There are dozens and dozens of plastic surgeons in our metro area, but few are as qualified as Dr. Houtan Chaboki. At his facial plastic surgery practice with 2 Washington, D.C. offices, he specializes in treatments just for the face. He offers common surgical procedures such as facelift and popular non-invasive treatments including BOTOX® Cosmetic injections. Check out this interview.
Clarendon Moms: Hi, Dr. Chaboki! Here a few questions to help my readers get better acquainted with you. How long have you been a plastic surgeon?
Dr. Chaboki: I finished my facial plastic surgery fellowship training in 2006 in New York City at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, and then moved to start my practice in downtown Washington, D.C.
Clarendon Moms: What age were you when you decided to become a plastic surgeon? A little boy, teenager, med student?
Dr. Chaboki: Like many physicians, I’ve always been interested in science and math, which led me to medical school in the first place. Ultimately, it was my facial plastic surgery mentors during medical school and residency who inspired me to become a facial plastic surgeon.
Clarendon Moms: What inspired you to become a plastic surgeon?
Dr. Chaboki: Plastic surgery is a great area of medicine to practice. You can really help everyone. You can use your skills to help with such a variety of issues, whether it be post-cancer surgery, reconstructive work, or cosmetic treatments. Additionally, I find the practice of plastic surgery to be so interesting, as it truly blends the art and science of medicine together.
Clarendon Moms: What type of activities do you do for fun to relax and enjoy yourself?
Dr. Chaboki: I spend time with the family. I like to cook simple, healthy foods that my children will actually eat. Impromptu dance parties with the family are always fun. And streaming TV shows and movies with my wife, once the kids are asleep, is always relaxing. We avoid reality television and focus on sitcoms, late-night talk shows, and drama. We miss the challenges of Walter White and look forward to the adventures in Westoros!
Clarendon Moms: Tell us about your family.
Dr. Chaboki: I’m married to a smart, hard-working, and compassionate woman and have 2 beautiful and mischievous daughters. My wife was a banker in New York and now works in finance policy in D.C.
Clarendon Moms: Before someone considers plastic surgery for aesthetic reasons, what are some recommendations you might make?
Dr. Chaboki: How you look is a reflection of your overall health, so all patients, regardless of age or skin type, should do the following: avoid smoking, drink plenty of fluids, use sun protection daily, eat healthily, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. My plastic surgery patients who have the best cosmetic results do all of the above.
Clarendon Moms: Are there questions someone should ask themselves before scheduling a consultation?
Dr. Chaboki: With the large choice of options for aesthetic improvements, it’s daunting to determine what may be “best.” Doing a little bit of homework prior to the initial consultation definitely helps patients. For example:
- What specific areas are you considering for cosmetic treatment?
- What about the area concerns you (too big, too small, asymmetric, etc.)?
- How long have you been considering cosmetic treatment?
- How long do you have for recovery: a few hours, days, or longer?
- Lastly, developing a potential financial plan will help alleviate concerns for any given budget.
Clarendon Moms: What is a typical consultation like? Is it like all the plastic surgery shows we see on TV, where the doctor takes a marker and makes suggestions on what can be improved?
Dr. Chaboki: Consultations for office treatments such as BOTOX or facial fillers (such as Restylane® or JUVÉDERM®) are typically quicker than surgical consultations. Patients will often know within the first office visit if they would like to proceed with such a treatment.
Patients who are considering surgery will often require more than one office visit before they make the appropriate decision for themselves. As with any big decision, providing adequate time to consider surgery is important for patients to make an informed decision. Following the initial cosmetic surgery consultation, I may perform a computer simulation to help the patient visualize potential outcomes for his or her procedure, such as facelift or rhinoplasty.
Skin markings are performed immediately before cosmetic surgery. I don’t need or use markings before BOTOX or fillers. Patients after non-surgical office treatments often can return to work the same day, if they desire.
Clarendon Moms: What would you like to share with readers who are considering a procedure? Any tips?
Dr. Chaboki: Sure, I have a few tips:
- Tip: Have realistic expectations. Plastic surgery shows on television glamorize the field of plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgery has inherent risks, which should be discussed with your plastic surgeon.
- Tip: Try arnica montana tablets before and after any cosmetic treatment to help minimize bruising.
- Tip: Topical petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline or Aquaphor) is good to limit scarring after cuts and scrapes. It must be used continuously until skin has adequately healed. I encourage all cosmetic surgery patients to use topical ointment for at least several weeks after plastic surgery. In fact, I chase my children around with Vaseline whenever they come home with scrapes from school!
Clarendon Moms: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Dr. Chaboki: When choosing a plastic surgeon, other factors to consider are before-and-after photographs and online patient reviews. Patients share their plastic surgery experiences on a variety websites to help other patients in planning their own treatments.
Lastly, while cosmetic surgery is common, it is a personal choice that each individual makes. Please don’t feel pressured by friends or family members to change yourself.
Dr. Chaboki’s Offices are located at: 2021 K Street NW #206, Washington DC 20006 and at Sibley, 5215 Loughboro Road NW #210, Washington DC 20016. For more information, click here or visit www.potomacplasticsurgery.com.
{Disclosure: Compensation was provided in exchange for this sponsored post.}
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