Article written by Cyan Leigh Dacasin
“Known for his compassionate nature, he strives to be an advocate for all women who have survived breast cancer by making them feel beautiful, confident, and at ease with his nurturing bedside manner. “
Dr Michael K. Newman’s name is well-known in Beverly Hills. As one of So-Cal’s premier plastic surgeons, He gained the reputation to be an exceptional member of the medical community with his knowledge and experience combined with the world-class training he utilizes in his practice.
As a plastic surgeon, Dr Newman aesthetically improves the human form by making enhancements appear natural with modern techniques and a gentle method that makes sure the patient is comfortable.
His foremost speciality lies in body contouring and breast enhancements. Dubbed as the ‘ Forever Breast’ Surgeon, Dr Newman paved the way for all women, especially those who are survivors of breast cancer to have choices when it comes to their bodies.
Image by Rowan Daly | Styled by Derek Warburton
From natural breast augmentation, breast lift, reconstruction, and body contouring (even for men) Dr Newman’s clinic offers a variety of procedures that helps the client work out what they want from him.
One of these procedures is ‘ Cool Sculpting’ According to Dr Newman, this procedure is a revolutionary non-invasive method,‘ It uses a suction cup that holds an area of tissue and cools the tissue to near freezing. The cooling, or freezing, of the tissue, kills the fat cells so the cells disintegrate and permanently remove fat.’
As a member of the faculty at UCLA’s David Geffen Scholl of Medicine, he imparts his learnt experience and knowledge to the next generation of doctors while also working as a full-time doctor. ABC’s Nightline news program featured Dr Newman’s unique skills, positive attitude and compassionate care towards his patients.
Let’s start from the beginning, what made you want to be in the medical field?
I excelled at science and math as a child so the medical field was a natural progression for me because I was inspired by a relative who is a physician and gave me early exposure to the field. To confirm that medicine was the right path for me, I volunteered in a clinic during my college years where I deeply enjoyed the combination of interpersonal interaction, helping others, and scientific advancement, further motivating me to seek out medicine as a career.
Image by Rowan Daly | Styled by Derek Warburton
When it comes to picking out your specialization, what made you want to choose plastic surgery?
As a medical student, I rotated through a wide variety of medical specialities to gain exposure and knowledge. I was drawn to the surgical specialities due to the intricate anatomy and the satisfaction of obtaining immediate surgical results. Within the surgical parameters, I found plastic surgery to be truly magical and exciting. From cancer reconstruction to cosmetic enhancements, the field of plastic surgery was so transformative for patients. It also allowed me to use my artistic skills in ways that other surgical specialities could not offer.
You are known to be one of the most prominent cosmetics and reconstructive plastic surgeons in California. what were the initial hurdles you experienced when you first started out in this field?
Image by Rowan Daly | Styled by Derek Warburton
The old adage of “Do a great job and you will succeed” really came into play during my career. Los Angeles is a very competitive market for just about every job field, including plastic surgery. There are hundreds of plastic surgeons within a one-mile radius of my Beverly Hills office. Standing out was initially difficult, However, by caring for every patient as an individual, customizing treatment plans for each patient, and delivering outstanding results. Word got out that I was a step above the rest leading to the reputation I am honoured to now have.
Plastic Surgery has some negative connotations to it, there’s no denying that — even the phrase ‘going under the knife can be misconstrued in a lot of ways. But if you were given the chance, how would you explain to people that it isn’t all bad?
Plastic surgery developed a bad image in the past, specifically with celebrities and others that had surgery results that appear fake or overdone. Faces pulled too tight. Breast implants that are way too big. Those images are what many of us think of when someone mentions plastic surgery. However, those of us in the field that are well trained in the art of plastic surgery understand that good plastic surgery provides natural results that appear refreshed. You shouldn’t be able to tell if someone had plastic surgery if you meet them for the first time, you should just think to yourself, wow, he or she looks really attractive, happy, and healthy. That is the result we can achieve in the right hands.
Breast augmentation is known to be one of the most dangerous procedures out there — Especially, when it is not done correctly. What makes your method safe and secure for first time-clients?
Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States every year. Most patients do very well and the complication rate is very low. However, in the wrong hands, the complication rate goes up significantly including problems such as implant malposition, infection, bleeding, contracture, and damage to internal organs.
In addition, the most common reason breast augmentation patients seek revision surgery is for implant size change so it is very important to make sure that your surgeon spends adequate time with you discussing the size and implant options. In our office, these details are thoroughly discussed including options such as the Ideal Implant, a newer structured saline implant that offers some of the safety benefits of saline implants with a feel similar to silicone implants. We also spend time with patients so that they can see and feel all of the implant options and try on various implant sizes. We then provide patients with professional customized recommendations based on precise measurements of each person’s anatomy. Finally, technical precision during surgery allows for optimal long term results.
Breast augmentation can also be performed without using implants. Specifically, Natural Breast Augmentation is a technique where fat from other parts of the body can be removed with liposuction and the fat can then be injected into the breasts via tiny needle size incisions to add volume. This technique offers minimal recovery and is an ideal option for the right candidate. Our office is one of the few around the country that regularly offers this procedure to patients.
Could you explain the Keller Funnel? And how does this no-touch technique work for inserting implantations?
The Keller Funnel is an incredible invention that allows breast implants to be placed with no direct contact from the surgeon or from the patient’s skin. The funnel acts as a sleeve to deliver the implant into the pocket, minimizing contact with the surroundings and minimizing the risk of complications. Not all plastic surgeons use this device due to cost and training so it is an important detail to ask your surgeon if you are considering breast augmentation surgery.
Now, you are a known breast cancer advocate, As a complete 360 question. There are a lot of women that suffer from the after-effects of breast cancer. How do your reconstructive procedures help them both mentally and physically?
Breast reconstruction surgery is one of the most rewarding aspects of plastic surgery. Women undergoing treatment for breast cancer are overwhelmed with traumatic experiences including breast removal surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Reconstructive plastic surgery is often the one positive dimension of their journey so it is a privilege to be a part of that process as a plastic surgeon. It restores comfort and confidence for many women through a variety of complex techniques that we are able to offer. Fortunately, breast reconstruction techniques have continued to dramatically improve over time allowing us to minimize scarring and create natural-looking results.
For more on Doctor Michael K. Newman, check out his website: www.drnewmanbeverlyhills.com
