What Others Are Saying... "If You’Re Thinking of Cosmetic Surgery Or Just Want to Learn More, This Is the Book
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What Others Are Saying... "If you’re thinking of cosmetic surgery or just want to learn more, this is the book. Dr. Kotler, one of the top cosmetic surgeons in the United States, guides you through the procedures and what each entails—from costs to recovery times. You will truly be informed…” -Mary Ann Malloy, MD Women’s health expert, NBC “Cosmetic surgery can be a life-changing decision, and Dr. Kotler relays valuable information so the public can make an informed decision. An excellent resource for both doctor and patient. Sound decisions translate to peace of mind—an important factor when considering plastic surgery.” -Howard Murad, MD Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, UCLA “The secrets of finding a cosmetic surgeon who is right for you. A must have book for anyone contemplating this type of surgery.” -Dr. Earl Mindell Author, Vitamin, Herb and Diet Bibles “Dr. Robert Kotler, an acknowledged master of facial plastic surgery has written an informative, easy, well-organized and humorous ‘must read’ for the patient who requires education regarding cosmetic surgery in order to be well versed in all nuances and protected from the pitfalls.” -Jeremy L. Freeman, MD Professor of Otolaryngology, University of Toronto “A bible for the consumer who is looking for rejuvenation, and is concerned about what procedure they really need and who’s the best to do it. Contains checklists to make sure they stay on the right track.” -James E. Fulton Jr., MD, PhD, Co-Developer Retin-A® “A thorough consumer’s guide highlighting all important areas one should consider when contemplating cosmetic surgery. Consumers should do their homework, and this book is invaluable toward that end.” -David B. Barinholtz, MD, Clinical Associate University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine “Complete and concise. In today’s complex cosmetic surgery world, there are more choices for procedures, operating facilities and surgeons. That’s why the consumer needs this book.” -Kurt J. Wagner, MD, FACS Board certified plastic surgeon and author “This book should be the starting point for anyone even day-dreaming of cosmetic surgery. Eminently readable, engrossing, informative it provides a simply-told education in what these magical and mysterious procedures are, how they work, what can realistically go wrong, and how to prevent it. Dr. Kotler writes conversationally, like a friend who cares, but a friend who is also one of the foremost experts in this technical yet artistic business. He dares to be honest about the whole process.” -Barbara Sternig Journalist and author “In language every patient can understand, Dr. Kotler entwines humor with common sense, intelligent decision making based on informed facts, and addresses issues to consider when planning cosmetic surgery. He leads you step by step through the discovery, performance, and recovery periods … and he leaves you smiling." -Maggie Lockridge, RN Administrator, Shanteque, A Recovery Retreat “In this era when patients are becoming more involved in their medical care, Dr. Kotler’s book is certainly timely. It is a tremendous resource for patients contemplating cosmetic and/or reconstructive surgery.” -Paul Lambert, MD Professor, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Medical University of South Carolina “Contains valuable information that will be of great interest to patients who are considering cosmetic surgery, particularly choosing a surgeon on the basis of training, experience, and expertise.” -John W. Shore, MD, FACS President, American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery “… distills decades of clinical experience into a seasoned view of the cosmetic surgery landscape, where Dr. Kotler guides the patient through the labyrinth of choices and potential obstacles with the same warm and generous sense of caring that has made him an outstanding success in his field. Recommended for the reader who is contemplating elective cosmetic surgery.” -Richard G. Glogau, MD Professor of Dermatology, University of California “The book is a gem! It provides essential, timely advice on the strengths and pitfalls of cosmetic surgery. If you are considering optimizing your ppearance with any cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedure, Secrets of a Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgeon is a must read!” -Rosalene Glickman, Ph.D President, The World Academy of Personal Development SECRETS OF A BEVERLY HILLS COSMETIC SURGEON The Expert’s Guide to Safe, Successful Surgery Robert Kotler, MD, FACS A defective soul cannot be corrected on the face, but a defect on the face, if you correct it, can correct the soul. -Jacques Cousteau iii SECRETS OF A BEVERLY HILLS COSMETIC SURGEON Robert Kotler, MD, FACS Our books are available at special quantity Published by: discounts for bulk purchases for sales promotions, Ernest Mitchell Publishers premiums, fund-raising, or educational