you see people’s lives change along with their appearance?

I feel very happy, because the impact of all the different kind of surgery I described above is already tremendous, but when it comes to giving somebody a new look, making them happier with themselves and less conscious of something they don’t like, it is really a very rewarding feeling.

Cosmetic surgery is a much-abused industry. How can clients ensure they are in safe and reputable hands?

First get the surgeon’s credentials, make sure that he is at least registered in his specialty with all the governing authorities (Colegio de medicos here in Spain, GMC in the UK). Second, ask openly about the surgeon’s experience, especially when it comes to more delicate and difficult procedures. Third, if you don’t feel comfortable and in safe hands: don’t go there! The relation between your surgeon and you is vital, and sometimes it is better to get a second or third opinion before deciding on who makes you feel the most comfortable.

Ageing is also a natural process – where do you draw the line in terms of the quest for eternal youth?

There is no eternal youth for us human beings, we all age, and this process is an important part of our life. But the truth is that we all age differently, some age very well, others not so good; so I see the role of a Plastic surgeon more within the boundaries of providing a possibility to those who did not have luck, genetics or lifestyle (a bit of all, to be true) to age well.

In our search for physical perfection, are we paying enough attention to our character?

Looks are not the only key to happiness. Character is built, not inherited (like my Dad used to say;-), and in my opinion this matter should be regarded separately from some people’s desire to look better – I would not even use the term perfection, because most of my patients are very realistic and reflect on what they want to achieve; and the improved looks they want to achieve are definitely not their only key to happiness.

Why did you choose to come to Marbella to set up Ocean Clinic?

I am in love with Spain, its people and especially with Marbella being such a special place.It is a great luck that the place I like so much provides at the same time perfect conditions for the profession I love.

What does Marbella give you back?

The feeling of being at home, even if I wasn’t born here.

If you could give Marbella a metaphorical “nip and tuck” what would you do to improve her?
The second line of the Puerto Banus needs an urgent Face Lift – from bone to skin

What makes you happy?
My girlfriend, my cats, being on the sea, traveling far and finally my profession.

Born Where?
Bonn, Germany.

Philosophy of life/motto?
Enjoy every day by loving whatever you do.

Most treasured skill?
To have a hand for delicate surgery.

A little known fact about you?
This stays unknown…..;-)

Your best contribution to Marbella so far?
Ocean Clinic.

Favourite Marbella restaurant?
There is more than one : Messura, Salotto, Wasabi.

What is your dream?
There are to many of them to pick one, I am still a dreamer