I am a Certified Public Accountant, very analytical, very objective, and very thrifty!
Fifteen years ago I had rhinoplasty and a brow lift in Marin County, California, where I live. This year I had a face lift and eyelid surgery performed by a different plastic surgeon, Dr. Issa Eshima of San Francisco. I am infinitely more pleased with Dr. Eshima and my results. Here's why, in no particular order:
Dr. Eshima has great wisdom and judgement. He is conservative in his procedures in order that you won't end up looking ""done"" as we say in Marin. I go to aerobics class daily, and as I look around the room, it is apparent to me that some women have been ""done"" or more articulately OVER-done by their plastic surgeons. It's a recognizable look that results from a plastic surgeon who is being too aggressive, or maybe just lacking in talent or experience. Do you remember the old television commercial for hair color, ""Does she or doesn't she? Only her hairdresser knows for sure."" Dr. Eshima is an artist in addition to a superb plastic surgeon, and will send you home looking FABULOUS, not DONE -- and only you and Dr. Eshima will know for sure!
Dr. Eshima and his staff closely supervise your recovery. The first time I had plastic surgery in Marin, I don't think that doctor had any contact with me at all until a week or two later. Believe me, when you look at your swollen, bruised, bandaged face after rhinoplasty -- you need some reassurance! Every bad thought and fear will race through your mind, and it is essential that you get credible and repeated assurances that you will not turn out like Michael Jackson. Dr. Eshima's staff calls you on a daily basis for two weeks after your procedure. (During this time you will also have at least one office appointment.) In my case I e-mailed photos of myself to Dr. Eshima's assistant, Magaly, and she carefully reviewed each one. She gave me comfort that each little thing would resolve. They did.
Dr. Eshima is personable and touches you. I remember with my first plastic surgery, except for in the operating room, that doctor never touched me. Not once. I just thought that was odd. When I first visited Dr. Eshima (and by the way, Dr. Eshima does not charge a consultation fee) he had me sit down in his office and talk to him. I believe he was evaluating my psychological readiness for plastic surgery as well as evaluating the appearance of my face and my expressions as I talked and moved. Dr. Eshima is funny and engaging and you will enjoy meeting him! He held a little mirror in front of me and moved my hair a little bit and showed me why he was recommending specific procedures. He didn't act like I had a contagious disease!
And now I will put on my accountant's hat and we will talk hard cold cash. Dr. Eshima costs a little more --- AND HE'S WORTH IT. Keep in mind I am a CPA and so tight I squeek. Also keep in mind you're not headed to Nordstrom for the semi-annual sale (which starts Wednesday). I wish I could give you statistics and percentages to convince you of the value of Dr. Eshima's artistry, but of course it is impossible to quantify beauty. And you will be beautiful.
To conclude my analysis, I strongly recommend that you have no plastic surgery done before visiting Dr. Eshima.
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