People think it is so cool to be a Plastic Surgeon, and hang out with celebrities, and lead a glamorous lifestyle. This is far from reality for many of my colleagues who dedicate their time to cleft lip repair, hand surgery, microsurgery, breast reconstruction, and the treatment of burn wounds and pressure sores.
Even those that do exclusively cosmetic surgery overwhelmingly have a patient base that is mainly teachers and secretaries and other working people. Some of them work hard to market and promote themselves at every opportunity. They let the world know what they do and what they can do for you the moment you meet them. I am the opposite.
I am very proud of what I have accomplished and of being a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. I worked hard for many years, sacrificed and studied countless hours. I have built a very successful practice from nothing, and have truly helped the Hispanic Community with education and support of charitable nature, as well as provided a center for safe and affordable cosmetic plastic surgery. When I am at a social event, or a dinner, or meeting new people, I never state my profession. You have to drag it out of me.
When I am in the office, I am Dr Yager the Plastic Surgeon. When I leave, I still am available to my patients and on call 24/7, but I am just Daddy or a husband or Jeff to those in the outside world. I will always be a Plastic Surgeon, but I am much more. If you see me outside the office, as many of you have, I am a real person. That is what it is all about.