Philadelphia Plastic Surgery - Story One - Medical Situation With Cosmetic Benefit

I chose Dr. Whitaker because of his credentials. As someone who is very fussy about her doctors, I wanted a surgeon who was renown because of his reconstructive work as well as cosmetic work; a surgeon who had been around the world and gained knowledge about of different facial structures, specifically race. In addition, I thought my surgeon should be over 40, athletic and good-looking. He met all of my criteria.

When I first saw Dr. Whitaker, it was because I had fibrocystic disease that made my breasts ache all the time. I even gave up caffeine for year to ease the pain, but it didn't work. I thought if my breasts didn't feel so heavy, they wouldn't hurt so much. I saw this as a medical situation with a cosmetic benefit, and chose to have breast implants and a breast lift. The result was a complete success.

Later, when I wanted strictly cosmetic surgery I returned. This time I wanted a plastic surgeon to be direct with me, and if my cosmetic wish was unreasonable, I wanted to know. I expected him to tell me if and when I should have cosmetic surgery. Again, Dr. Whitaker didn't let me down.

As the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Penn, Dr. Whitaker had the experience and skill I wanted. He loves his work and leaves decisions about surgery to the patient. I saw his name in National Geographic when he did surgery for a man with elphantitus. I learned of him through a friend who was also a local newscaster. I wanted someone who did surgery in a hospital setting with good follow up care. If my surgery required revisions, I would have them. I was satisfied with all of these requirements.

Here's what I've learned from Dr. Whitaker:

Start with the flaws most obvious to you and correct them gradually over a period of time, perhaps even twenty years. One needs a surgeon who knows his patients' face. I look for restoration rather than dramatic change.
Dr. Whitaker is frank and will not suggest surgery prematurely. He suggested that I wait for three to four more years before I had a midface lift. At age 59, I made that decision because I could see it was time. He gave me the best information with which to decide.
Dr. Whitaker does not make promises. During my evaluation, I saw him as a dedicated person who always does his best and is forthcoming if a request is unreasonable.
I like Dr. Whitaker's conservative approach.
Above all, one's comfort level with the surgeon is a must.

I found Dr. Whitaker when I was 40 and over the last 23 years have had one procedure at a time, 6 in all. Not one procedure was 'overdone.' No one ever asks me if I've had cosmetic surgery, even with the midface lift I had this year at age 62. I'm a grateful patient of a wonderful doctor who made it possible for a busy businesswoman like me to maintain her professional 'edge.'

– Sandy
Uniondale, PA