The cosmetic secrets of plastic surgeons: What procedures do they choose for themselves?

Have you ever wondered what cosmetic procedures the experts themselves can't resist? Plastic surgeons have procedures to improve their looks, ranging from Botox to mommy makeovers. This allows them to better understand what their patients go through and maintain their aesthetic standards.

We spoke with several ASPS Member Surgeons who shared their personal journeys with cosmetic enhancements.

Walking the walk

Karen Horton, MD, MSc, FACS, FRCSC, into cosmetic procedures began at the age of 39.

"As a board-certified plastic surgeon and a woman, I need to walk the walk in addition to talking the talk with my patients," said Dr. Horton. "I started with Botox."

This initial step was just the beginning.

"When I was 47, I felt it was finally time to do something for myself," said Dr. Horton. "My twins were turning 8. I had thought about having a breast augmentation for years, and I was finally ready."

She took her breast augmentation decision seriously and said finding the right surgeon was paramount.

"My biggest challenge was finding another board-certified plastic surgeon I felt entirely comfortable with," said Dr. Horton. "I wanted a plastic surgeon who ideally had breast implants herself and someone who had a very similar aesthetic to me. I finally found my surgeon, Dr. Melinda Haws, an ASPS Member Surgeon in Nashville."

Her breast augmentation ended up being part of a comprehensive mommy makeover that included other nonsurgical procedures.

"My mommy makeover consisted of dermal fillers to restore facial volume, ongoing Botox injections, a subglandular breast augmentation, some liposuction of my armpit fat and removing an annoying pedunculated skin tag on my back," said Dr. Horton.

This experience has allowed her to empathize deeply with her patients.

"I can better relate to my patients because I've walked in their shoes now, including having drains, going through the surgical recovery and talking to my daughters about the decision to have aesthetic procedures," said Dr. Horton.

Looking ahead, she has plans for future procedures.

"In the future, depending on how my face ages, I might want a lower facelift and neck lift to restore my jawline and correct jowls as they develop," said Dr. Horton. "Also, I will probably be a candidate for an upper lid blepharoplasty. And, if I lose more facial volume, I might want to add a bit of fat in some areas for more permanent but natural-looking fullness. I never want to look 'fake.'"

She emphasizes the importance of choosing the right surgeon.

"When I choose to have surgery again in the future, deciding who will be my surgeon will be vital," said Dr. Horton. "Choosing my surgeon will be a big decision. I recommend that patients take their time in selecting a surgeon and talk to other patients who've had that same procedure by that same surgeon to get as much information as possible."

The pursuit of improvement

Jerry Chidester, MD, also has a clear vision for his aesthetic needs.

"I would love to get liposuction later this year," said Dr. Chidester. "I plan on it. I want to have some lipo around my love handles. I have these stubborn areas that I just can't get rid of."

Like many, he sees the value in blepharoplasty for a refreshed appearance.

"I have my dad's eyelids and have a bit of extra skin, and sometimes it makes me look tired after a long day, so I would love an upper lid blepharoplasty," said Dr. Chidester.

Aging brings about changes that even plastic surgeons are eager to address. He said the passing years have affected his facial contours.

"As I've aged, I feel like my neck and face started to blend together, and I wanted a sharper jawline contour," said Dr. Chidester.

Modern fillers have provided him with a nonsurgical option to achieve his desired look.

"I had my nurse injector inject me, and I loved it," said Dr. Chidester. "I feel like it's created the jawline that I used to have."

Additionally, he has undergone Botox to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on his forehead and microneedling to tighten the skin under his jaw. These treatments help him connect with his patients on a personal level.

"I do these procedures for myself because I like the benefits I get from them, but also, I like being able to relate to my patients on that level and tell them what they can expect," said Dr. Chidester.

Botox for the long haul

Christopher Funderburk, MD, began his journey with cosmetic procedures during his residency.

"I started getting Botox injections as a plastic surgeon in residency," said Dr. Funderburk. "We would practice on each other, out of necessity more than vanity."

This practice has continued into his professional life. Dr. Funderburk keeps up with his Botox treatments to prevent deep facial lines from forming and continues getting injections approximately every five months. He continues to get his injections from a trusted colleague.

"In our practice, we have an amazing nurse injector, and she performs my Botox," said Dr. Funderburk.

The journey continues

Plastic surgeons opting for cosmetic procedures show they believe in the treatments they offer their patients. When they undergo these procedures, they enhance their appearance and gain valuable insights into the patient experience. This blend of professional expertise and personal experience ensures they can provide patients with the best care.

Whether it's Botox, fillers or more extensive surgeries, these ASPS Member Surgeons are committed to their craft and personal aesthetics.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.