Larry Pollack, M.D. F.A.C.S

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Looks and lifestyle go hand in hand, explains Larry Pollack, M.D. a San Diego plastic surgeon who has constructed a successful practice not only by rebuilding faces and bodies, but also by setting a foundation for his patients' continuing good health.

"Dr. Pollack gave me back my life," believes Bonnie Smith (see sidebar), who praises him for seeing her as a person as well as a patient. She is not alone in her assessment. Despite his impressive credentials (a board-certified general surgeon and plastic surgeon who has twice served as Chief of Plastic Surgery Staff at prestigious Sharps Hospital), Dr. Pollack is personable and open, eager to share his views on why cosmetic surgery should not exist in a vacuum.

"My practice focuses on education and nutrition as well as plastic surgery," he notes, adding he even refers clients to personal trainers. "If I can get a person to combine surgery with good eating habits and exercise, my results look even better!"

Taking his own advice, Dr. Pollack has been training for the last year and says he feels great.   He has run two half-marathons and plans to do more.

Dr. Pollack also destroys the myth that people have cosmetic surgery to remedy low self-esteem. "In fact, the opposite is true. I did a tummy tuck on an 82-year-old active woman who wanted to look better in her tennis skirts!  The best patients are those who have good self-esteem and just want to look as good as they can.

What Makes A Good Plastic Surgeon?

 Ninety-one or 19, a client should look for five factors when selecting a plastic surgeon, says Dr. Pollack. First and foremost are good technical skills, as proven by surgical certifications earned, with an emphasis on the word earned. "Not everyone finishes; these programs are difficult and separate out those with the ability and skills to complete the entire program."

Second, he says, "You have to have a certain artistic bent. You must be creative and be able to respond to changing circumstances. Surgeries are always planned, but sometimes   the plan has to be revised to achieve the most aesthetic result."

Skills and creativity are necessary, but not sufficient, Dr. Pollack emphasizes. "Third and maybe most important is that the physician must be truly interested in the patient.   Most patients have a specific goal they wish to achieve with cosmetic surgery.   The surgeon should listen carefully to determine how realistic the goal is, how it can be achieved, and if any related surgery would be helpful to optimize the result.

Dr. Pollack says, "People need to know as much as they can about their surgery. You can never have too much information. Patients need to make an intelligent decision on the surgery, its risks and viable alternatives."

Number four on Dr. Pollack's list is something with which he is quite familiar: a great office staff. According to him, "That really differentiates offices. I'm fortunate to work with great people. Clients fall in love with our team," he reports, singling out patient coordinator Kate Larsen who he says "makes a tremendous connection with people."

The fifth important element is the facility. "Safety is the number one concern. The procedure should be performed at an accredited ambulatory outpatient surgery center that has a well trained and caring staff.

The Sixth Dimension

In addition to these factors, which Dr. Pollack can control, is a sixth dimension beyond his reach: YOU. Putting it bluntly, Dr. Pollack challenges, "Why get lipo if afterward you binge out forevermore? Why get a laser face rejuvenation, then go to Hawaii and bake in the sun?"

Speaking of Hawaii, Dr. Pollack confirms that cosmetic surgery follows the seasons. "I really enjoy body contouring surgeries, which always keep us busy in the summer," he explains, saying liposuction, tummy tucks and breast augmentations are the most popular procedures.

"In the fall and winter, I do more facial cosmetic surgeries," says the doctor, who also tries to get in some seasonal fun with his family.  He and his wife, Lisa Arian, M.D., an endocriologist, met in medical school. With two active daughters, the Pollacks are a soccer and gymnastics family whose favorite winter sport is skiing in Telluride, Colorado.

Dr. Pollack Does It For You; Now
You Have To Do It For Yourself

    Technical skills; artistry; genuine caring; a compassionate, professional staff; safety: Now that you know what makes a good plastic surgeon, you know what has made Larry Pollack an exceptional plastic surgeon. Bear in mind, however, that he cannot do it all  for you.  So eat your veggies, lift those weights, do your cardio and stay out of the sun!

Transformations >