Meet Dr. Ankur Mehta | Plastic surgeon: An artist in and out of the operating room

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Ankur Mehta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ankur, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
As eloquently stated by well-known civil and children’s rights activist Marian Wright Edelmen, “You really can change the world if you care enough.” This philosophy has become a driving force in my career as a board-certified plastic surgeon. I chose to go to medical school after studying various sciences in college and gaining intrigue for the interesting and amazing complexities of the human body, from the way systems work together, down to the microscopic level. Medical school truly opened my eyes to the full scope of amazing possibilities and revolutionary innovations in the surgical field of medicine.

Astonishing at the time, the first kidney transplant ever performed was in 1954 by a plastic surgeon, Dr. Joseph E. Murray, paving the way for organ transplantation and a wide array of other surgical procedures, never before thought possible. Plastic surgery specifically dates back to 800 B.C. where the profession was recognized in India to improve facial deformities. Plastic surgery was also widely accepted during the First World War in caring for soldiers with disfiguring facial injuries inflicted in battle. Plastic surgery’s long history has always been rooted in one guiding principle: helping people improve their lives.

After four years of medical school, a six-year plastic surgery residency, one-year pediatric burn reconstruction fellowship, and a decade practicing as a board-certified plastic surgeon, I have had the opportunity to experience firsthand, the life changing effects of plastic surgery, whether it be reconstructive or cosmetic. I feel blessed to have had the ability to contribute my medical education and training to change lives for the better. During my pediatric burn reconstruction fellowship, I was trained to perform surgeries on burn victims to improve joint mobility that was restricted due to burn scar contractures, so that patients could engage in everyday activities. I also performed cosmetic surgeries to improve substantial hair loss, as well as eyelid and ear deformities, that are often the result of sustaining severe burns. Given my significant burn reconstruction experience, I have participated in mission trips to Mexico to provide burn care for indigent patients in impoverished communities with little to no access to medical care.

I have also been fortunate to have accompanied other surgeons to Ecuador where we repaired cleft lips and palates on children whose families lacked financial resources for the surgery or their communities did not have appropriate medical care. Without proper repair, children with facial deformities have trouble feeding, stunted growth and development, and ear infections, among other medical ailments. Through my mission trips I was able to improve their physical functionality and cosmetically correct defects to give them a better quality of life for years to come.

The sheer breadth of plastic surgery procedures available to provide to patients drew me to the specialty. Throughout my training and career, I have cared for emergency room patients with acute and catastrophic injuries such as facial fractures, hand amputations and dog bites, and have also performed cancer reconstruction surgeries involving the breast and face. I currently specialize in cosmetic surgery performing operations from head to toe including breast augmentations, mommy makeovers, and 360 liposuction with tummy tucks, just to name a few. Regardless of the procedure, nothing is more satisfying in my career than having a positive impact on the community by changing people’s lives for the better.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It is rewarding to achieve a patient’s desired transformation allowing them to improve their self-confidence and happiness, and discover a renewed appreciation for their self-worth. My favorite part of being a plastic surgeon is getting to see a patient after they have healed from surgery and I can see their improvement physically and emotionally in the way they carry themselves, exuding more confidence, and always having a smile on their face. Witnessing amazing patient transformations is what I love best about my job.

Patients come to me because I strive to provide them with individualized concierge care. William Osler, medical professor and founder of clinical medical education, said it best, “The good physician treats the disease, the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.”
Each patient has different goals, is different physically and requires a specific and meticulous plan to achieve their desired outcome. I maintain a high level of involvement in my patients’ care, ensuring that they are informed, monitored and comfortable every step of the way.

Beginning with our first consultation, I take as much time as necessary to fully explain the process and allow the patient to feel at ease. Following the visit, all my patients are given my personal cell phone number for any questions that may arise, big or small. I also invite patients to come see me whenever they have concerns or want to further discuss a procedure, surgery or review post op care. When they visit my office patients are guaranteed that they will see me personally on almost every visit.

