Plastic Surgery Santa Barbara

DID YOU KNOW?

When it comes to cosmetic and/or reconstructive treatment of oculofacial conditions, claims of expertise are often made, but seldom backed by the education and subsequent clinical experience that is required to achieve the desired optimal outcome. Such expertise may be claimed by general ophthalmologists or general plastic surgeons. Yet, their training exposes them to very limited eyelid surgery (which is usually taught to them by fellowship trained oculofacial plastic surgeons!). Such expertise may also be claimed by otolaryngologists - ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialists AKA facial plastic surgeons - whose training excludes eyelid surgery with the exception of the occasional blepharoplasty. Even some dermatologists claim this mantle despite their training rarely extending beyond minor - office based procedures...Caveat Emptor.

KNOW YOUR SURGEON AND HIS/HER EXPERTISE

Patients with disorders and/or cosmetic changes of the eyelids, brow, mid-face, tear drainage system, and orbit (the area around the eye) are most commonly treated by fellowship trained subspecialists in oculofacial plastic surgery. The recognized accrediting organization for physicians with such training is the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). This indicates that the surgeon is not only a board certified ophthalmologist, but also has had extensive training in an accredited fellowship in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Being accepted as an ASOPRS fellow underscores professional recognition of the necessary expertise in these surgical areas. It should be emphasized that even following such training, it takes years of experience to safely perform surgical procedures on the delicate tissues around the eyes and face. Oculofacial plastic surgeons use optical enhancement (surgical loupes or operating microscopes) for virtually all cases. The most delicate surgical instruments are used in conjunction with the finest suture materials to effectively hide incision sites.

Roger Kohn, M.D. is one of the few oculofacial plastic surgeons to train in two such programs: the first at the University of Alabama with Alston Callahan, M.D. - one of the three founding fathers of the subspecialty of oculofacial plastic surgery; the second at Harvard Medical School with Charles Beyer, M.D. - the founding Chief of Oculofacial Plastic Surgery at Harvard. In over two decades of subsequent surgical practice, Dr. Kohn has performed thousands of cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures. His qualifications and expertise have received extensive recognition:

• Clinical appointment at U.C.L.A. School of Medicine at the full professor level for over 25 years.
• The American Academy of Ophthalmology's prestigious Honor Award.
• Biographied in Marquis Who's Who in America (annually since 1996), Marquis' Who's Who in Science and Engineering (annually since 1996), and Marquis' Who's Who in the West (annually since 1980).
• Named to the U.S. News and World Report lists of Top Doctors in the United States and Top Doctors in Southern California.
• Author of the internationally acclaimed Textbook of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, along with 15 chapters in other texts.

Should you wish to consult with Dr. Kohn regarding any cosmetic or reconstructive eyelid or facial condition, you can be assured that he will thoroughly evaluate your past and present medical history in relation to your current clinical findings. You will receive highly individualized care - allowing Dr. Kohn to gain an understanding of your concerns and desires. This will enable Dr. Kohn to define specific treatment strategies based upon the most effective techniques available. He will answer all your related questions. While skilled in all advanced oculofacial plastic surgical techniques, Dr. Kohn has always been conservative in his treatment recommendations. He consistently chooses the least invasive means to achieve the optimal functional and cosmetic result for each patient.

Plastic Surgery Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeons