By: Quita Lopez, MD

Community. Although it’s a word that can mean different things to different people, the general concept is of sharing – sharing a locality and, in many cases, much more. Although you should never try to reach some cosmetic “ideal,” it’s natural for your concept of beauty to be influenced by the people and the place around you. It’s why many people choose a local surgeon instead of traveling to visit a big name practice elsewhere. If a surgeon lives and practices in your community, they are more likely to understand your concept of beauty, often better than a surgeon across the state or across the country.

While surgeons and patients in some areas prefer a bolder, more dramatic look, other people in different areas may be looking for something a little more subtle. What most of my cosmetic surgery patients in Fresno and Visalia desire is a natural looking result. Other patients in other areas may prefer something that is more visible or attracts more attention.

A surgeon’s role should be to listen to your goals, make recommendations about procedures that can meet these cosmetic goals, safely perform surgery, and be there to follow-up with your longterm care. A skilled and experienced surgeon will be able to give you the results you want, even if it means stepping outside of what’s “typical” for them. So, although a local surgeon can offer several benefits, a qualified surgeon in any area, as long as they take the time to work with you and establish an understanding relationship, should be able to give you excellent results.