Newsletter 5

So often when a patient goes to a plastic surgeon, he or she envisions a "new beauty" that is merely skin deep: a few less wrinkles, a more aesthetically pleasing nose, a tighter tummy.
With the advances made in the art and science of plastic and reconstructive surgery over just the past few years, achieving these changes are certainly more possible than ever before to the skilled, experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
What I have always strived to give to my patients, however, is what we in Louisiana call "Lagniappe", that something extra.
That something extra to me always means using my god-given talents and experiences to reconstruct not merely the flesh, but a rejuvenated inner spirit that comes with a more pleasing outer beauty.
That goal is always appropriate, but perhaps never more so than at this time of year as we approach and make ready for the holiday season.
It matters not whether one is Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish ... we are all bound by the same spirit that leads us to seek peace, inner joy, accomplishment, generosity and concern for our brothers and sisters of many colors and many backgrounds, whether they live next door or on some faraway continent; in a mansion or a mud hut.
Our kindnesses move outward like ripples on a pond to reach others as we attempt to build that theoretical matrix of one strong hand holding on to a weak hand, thus lifting up rather than tearing down. A more beautiful outer person is the first step toward a more beautiful inner person. When a person feels more confident about him or herself because of that outer beauty, it is then that they ripple out over the pond of the world to reach out to share that new found beauty and confidence with others. Bringing that to fruition has been the driving force in my life throughout my career.
And so, as each of us runs about during these hectic days, preparing for the holiday season, the visits from family and friends, the joyous celebration, I would like to thank each of you, my patients and friends, for influencing my life by your faith in me.
I wish each of you a joyous holiday season.
- Dr. Hamid Massiha |