use. P.O. Box 15371 For details write Ernest Mitchell Publishers. Beverly Hills, CA 90209-1371 Phone: 1-888-599-3400 Info at www.surgerysecrets.com Copyright © 2003 by Robert Kotler, MD, FACS All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or via any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review. Printed in the United States of America 10987654321 Library of Congress Control Number: 2001 126802 ISBN: 0-9712262-0-2 (Hardbound) Disclaimer This book is designed to provide information about the subject matter covered. It is not the purpose of this book to reprint all the information that is otherwise available to the author and/or publisher, buttocomplement,amplify and supplement. You are urged to read all available material. Every effort has been made to make this book as complete and as accurate as possible. However, there may be mistakes both typographical and in content. Therefore, this text should be used only as a general guide. The purpose of this book is to educate. The author and Ernest Mitchell Publishers shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, directly or indirectly by the information contained in this book. Text Design: Carolyn Porter, One-On-One Book Production Cover Design: Peter Thorpe and One-On-One Book Production Cartoons on pages 133 and 154 are used with permission of the Cartoon Bank © 2002 The New Yorker Collection from cartoonbank.com All rights reserved. Cartoon on page 181— MISTER BUFFO © 1996 Joe Martin. Dist. By UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE. Reprinted with permission . All rights reserved. Cartoon on page 198—BIZARRO © 2001 by Dan Piraro. Reprinted with permission of UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE. All rights reserved. iv DEDICATION To my parents, my family, my teachers and Neil Baum, MD. In memory of my brother Ed Kotler (1947-1999), and my lifelong friend Jay Shapiro (1942-2000), the bravest people I have ever known. Author royalties will benefit the Ed Kotler Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation, Evanston, Il. v ABOUT THE AUTHOR Robert Kotler, MD, FACS, practices cosmetic facial surgery, exclusively, in Beverly Hills, California. Photo by John Sanchez Born in Chicago, Dr. Kotler attended the University of Wisconsin and is a graduate of Northwestern University Medical School. He served his general surgery residency at Cook Robert Kotler, MD, FACS County Hospital in Chicago. His specialty residency training in surgery of the face, head and neck was served at Cook County Hospital, Northwestern University Hospitals, and the University of Illinois Hospitals. Dr. Kotler is board certified, by the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. Major Kotler was Chief of Head and Neck Surgery at the DeWitt Army Hospital, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and a consultant and residency program instructor at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., during his service in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. Following military service, Dr. Kotler served a fellowship in cosmetic facial surgery in Los Angeles, sponsored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Kotler is the founder of the Cosmetic Surgery Specialists Medical Group of Beverly Hills. In addition to his private practice, he is a Clinical Instructor in the Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, UCLA Center for the Health Sciences. He is a Consultant and Attending Surgeon at the Veterans’ Medical Center, West Los Angeles. Dr. Kotler has served as a Commissioner and Regional Consultant to the Medical Board of California, and as a Medical Consultant to the City and County of Los Angeles. Dr. Kotler is the author of The Consumer’s Guidebook To Cosmetic Facial Surgery, a consumer-oriented guidebook. He also wrote the medical text, Chemical Rejuvenation of the Face, used by physicians worldwide. Dr. Kotler is credited with 51 medical publications and vi presentations and he has been a contributor to 12 medical textbooks and books for the public. As a spokesperson for cosmetic surgeons, Dr. Kotler has been a guest on numerous local and national radio and television programs including Oprah, CBS News, 48 Hours, CNN, Fox News and has been interviewed by Time, Self, McCalls, Men’s Health, Allure, Men’s Fitness, Los Angeles Magazine, W, Woman’s Day, The Chicago Sun-Times, Los Angeles Times, Detroit Press, Arizona Republic, Denver Post, Cincinnati Enquirer, Parade, USA Today and the National Enquirer. vii TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments x Author’s Introduction xix Defining Cosmetic Surgery xx Program Notes xxii 1. Snapshot Of The Big Picture 23 2. The Terrible Truth About Some Cosmetic Surgeons 41 Buyer Beware! Will the Doctor be Practicing on You? 3. Selecting The Right Surgeon 53 A Step-By-Step Path to Discovering the Critical Match Between Your Needs and the Doctor’s Skill. 4. Why Superspecialization Is So Important 67 Determining the Degree of Specialization Your Procedure Deserves. 5. The Consultation 77 What to Expect and How to Work it to Your Advantage.