‘My job is to make you look your best’
‘Secrets of having nice skin’
Aside being a medical practitioner, she is also a fashionista. Dr Vivian Oputa, the medical doctor of DemaCare medical Limited, was looking glamorous at the recent Miss Nigeria Pageant held at Eko Hotel convention. Decked in a dramatic green palazo and white top, she was looking sassy that evening. At the event, the specialist in Aesthetics medicine, surgery, dermatology and also a director at Studio 24 talked to Effects about her style, profession and lots more.
Excerpts:
Tell us more of what you do as a doctor?
I’m a medical doctor and I specialise in Aesthesis Medicine. I’m a cosmetic dermatologist. My focus is correcting skin that has problems like burns, discoloration, aging, keloids, stretch marks, just any problems that the skin may face as what is to get you the best skin possible. Also, your lifestyle. The best skin starts from events. You have to learn how to eat right, exercise right, and sleep enough. And so many other things. We actually want you to look your best. Age should just be a number.
What is the major skin problem faced by Nigerian women?
The major problem is acne, those are the pimples and the spots and the scars that are left behind as a result of black spot and marks. That is very common. We have different forms of pigmentation that turns to scars because of meddling content in the skin. It is difficult to treat, that is one of our specialties. Acne itself, a lot of people breaking out having terrible pimples and blackheads and spots that’s another thing that’s commonly seen and we also have damage as a result of the use of chemicals to try to bleach the skin.
As skin specialists, what’s your take on the sale of mixed body creams?
What I feel is that whoever you are giving the cream should know what the ingredients are. Because sometimes they have harsh ingredients that can damage the skin. I feel it is safer to use products that you know what their contents are as oppose to someone say its a secret and you now see loads of damage on people who have used such products because you never know what is added. We have investigated and we have seen that some creams contain products used for bleaching hair and hair relaxers. There are many products people put into these creams and there are lots of steroids in all these cream if you don’t know what you are getting into you end up damaging your skin. 
Any advice for women?
You just be careful what you put on your body. Skin care and body care start from within. Watch your diet and your lifestyle too. You start with good diets.
Then what are the tips to look pretty young?
Your nutrition is very important. Your water consumption is very important and you try and quit smoking and alcohol consumption. Moderation is the key word. I remember a time when they said red wine is good for the heart everybody went for the wine. But wine could be very fattening too. Alcholhol is fattening too.
You look so stylish in this outfit. Do you dress like this always?
Oh yes. I like to dress. Even though I’m a medical doctor. Fashion is my passion.
Did you grow up loving fashion?
Yes. My mother is very fashionable. My grandmother was also fashionable; I don’t have much of a choice. My daughters love fashion. I have two girls.
Tell us more about life in the medical school.
I was very fashionable in school and I also topped the class.
What are those memorable moments in school?
Sleepless nights. Studying for exams, working round the clock.
How was life growing up?
Fantastic. I have wonderful parents. My father was a professor in a university, my mum is a retired teacher now. We have a lot of discipline and the educational encouragement. They are academicians.
Was it your parents that talked you into being a medical doctor?
I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I was encouraged given different options. And I said I would study medicine because I have the capabilities, I have the brain. I enjoyed medical school, it was a challenge, and it was amazing.
You look so glamorous for your profession.
My classmates and I dress nicely, and we have got the brain. I finished in 1989.
1989 graduate, you don’t look it? What is the secret?
Exercise, eating right. You watch what you eat. No junk food.
What has life taught you?
Life has taught me not to take things seriously. Also, life has taught me to live the best of life and be a good person. Lastly life has taught me to be kind to everyone and work hard.
Where is your favourite holiday spot?
Singapore. It is serene, very green, orderly and very beautiful
Do you have any fetish fashion item?
So many but I must accept the shoes. I collect shoes. Not very tall but I like heel shoes. But to work I wear flats. When I’m dressed up I wear stilletoeshoes. I love Diamonds and pearls.
What do your patients say about your stylish looks?
They feel encouraged. I advise them on clear skin. I’m a dermatologist
When you are not at work, how do you relax?
I watch TV. Spend time with my children. Travel if I can and I read a lot.