I treat my patients how I want to be treated and do everything in my power to help them heal as quickly as possible. My emphasis on avoiding complications and unmatched bedside manner leads to superior surgical results which has helped me build an excellent patient referral base. My patients have low complication rates because I focus on prevention, attempting to predict potential issues before they happen to limit any risks of complications or prolonged recovery time.

I find that thorough consultation and patient education alleviates fears of surgery, embarrassment, or guilt stemming from pop culture’s stigma associated with vanity. For some patients, cosmetic changes such as loose skin from extreme weight loss or following childbirth, cannot be corrected through diet and exercise alone, which makes surgical intervention the only option for correction. I encourage people to embrace their self-worth and not feel embarrassed that they want to change their appearance to what they were accustomed to before a life-altering event such as pregnancy, deformity or extreme weight fluctuations. Boosting your self-esteem can improve all aspects of your life including your career, relationships and personal wellbeing. Hearing my patients are happy following surgery is a huge compliment.

I was always drawn to plastic surgery because it is both cerebral and artistic, uniquely combining my two passions: medicine and the arts. Plastic surgery is often referred to as “the art of medicine.” The term “plastic surgery” comes from the Greek word “plastikos,” which means to shape or mold. Plastic surgeons shape and mold the human body in a way that improves its form and/or function. I enjoy the creative nature of plastic surgery including the required attention to detail and artistry.

As a child, I always found ways to be creative. I enjoyed playing musical instruments, drawing and martial arts. As I got older, my love for the arts was more focused and my preferred forms of artistic expression became dancing and acting. Throughout high school and college I was a founding member of a dance troupe called, “The Eighth Wonder” that performed old school hip-hop dance combined with traditional Indian choreography. We traveled around the state competing, and often won many talent shows. We also hosted our own talent show diversely showcasing entertainment groups of Asian, African American, Hispanic and Caucasian decent, all performing their talents under one roof. The thrill of creating art and being able to perform it in front of thousands of people was nothing short of exhilarating!

After college, I had the opportunity to audition for a feature film starring Kal Penn called “Dude, Where’s the Party.” I was proud and excited to learn that I landed a speaking role in the movie, especially considering it was my very first acting audition! The experience on set made me fall in love with acting. While balancing the demands of my plastic surgery practice, I do my best to make time for acting and improv classes and continue to audition for and book roles in independent films. Most recently, I played the lead role in a SAG-AFTRA independent film called “Elephants Don’t Forget,” created by Los Angeles based actress and producer, Emily Pokora.

