As a medical student I asked one of my mentors, Dr. Harvey Zarem, whether one had to be a great artist to be a great plastic surgeon. He joked, “It’s not art; it’s science.” I later relayed that story to a sage plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Goldwyn, who said, “You know, I’m afraid it’s neither art nor science. One must be a great physician to be a great plastic surgeon.” It is important for plastic surgeons to bear that in mind, despite the temptation to portray themselves as artists. The “Brazilian Butt Lift” (BBL) has been fraught with severe complications, even death. While I am most recognized for my contribution to other aesthetic procedures, I may have actually saved lives with my work on BBL. Today this article published in @aestheticsurgeryjournal_asj examines the use of ECMO in resuscitating these patients. It was a pleasure to write it with cardiac surgeon Dr. Peyman Benharash at UCLA. A message to patients: listen to your doctor. Take the process seriously. Plastic surgery is still surgery. #plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #bbl #brazilianbuttlift #ecmo #ASJ
So much of an outstanding outcome depends upon taking care of yo urself after surgery. This morning’s rhinoplasty patient just sent this photo and gave me permission to post it. She’s propped up in a comfy bed, she has her water, ice packs, something to eat...and most important of all, she has her dog. Nothing heals like love, and nothing loves like a dog. #rhinoplasty #platicsurgery #mansbestfriend
So much of an outstanding outcome depends upon taking care of yo urself after surgery. This morning’s rhinoplasty patient just sent this photo and gave me permission to post it. She’s propped up in a comfy bed, she has her water, ice packs, something to eat...and most important of all, she has her dog. Nothing heals like love, and nothing loves like a dog. #rhinoplasty #platicsurgery #mansbestfriend
Some of the many faces of my father. He is the best. Ever. #happyfathersday2020 @ Brentwood
These four guys made today the most wonderful Father’s Day ever! #happyfathersday2020 @ Brentwood
My oldest turned six this weekend! And yes, it is possible to have a small outdoor party that respects social distancing and brings a little boy all the joy and excitement that such an auspicious day deserves. I have to hand it to my wife for putting together this amazing party. I love how the grandparents figured out how to eat birthday cake with a face shield. @cotabaum #covidbirthdays @ Brentwood
Putting the presidential seal on one side of his coat and embroidering “Physician to The President “on the other is so #buschleague. Doctors’ credibility comes from their education, board certification, and academic apointments, not from the patients they treat. #maladroit #gauche #d-bag #pathetic #a$$holic #imperious
Yours truly asking a (brilliant and provocative) question of Al Gore and Bill Bradley at the 2000 LA Times/CNN democratic primary debate. Who else misses the days of civility? #throwbackthursday #vote
Photography has been my long-standing hobby and I decided to start posting photos on IG. These were taken yesterday at sunset. There were gale-force winds causing the sand to swirl in eerie clouds and the sea was whipped into a tumultuous fury. There was so much sea mist and sand in the air that it was a strain to see. I felt like I was on a hostile, foreign planet. (Elon, this proves I’d be well-suited to be the doctor on your first mission to Mars.) #myhobby #leicaq2 #beachphotos #silverfx #spacex
Who said LA doesn’t have a change of seasons? We just don’t have to bundle up to enjoy it. #ilovela
Saved by the virus!!! No schlepping, last-minute searching for a costume and no unwelcome late night doorbell rings! The best Halloween ever, as far as I’m concerned! Kudos to Stephanie, who made sure that these fellas had more fun this year than ever before, with a scavenger hunt at home, a mini-mini get-together with a few “pod” friends, a visit to the pumpkin patch, a piñata, a trip to @descansogardens and lots of opportunities to wear costumes. (Let’s all agree that in future Halloweens we will never give candy to anyone who wears a virus costume. Someone is going to think it is cute...and it won’t be.) Please everyone wear your masks and keep a safe distance. #stopthespread
Everyone in our OR has been vaccinated and is producing antibodies! But rest assured, we are still assiduously following the same safety precautions we did before our vaccinations. As Tevye sang to Golde in “Do You Love Me?”, “It doesn’t change a thing, but even so…it’s nice to know.” Get yours as soon as you qualify. #safetyfirst #pfizer #moderna #fiddlerontheroofwisdom #plasticsurgery
What is my happiest memory from Dodger Stadium? It’s no longer watching Gibson’s walk-off homer in Game 1 of the 1974 World Series...it’s now watching my mom cry with joy as she got her Covid vaccine. Go Dodgers. Go Moderna.
