Plastic surgery is not only about changing appearance. It is a field where medicine meets confidence and emotional balance. Choosing this profession means giving equal importance to strong theoretical knowledge, technical skill, aesthetics and human psychology. For Nino Kuridze, who grew up in a family of doctors, medicine was always familiar. But plastic surgery became more than just a career choice. Her professional philosophy is simple but essential: real change is successful only when it looks natural and feels in harmony with a person’s emotions. In an interview with N13, she speaks about her philosophy, responsibilities and the balance between a successful career and inner freedom.
1. How does your morning start? Do you have a routine that helps you stay focused and positive during the day?
My mornings start with structure. I’ve been waking up early for years, because my profession requires full focus and inner calm from the first moments of the day. Before I begin working, I take a few quiet minutes – it helps me manage my energy and stay concentrated. In general, my biggest source of good mood is knowing that I truly love what I do.
2. Why did you choose this profession, and why plastic surgery? When did you realize this was your path?
For me, this choice felt natural. I grew up in a medical family, so this environment was always part of my life. My father, Anzor Kuridze, had a strong influence – I first discovered this world through him. From a young age, I understood that medicine, and especially plastic surgery, was where I saw myself. For me, it has never been just technical work. It’s a mix of medicine, aesthetics, responsibility and psychology.
3. Did you have to make compromises to build your career?
Of course. Behind every strong career is discipline, hard work and saying no to many things. For years, my life was focused on studying, surgeries, internships and professional growth. I had to give up a lot, but I wouldn’t call it sacrifice – it was a conscious choice. When you clearly know your goal, these decisions feel like part of the process, not a loss. People often say women can’t “have it all,” but I don’t agree. Maybe not everything happens at once, but with persistence and your own pace, you can build the life you want.
4. What is your strongest quality as a plastic surgeon?
I think it’s my holistic approach to patients. For me, surgery is not just a visual change – it’s also about a person’s emotions, self-esteem and expectations. A surgeon should not only be technically precise, but also understand how aware the patient is of their decision. Natural and harmonious results are very important to me – results that suit the person, not something that looks artificial or obvious.
5. Do you remember your first surgery as the lead doctor? How did it feel?
You never forget moments like that. My first experience as a lead surgeon was full of stress, deep focus and high expectations from myself. It felt intense because you realize every decision depends on you. Today, I still feel the same responsibility, but experience has replaced stress with calm and confidence. What hasn’t changed is respect for the human body and for the patient’s trust.
6. Do you think female surgeons understand women better?
In many cases, yes. I think women naturally understand the emotional and psychological details related to appearance. A woman’s relationship with her body is complex and influenced by social pressure, standards and personal experience. But in the end, what matters most is not gender, but empathy, professionalism and the ability to listen. A good surgeon should understand even what the patient cannot clearly express. I don’t try to “change” people – I help them feel more confident and comfortable with themselves.
7. How difficult is it to say no to a patient?
It’s one of the hardest and most important parts of my job. If a patient’s request comes from insecurity, pressure or unrealistic expectations, surgery is not the right solution. Plastic surgery should not be a tool to hide deeper problems. In such cases, even a perfect technical result will not solve the real issue. A doctor’s role is not to fulfill every request – it’s to make decisions based on ethics, professionalism and psychology. Sometimes, the most responsible answer is no.
8. What kind of mother are you? What is the most important value a child should learn from you?
Motherhood is the most valuable part of my life, but it does not fully define me. I don’t agree with the idea that a woman is fulfilled only through motherhood – women are much more complex, and that makes them interesting. I want my child to see me as a person with my own path, values and inner freedom. I want them to learn not only warmth, but also empathy, independence and self-respect. Children learn by example – by seeing how you live and stay true to your principles.
9. Is it really possible to balance career and family?
Balance is not something fixed – it’s constant adaptation. In my case, partnership plays a big role. I have a husband who believes in me and my profession, and this support is mutual. We don’t lose ourselves in each other’s success – we grow stronger. With the right partnership, the choice between career and family doesn’t feel like a conflict.
10. How do you relax and recharge? Do you have hobbies outside medicine?
I find peace in simple, everyday moments. Evenings with my family feel like therapy – it’s when I fully disconnect from work. Time with friends also gives me energy. As for active rest, I love skiing. I’ve loved it since childhood – it gives me a strong feeling of freedom and energy, so I try to go to the mountains often in winter.
11. What is a woman’s greatest strength? Where do you find yours when you feel tired?
I believe a woman’s greatest strength is mental resilience. For me, this strength is connected to freedom – being who you are and staying true to it. Staying loyal to your work, your patients and your principles, even when it’s difficult. When I feel tired, I remind myself why I started this path and make sure I haven’t lost myself in the process.
12. What would you say to women who are afraid of change?
Fear is a natural part of change. Often, it shows that something really matters to you. The most important thing is that the desire comes from you, not from outside expectations. You don’t have to plan everything perfectly -sometimes you just need to trust yourself and take the first step. The biggest risk is not change, but staying in a place where you are no longer happy.
13. Can a happy woman change the world?
A woman doesn’t have to be “happy” to make an impact. She can change the world while struggling, doubting or searching. But when a woman is in harmony with herself, her power becomes much stronger. And this kind of change starts from a simple point: when you stop living by others’ expectations and start following what you truly believe in.
Interview: Mariam Bekauri