What sets me apart from many people is my work ethic, dedication, dependability and empathy in everything that I do including dancing, acting and plastic surgery. Given my busy plastic surgery schedule, I find ways to incorporate my love for performing in my practice. I frequently provide patient information through entertaining social media posts and always have a patient’s favorite song playing as they walk into the operating room before surgery. Keeping the atmosphere lighthearted and fun allows me to truly get to know my patients, encouraging them to feel more relaxed and open to discussing any and all concerns they may have. I have even been known to show off a few dance moves for my patients on occasion…Afterall, they don’t call me “The Dancing Doctor” for nothing!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Although Los Angeles is known for many things, my favorite things about it are the weather, the beaches and the food, and if you plan correctly, you can experience all three at the same time! If visiting for the first time, one of the first things to cross off the “must do as a tourist list” is exploring the Hollwood walk of fame which can easily occupy a full day! It’s always fun to stroll down the walk of fame and find the stars of your favorite actors, stop off at some of the bars and restaurants along the way to grab a small bite or a drink, the people watching is hard to beat and along the way you will pass by some iconic places like Madame Tussauds, TCL Chinese theatre and Dolby theatre to name a few. One of my favorite things to do on a Sunday, is start off with an early morning hike when the weather is on the cooler side. The hike to the Griffith observatory is relatively short but it can get your heart pumping! Once at the observatory, you can experience some amazing views and learn a lot of educational info, if that’s your thing. Another great option is the hike to the Hollywood sign which is a little more strenuous than the Griffith hike but very rewarding once you reach the top because the views are amazing, and you get to be up close to the iconic sign. After working up an appetite from the hike I love going to the farmer’s market where you can sample some of the local foods like fruits and vegetables, different types of olive oils and cheeses and they have some of the most beautiful flowers around. I like to go on an empty stomach so I can try different foods from all the vendors there, and trust me, the food is FANTASTIC! If brunch is more your style, then you cannot go wrong with a visit to PUMP restaurant. The outdoor patio area is filled with interesting décor, trees throughout and beautiful chandeliers hanging through this space but most importantly, the food is great! If I am not too tired after this already busy day then I will make my way to either Venice Beach or Santa Monica to watch the surfers catch some waves, get some of that cool beach breeze and relax to the sounds of the ocean. If I feel like doing some good people watching, then Venice is where I go!
I also enjoy a visit now and then to San Diego although at times the traffic can make the commute difficult, so when I visit, I try to stay the night. San Diego is filled with restaurants with beautiful views of the ocean. A great spot to enjoy for lunch is George’s at The Cove which has stunning views of the ocean, but a reservation is highly recommended because the patio seating is highly sought after! While in the area, visiting Bobboi Natural Gelato is a MUST because the flavors of gelato are unique and extremely tasty! After enjoying the restaurants and shops I recommend walking down to the water where you are very likely to see seals sunbathing on the rocks below and if you are lucky, you may see a seal pup or two! I also, enjoy going to Pacific Beach and bar hopping while enjoying views of the ocean. Then, as the sun sets, there is nothing more romantic then having a bonfire on the beach while roasting marshmallows and making smore’s. There are companies that provide this service so make sure to reach out to them because not just anyone can have a bonfire on the beach! I like to try and stay at least until Sunday because the brunch is amazing! Before I head back to Los Angeles, I like to grab brunch at Queenstown where just about all the food is amazing! Morning Glory is also a definite must do but fair warning, you should show up early otherwise the wait can be hours! Los Angeles and the surrounding areas are filled with endless possibilities, and I am still trying to explore as much as possible!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The road to becoming a plastic surgeon has been a long and difficult one with many interesting and fun stops along the way but I could not have gotten to where I am today without my family, friends, mentors, professors, fellow dancers and fellow actors. There have been two people however, that have been there for me through all the ups and downs of my life’s journey and they are my mom and dad. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t them and all the sacrifices they have made in order for me to succeed. My dad came to America at a young age with almost no money and knowing no one, in order to one day provide a better life for his family. He worked at many odd end jobs to put himself through college and eventually started his own successful business. My mom gave up her career to stay home with my sister and I and it was her that first introduced me to the arts. When I was in elementary school, she introduced me to an Indian dance group which I joined and won a national competition with. She not only took me to classes to learn how to play an Indian instrument called the Harmonium but joined the class with me so I wouldn’t feel alone. My mom would drive me to my karate classes twice a week and sit patiently, waiting for me, until class was done. My parents have always been supportive and proud of my educational, recreational and professional accomplishments. They helped me pay for college so that I could focus on my education, they would drive hours just to watch a performance of mine and then drive all the way back home and whenever someone asks “what does your son do,” they beam when they get to say “he’s a plastic surgeon.” Whenever I have needed help, advice and support, my parents have been there for me. I owe a majority, if not all, of my success to them.

In regard to plastic surgery, I have to give thanks to all the mentors I have out there who have helped me become the plastic surgeon I am today. I have learned so much from their professional experience just by watching, being inquisitive and having a thirst for knowledge that no book could have taught me.

Website: Synergyplasticsurgery.com

Instagram: Ankurmehtamd

Yelp: Ankur Mehta, MD

Image Credits
Elephants Don’t Forget Synergy Plastic Surgery