The best compliment that a facial plastic surgeon can receive is the following :

Bumping into a patient whom he had not seen or treated for many months, the facial plastic surgeon who had treated the patient with fillers and Botox many months before was very impressed with how naturally beautiful and flawlessly youthful the patient still looked after all of that time.

She looked so good in fact that the facial plastic surgeon suspected that she had gone to another cosmetic physician for treatment. It got the best of the facial plastic surgeon and he could not resist asking, "You look so good, have you been seeing another cosmetic doctor?"

To which his patient replied, "No doc, only you! Thanks."

That my friends is the best compliment that you can receive as a patient from your physician, and the best compliment that a facial plastic surgeon can receive as well.

Be well.

One of the most puzzling statistics known is why women who have been mercilessly beaten by a husband or boyfriend, change their minds in almost half the cases.

Many refuse to testify against their abusers to help send the creeps to jail. Experts say it’s because the women have low-self esteem and see no future for themselves.

Some plastic surgeons, including Michael A. Persky, M.D., F.A.C.S., are stepping in to donate to many of these women a new, brighter future if they will only do one thing first – leave the abuser. And stay away from him.



Says Kathy Griffin, spokesperson for Face to Face, an organization started by the American Association of Facial and Plastic Reconstructive Surgeons (AAFPRS): “..when abused women look in the mirror and no longer see any traces of their abuse, it’s an important step in moving on to a much happier and healthier life.”

You have to admit: who would not be intimidated during a job interview if you had a bashed in nose, broken teeth or other facial scars?

Operating hand-in-glove with the National Council for Domestic Violence, a surgical program known as Face to Face offers certain victims of battering free consultations and plastic surgery.

According to the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, most battering victims have injuries to their face, neck and head.





Face to Face has about 300 plastic surgeons.

But before any battering victim can have facial surgery, she must show she has been out of the abusive relationship for at least a year.

We can all learn a little bit more about leading a better life from this article written by Adam Baker, live on location from New Zealand. Enjoy!

14 months ago, my wife and I were destined for conformity. Courtney had just graduated college, and I was starting to see some early success in small business and real estate. We had just celebrated our first wedding anniversary and were looking forward to the birth of our first child. We had began looking for potential homes, complete with a wrap-around porch and a white picket fence. Soon we'd be just 1.5 kids, a minivan, and a over-sized mortgage away from true bliss.

I'm fairly sure the physical process of childbirth is God's way of smacking us all across the face. Welcoming a sweaty bundle of joy into the world is nothing short of a miracle. For us, this event and the months that followed completely shattered even the most fundamental expectations for our lives. We took a long hard look at our path and realized it wasn't one that we had willingly signed up for-- at least not yet.

We realized that time was only going to be our friend for so long, and conformity was no longer desirable. Instead we cooked up the following plan:

Over the next twelve months, we'd aggressively eliminate our consumer debt, sell all of our possessions, and spend at least two years abroad.

How's it working out? Pretty well, so far. We were able to take control of our financial life, sell all but two backpacks worth of crap, and recently wander through Australia and New Zealand looking for life. We knew we could use this adventure to help teach Milligan. However, neither of us realized the extent of what backpacking with our now 14-month-old daughter would end up teaching us:

1) Every Event In Life Is An Opportunity To Learn

Everyone knows that a young child's mind is like a sponge. But you really don't realize how quickly they are able to absorb, grow, and learn until you get to experience it first hand. The funny thing is you can actually see Milligan learning. If you watch closely, you literally see her mind putting the pieces together. I'd like to think that flying across the world, staying in hostels, riding buses, and strolling down beaches are all helping foster this sort of learning. Upon closer observation, though, I've noticed just these sort of things having the same effect on me.

2) Life Is More Fulfilling When You're Constantly Testing Your Limits

Kids naturally test limits. It's how they establish boundaries. In fact, usually this continues until somewhere between age 18-25. Milligan could care less about conforming to other people's expectations right now. She takes great pleasure in pushing the envelope. I can often feel her little eyes, checking to see if I'm watching her, right before she commits to the action she knows could land her in hot water.

For me it's more important that she realizes that she's not supposed to do something, than if she actually does it or not. Ironically, the whole process of selling our possessions and moving overseas felt eerily similar for us.

