I've been a practicing surgeon for over 15 years now, and I've come to believe that my success as a surgeon stems as much from having consistently good judgment as it does from technical proficiency. What do I mean? With experience we learn to better understand our patients - their needs, their desires. Most times a cosmetic procedure is an intelligent, well-thought-out objective, appropriate at that moment in a person's life. And it's important for us as surgeons to be a part of that decision-making process - is the procedure appropriate? Sometimes surgery is not the best answer."

All of that underscores the importance of a good, solid relationship between surgeon and patient. Because every procedure - cosmetic or reconstructive - is a process. First we educate our patients about a procedure and together we decide what the best plan of action is. After the procedure it is my responsibility to help you through the recovery process. You and I will work together to achieve the best possible result. And it is my job as a surgeon to be honest about all of that.

Over the years I believe that my practice has developed an excellent reputation, and it is all based on the positive referrals of my patients and other physicians who see the results and outcomes of my operations. I am very proud of that.

I like to promote a culture of constant improvement. As surgeons we never say we have arrived, that we are content with our work. We need to constantly look at the horizon and see what is new out there, what can we do differently to improve our patients' experience as well as their results.

We have a team approach as well, and I think that makes us unique. My partners and I will work together on some of the most complex and lengthy procedures, some of which will last eight, even ten hours. That level of cooperation and collaboration is rare among independent plastic surgeons nowadays.

I think the best surgeons develop a confidence that can come only with experience. In time you worry less, and focus on the well being of your patients and the results you can provide for them. But it is not an automatic or easy transformation - you have to work your tail off. I was lucky because I inherited my father's work ethic. As I tell my children, if you work hard, and work steadily, good things will happen.

I've been very fortunate - I have been exposed to some of the greatest surgeons of our generation, in first-rate institutions. I practice with surgeons equally committed to the highest standards of plastic surgery. I know our patients recognize all of that - of course, they are the ones who have made us successful.