Introduction
by Stephen A. Goldstein, M.D.

I chose to become a doctor because it combined the life sciences, which I enjoyed and excelled at, with the ability to help people and contribute to humanity. Plastic surgery appealed to me because it could have such an immediate, positive impact in a patient’s life. It also presented a beautiful marriage between art and science. On both the aesthetic and technical levels, I found it the most creative and challenging of any of the medical specialties.

In aesthetic plastic surgery, no two procedures are the same because no two patients are the
same. I believe that each person’s individuality must be respected in the operating theater and in the doctor’s office. My entire staff is focused on treating patients with the personal respect they deserve, and from the moment someone enters my practice, he or she will feel acknowledged as an individual and cared for as a human being.

From this book you will learn that not all physicians calling themselves plastic surgeons are qualified, and you will find information on how to evaluate qualifications and select the best surgeon for your personal needs. Aesthetic plastic surgery is serious surgery. It involves some pain and recovery time, and there is always the risk of complications. Having a surgeon who is qualified and experienced is crucial.

But finding the right surgeon goes beyond qualifications. A patient must truly feel a connection with the surgeon. Good communication is vital. Not only is each patient different, but his or her perception of the problem and how it should be fixed also differs. Without a shared understanding of the problem and the possibilities for its correction, obtaining a satisfying outcome may be difficult. I seek to educate my patients in a very comprehensive manner; so together we can arrive at the best plan for them, one that will cater to their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

I agreed to join the other highly qualified plastic surgeons contributing to this book to help patients gain an understanding of the procedures, develop realistic expectations, and achieve good communication with their surgeon. It should answer many questions and may raise others, which I would be happy to discuss with you.