3) The Ability To Adapt Trumps All The Planning In The World

We planned for our trip for over a year. We researched where we'd like to go, the visa and job opportunities, and how we'd get there. We budgeted, paid down debt, and saved thousands. The end result? We ended up staying in our "destination" a grand total of 3 days before drastically changing plans. Don't get me wrong, all the planning still saved us time, stress, and money. But it wasn't nearly as valuable as the ability to adapt our situation.

Milligan doesn't plan, she just lives. Over 24 hours in the air? No problem. Staying over a week in a 10x10 hostel room? Sure thing. We haven't been able to find anything Milligan hasn't been able to easily adapt to yet. Honestly, it's inspiring.

4) Modeling Others Is The Most Efficient Way To Learn A New Skill

I'm continually amazed at how quickly Milligan can learn something just by observing. I've derived great joy from watching her first attempt to put a sock on her foot, stick Q-tips in her ears, brush her teeth, or even throw away trash. Now that she's a little older, it's almost a daily occurrence that she's tackling a new concept simply by watching us. I've had a lot of success with modeling in my adult life as well, and watching Milli is a constant reminder of the power of this process.

5) Don't Be Afraid To Express Your Emotions

When Milli is happy, you can't help but laugh with her. She'll bounce around, smiling and giggling. She can't skip yet, but I think it will soon be one of her favorite methods of getting around. On the other hand, when she's angry or annoyed, she's not afraid to clearly let you know. The same goes for feeling tired, excited, hungry, or sick. She's not worried about what society will think of her or how she is supposed to act. At what point does it become acceptable for us to numb down all of our emotions? It feels much better to draw inspiration from Milligan.

6) Patience Is A Sign Of Strength, Not Weakness

I can admit it. I used to think patience was a sign of weakness. If you wanted to get a specific result, you needed to take immediate and massive action. You should take the bull by the horns, go out and kill it, drag it home, and eat it. I quickly learned that having a baby is a crash course in patience, whether you signed up for it or not.

This course rocked my world. No matter how proactive you are, there are going to be times where your child crosses the point of no return. They are going to scream for attention, no matter where you are in the world. You can fight, struggle, and stress all you want, but it's not going to help. What will help? An over-sized portion of love and patience. The rest is out of your control.

7) Imagination Is More Valuable Than All The Possessions In The World (and more valuable than Knowledge according to Albert Einstein)

Before we sold everything, Milligan had a wide-variety of books, toys, whistles, lights, and other distractions. Not to mention her own bedroom, lots of different outfits, and plenty of room to get into trouble. Since the trip, she now has just one book, one stuffed animal, and one special blanket.

What's filled in the gaps? Whatever we have on hand-- including cardboard boxes, kitchen spatulas, remote controls, and other exciting toys. Her brilliant imagination has turned out to be more valuable than anything money could buy. Once again, without realizing it Courtney and I have gone through the exact same process and realization with our own "toys."

What The Future Holds:

In the end, embarking on this journey has radically changed our lives. It would have been extremely easy for us to settle. We could have maintained a comfortable lifestyle surrounded with certainty. Instead, we chose to actively resist. We chose to blaze our own path in life, wherever it may lead us.

The most remarkable thing is that we assumed Milligan would be some sort of obstacle we'd have to overcome, but instead, she's been an amazing source of empowerment throughout the trip.

I'm not sure what the next couple of years have in store for us. But I am looking forward to learning even more life lessons from the most effective teacher I've ever had, my 1-year-old daughter.

We shall never forget
We shall keep this day,
We shall keep the events and the tears
In our minds, our memory and our hearts
and take them with us as we carry on.

Please fly your American flags proudly, hug the ones you love, and tell them that you love them.

As a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, my reputation is most important. I strive to offer my patients the best and most effective treatments available.

In the world of facial cosmetic surgery, new technologies are constantly being offered to consumers, many that have not been proven. The most recent 'It sounds too good to be true' technology is called Zerona, a passive laser treatment that claims to remove inches of fat within two weeks. I am currently following the results of early using physicians, as well as patient reports on the internet.

Another technology that I have been following now for about 10 years is Thermage, which has had inconsistent patient results. As techniques and protocols improve, perhaps I will incorporate these treatments into my practice, but until then, I will offer only tried and tested consistently effective treatments.

