Loyalty and Plastic Surgery

I always look for the good in people, and believe that deep down, all people want to do the right thing.  Until proven wrong, I place my faith in other people every day.  My employees are so critical in maintaining a safe and pleasant experience for each patient, and we train each one for a tremendous amount of time.  I want each person who works at Yager Esthetics to be a great ambassador for the practice, and to comport themselves as an honest advocate not only for the practice but for the patient as well.

Being in private practice here for 20 years now, I have had many employees.  While I am dedicated to the practice, many of my employees go on to get married, have children, move out of state, or get degrees or return to school.  As their lives change, sometimes they have to move on.  I am happy when I see them grow as people and go on to do great things and achieve happiness.

I tell each employee from the beginning that if they reach a point where they are not enjoying their work at Yager Esthetics, to let us know immediately.  We try to see if there is a modification that can be made, and if not, are happy to help them transition to another field or adventure in life.  We only ask for the professionalism and courtesy of being honest and upfront with us, and giving the time needed to seek a replacement.

Over the years, we have been very successful by treating patients and staff in this respectful manner. Of course, my trust has been betrayed on a few occasions by less than honorable staff.  I would rather live my life believing in the good in people than being mistrustful of everyone.  I will not change for the few bad apples.  They have to look in the mirror and live with who they are.

As we are now rolling along in October, I get to enjoy some of my favorite music in the OR.  Classic rock is the music of my youth, and everything from Heavy Metal, to Hair Metal, to Alternative and Grunge will make the playlist.

Operating to music makes everything better.  It activates my creative brain, puts the patient more at ease upon entering the room, and keeps the energy level of all of my employees up throughout the session.

As a recording artist with an album under my belt, (Used Karmas- check it out on itunes, Spotify, or at usedkarmas.com) it keeps me humble to know how much better everything we listen to is than my own music.  If it weren’t for all the cosmetic plastic surgery, I might have the time I need to get better.

The mood extends into patient days as well, although we do not pump metal into our waiting room.  Sometimes Spanish Rock sneaks in, with Jarabe de Palo and Mana.  It is all rock and roll to me.  It is my tribute to the music that fed my soul growing up.

Please join me and appreciate the Rock inside of all of you.  Be it at work if possible, in the car, at home, or during exercise.  Rock on, my brothers!

I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, and I do not complain about my income.  I could certainly charge more here in my 20^th year of private practice, but I try to keep plastic surgery accessible to working people in my Hispanic community.  I do not expect anything more than what I charge for each surgery, and feel it is a bargain for what is provided.

Some of my colleagues on Park Avenue charge considerably more, and are often given expensive gifts as a routine by their patients.  I have heard of expensive watches, jewelry, use of vacation homes, and even a car or two, far exceeding the value of the surgical fee.

I recently received a wonderful present that I feel is worth more.  A young woman, very quiet and respectful, came back one year after her surgery to tell me how much her surgery meant to her.  She felt that it helped her self esteem, her job, and her relationship, and wanted to thank me so much. I was touched and grateful for the appreciation, and then she handed me an envelope.  Inside was a Starbucks Gift Card.  She wrote “Thank You For Everything.”

It may not have the street value of a Rolex, but the thought was far more precious to me.