Here is a patient testimonial that I received today:
"3 years ago, I had a thermage treatment, I didn’t see any difference in anything. I will have a 2nd fraxel repair and even a third fraxel repair with Dr Persky, because, the one fraxel repair I had with Dr Persky did more for my skin then any other treatment I have had to date. Go Fraxel repair!!!!"

Be well. Dr. P

Award winning Emmy writer/director/producer and professional baseball announcer, Ken Levine, wrote a beautiful piece about the late Walter Cronkite. Here is what Ken said:

"He told us that President Kennedy had died.
He told us that we had landed a man on the moon.
He walked us through national conventions.
No one was elected President until he said so.
The Viet Nam War ended when he said it was time to go.
He reported on the bombings of London.
And the Olympic skiers in Squaw Valley.
There were never any articles about his hairstyle.
We never knew whether he was Republican or Democrat.
He reassured us in times of national crisis.
Celebrated our triumphs and called us on our shortcomings.
He had no agendas.
He wasn’t folksy or perky.
He was the voice of reason.
The conscience of the country.
He was just… Uncle Walter. The most trusted man in America. And now that voice has been silenced. We’ve lost the last true journalist the broadcast industry will ever see. Just how monumental is his passing?
Name me one person, anybody, who could be called the most trusted man in America now. I can’t think of one either.
God bless you, Walter Cronkite. You were the best that ever was.
And that's the way it is."

Those of you old enough to have watched Mr. Cronkite know that he always signed off, "And that's the way it is. " You can follow Ken Levine on Twitter.

The Internet has become a source of information for both patients and physicians. Colin Stewart of the Orange County Register online stays current with his articles about plastic surgery at feedblitz@mail.feedblitz.com. Michigan plastic surgeon Anthony Youn, MD airs his opinions and perception about celebrity plastic surgery at www.celebritycosmeticsurgery.blogspot.com/ New York City former patient coordinator for promenient plastic surgeons Ms. Peri Basel's valued opinions and tips can be read at her site itsthelatest.com. Physicians David Goldberg MD and Jason Posner MD in Florida have an informative, cutting edge blog at http://cosmeticmdnation.blogspot.com There are many excellent non-medically related sites as well. For Los Angeles' young mothers looking for information, Jennifer Levinson has a great daily email with everything a mother would need from nannies to weekend activities, see Jen's List at www.jenlevinson.com Once the children get a little older and parenting advice is needed for those tenacious teens, Vanessa Van Petten will keep you 1/2 step ahead, or least up with your teenager at http://www.radicalparenting.com/ Last but not least, author Seth Godin (The Dip, and many others) has a daily email that is often enlightening in our rapidly changing world can be subscribed to at http://www.feedblitz.com/f/f.fbz?Sub=198516.

Growing up, my Mother kept alive the "old wife's tale" that well known people usually die in groups of three. We have lost three extraordinarily talented "stars" in the past three days, Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson. Johnny Carson has his side-kick back, there is a "new" Angel, and Michael is doing his moon-walk again. I wish the friends and family of these three pop icons my deepest condolences. May their souls be bound to eternal life.

We are saddened by the untimely, shocking, and tragic deaths this week of promising Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart, 22 and his friends 20-year old Courtney Frances Stewart and 25-year old Henry Pearson. They were killed by a drunken motorist shortly after midnight. Nick had earlier pitched his best game of his young major league career. Another drunk driver has taken innocent, young lives with their bright futures in front of them. As a resident physician at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center in the 80's, all too often we went to the operating room after midnight in an effort to save the lives of victims of drunk driver accidents. "Why is it that the drunk usually comes out unscathed while the pregnant mom and her young child die?" we'd ask ourselves over and over again, far too many nights. Now as a parent what do I tell my children? The same thing that my fellow residents concluded years ago, "NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT". Please be home before 12:00 am. Cinderella's fairy godmother had it right when she insisted that Cinderella be back before the clock struck 12. If only their cars and coaches turned to pumpkins. By necessity, many of us do find ourselves driving on the road late at night or in the early morning hours. At those times it is important to remember what one of my wisest head and neck surgery professors always preached in the operating room, "Keep your eyes open and be focused at all times, it's what you don't see coming that will get you". In other words, please watch out for those crazy, drunk drivers that seem to come out or nowhere to take too many lives before their time, especially late at night and in the early morning hours. Our prayers go out to the family and friends of the victims of drunk drivers. In the case of Nick, Courtney, and Henry may their souls be bound to eternal life. We will miss you, and all that would have followed from your lives.

Seth Godin, author of many books including "The Dip" has a daily blog with valuable information. Internet communication is here to stay until the next quantum leap in communication. Mr. Godin's daily blog addresses this along with other valuable bits of information each day. A recent example may help how we treat each other better in the age of Google (http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/02/personal-branding-in-the-age-of-google.html). You may subscribe to his blog at no cost by copying and pasting the above link. Be well.

When asked, "What should I look for when choosing a facial cosmetic surgeon?” I reply, "The Eye, the Hand, and the Heart". “Eye” refers to the artistic ability to evaluate the face and see what is required to restore volume, shape, tone, texture, and color. One needs to have a vision of natural, “average” facial features. Beautiful, attractive faces are made up of the combination of average features. “Hand” is the ability to apply the treatments precisely, safely, and effectively with a skilled and soft gentle touch. “Heart” is caring about patients with uncommon professional passion and commitment to excellence. These attributes can be used in all walks of life, no matter what your profession or job may be. Exceptional individuals have a vision of the future, ability to carry out the necessary physical steps, and passion coupled with commitment to achieve their client’s goals. When choosing your cosmetic physician (or any other service), put your trust in those who have “the Eye, the Hand, and the Heart” that is right for you.

Trust, as defined at www.dictionary.com is ...–noun 1. Reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence. 2. Confident expectation of something; hope. That "Hope" and "confident expectation" not only helped President-Elect Barack Obama to the White House , but also is an essential characteristic to look for and feel when choosing your physician. I actually just finished a Fraxel re:pair (fractionated CO2 laser) of a patient's face and neck. She said that the process was so much easier for her because she trusted me (she's been my patient for 20 years). Over the 23 years of practicing facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, I have found that patient’s procedures and recoveries, and ultimately their results turn out better when they have trust in their treating physician. I can't promise and guarantee your results, but I can promise that I will do the best that can be done, the best that I can do, while keeping you as safe and comfortable as possible. Also I look for a long term relationship with my patients to keep them looking and feeling as youthful and healthy as possible using all of the great tools at our disposal today. I also promise to use only treatments with proven effectiveness, and be a reference source in "making sense" out of all of the new treatments and technologies (separating the "hype" from what really works). The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has as their slogan, "Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon", the key word being Trust. Be well, and happy, healthy Holidays. Dr. P

All of our hearts have been saddened by the sudden losses incurred by the Marine plane that crashed into the Yoon family home in San Diego. The strength, fortitude, and amazing words of Doug Yun Yoon (father, husband , and son-in-law of the victims) are an inspiration to those who have suffered loss. Our prayers are with you. This tragic accident is a reminder of how important it is to value what we have. To share our love. To be grateful, helpful, and kind. Give hugs and smiles, they are free, even in tough economic times. Say "I love you", and "Thank you" before time runs out and it is too late. Treat others well, and be a blessing onto others. We pray for the surviving Yoon family members as well as praying that the lost family member's souls will be bound to eternal life.

A wise professor of mine once told me that "a smile is the best form of plastic surgery". Everyone looks better and more youthful when they smile, okay so maybe "laugh lines" have given smiling a bad rap. Here is a little more wisdom about smiling that I'm sure my old professor would have loved: A SMILE A smile costs nothing ... but gives much. It enriches those who receive it without making poorer those who give it. It takes but a moment. However, the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it. And none is so poor that he can't be made rich by it. A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in business... and is the countersign of friendship. It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad. It is Nature's best antidote for trouble. A smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen. It is something of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours. None needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give. Be well and keep smiling. Dr. P

Recently while cleaning out my desk I came across an article with Audrey Hepburn's list of beauty tips. Ms. Hepburn, an internationally acclaimed beauty, was allegedly a carrier for the Belgian Underground Anti-Nazi Movement in WW II as a teen. She learned the importance of a good heart as well as good character early.
Here is her list:

1. For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
2 For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
3. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
4. For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
5. For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.
6. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anybody. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands--one for helping yourself, the other for helping others (by the way, Kirk Douglas in a recent article said that helping others keeps the elderly from becoming depressed).
7. The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. And the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.

Thank you for your wisdom Audrey, you were physically beautiful, but your soul will remain eternally beautiful.