Dr. Kristine Brecht is a Cosmetic Surgeon who has over twenty years of specialized training and work experience and currently practices at her State of the Art facility in Burien, Washington called Aesthetic Rejuvenation. After she finished her Plastic Surgery Fellowship at the University of South Florida, she became president of the esteemed American Society of Liposuction Surgery and served on the Board of Trustees for the American Academy of Cosmetic surgery. Dr. Brecht has also held various leadership appointments in the cosmetic medical community such as Chairwoman of the World Congress on Liposuction in 2017. She has spoken several times at different cosmetic procedure and technique conferences and continues to devote her professional career to educating both patients and surgeons alike about the latest advancements in cosmetic surgery.
Where did you get your start in Cosmetic Surgery?
I was awarded my Plastic Surgery Fellowship from the University of South Florida. After, I served as the president of the American Society of Liposuction Surgery and was also able to sit on the Board of Trustees for the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. With these accomplishments, I had the chance to occupy a plethora of leadership positions in the cosmetic medial community, most notably as the Chairwoman of the World Congress on Liposuction in 2017. In addition to being the head of many organizations, I also had the honor of speaking at different medical cosmetic conferences over my professional career. I enjoy speaking at conventions because I love presenting patients and medical professionals the newest technologies and advances in cosmetic surgery. Not only do I educate, but I also learn about new techniques in order to provide my patients at Aesthetic Rejuvenation the safest and highest quality care possible.
What is your favorite part about being a Cosmetic Surgeon?
There are many things I enjoy about cosmetic surgery such as the uniqueness of every person I help or being on the frontline of the newest technology in aesthetic surgery, but hands down the best part about my job is seeing the person happy about the way they look and helping them achieve their own personal perfection. I also like to relate cosmetic surgery to a work of art — each person has their own vision and way of looking at life. Every sculpture has to start from a slab, at first, then the artist molds and sculpts. Every client is different so I see myself as a mentor for beauty.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
The future looks very bright for Aesthetics Rejuvenation and the field of cosmetic surgery in general. It is true when they say that technology is growing exponentially and it is true for all facets life. People are beginning to look younger for longer thanks to new breakthroughs in the cosmetic technology field. Aesthetics Rejuvenation is always on the forefront of new technology and is always looking for ways to improve our services. We are constantly expanding our offerings and adding new services that our clients can take advantage of. We are also constantly training our staff on the latest techniques so that they can provide the best possible experience to our clients.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I love this question. I would tell my younger self to find something they are passionate about, and truly enjoy doing, and try your best to succeed. Even if you fail you must always get back on that horse. In business, and even life, no matter how congested any market is, there is always room for success for the very best. Popularity and profit is almost guaranteed if you can find something you are passionate about and pursue it relentlessly. I would also tell them to do not do something just for the money. If you love what you do you will always be successful.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I think what makes me successful is how I view cosmetic surgery. As I mentioned before, I see it as an art. Just as no two humans are exactly alike in every way — no two clients are either. And I think that’s what my clients see in me — an artist who will treat them as individuals and not just another patient coming through the door. My other secret to success is simple: hard work and a passion for what I do. I’ve put in the time to hone my skills and perfect my craft. And I continue to do so every day. I’m always learning new techniques and ways to improve my work. My clients know that they’re getting the best possible results because I’ve put in the effort to be the best possible surgeon.
How does Aesthetics Rejuvenation differ from other cosmetic centers?
Not only do we clean up and tighten where the patient wants, but I also see each patient as a piece of art. I do my best to enhance the natural curvatures of the body to reach the client’s desired vision. I use technology not widely available to give my patients state of the art cosmetic treatments at Aesthetics Rejuvenation. I will help you create the perfect body with my expert skill of custom sculpting. One of the techniques for Liposculpting is VASER (vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance). VASER liposuction is a new and gentle form of cosmetic surgery that uses ultrasound waves to break up fatty tissue. It is considered more controlled and precise than other methods. A second method for Liposculpting is Water Assisted Lipo, which uses water to dislodge fat from the tissue. Instead of using a suction and cannula, this method uses water to break off the fat from tissue. It does not cause as much trauma as other methods because it uses water pressure instead of metal tools.
What advice can you offer to someone aspiring to become a Cosmetic Surgeon?
As with any health degree, there are many high-level science classes so you must be comfortable with scientific language and the speed of which those classes run. There are also many years of training required to become a cosmetic surgeon. A four-year degree is just the beginning. After that, you must complete a residency program that lasts at least four years. Some surgeons choose to do fellowships or other post-residency training, which can add another one to two years onto their education. So, it’s a long road but it can be very rewarding! Another crucial skill is learning to communicate with patients and staff. You’ll be working with people who have different levels of comfort with medical procedures and may be very anxious about what you’re doing. Understanding how to talk to them and help them feel comfortable is a huge part of the job.
Can you recall a time when you were reminded of why you chose your profession?
Wow, I have so many stories of feeling great gratification from doing my job but I am the most pleased when I can restore a patient’s self-esteem. There was one patient in particular who had been teased mercilessly growing up because of an abnormality with her ear. It caused her a lot of pain and she was very self-conscious about it. I was able to correct the problem and when she saw herself in the mirror for the first time afterwards, she just started crying tears of joy. She told me that she finally felt like she belonged in her own skin and that I had given her back her life. It was moments like that which remind me of why I became a Cosmetic Surgeon, to help people feel good about themselves both inside and out.
What is a common misconception about cosmetic surgery?
Many people believe that cosmetic surgery is only for the rich and famous but this is simply not true. Cosmetic surgery is for everyone who wants to improve their appearance. It can be done for medical reasons or simply for aesthetics. Another myth is that cosmetic surgery is mainly done for vanity. This may be true for some people but not all. Often, people have surgery to improve their self-esteem and confidence. For example, cleft lips and other birth deformities are corrected with plastic surgery or post-cancer breast reconstruction are performed by a cosmetic surgeon.
What are some of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures?
One of the most common surgery procedures is augmentation mammoplasty, or breast augmentation. There are multiple procedures involving the breasts such as an enlargement or reduction, mastopexy, which is a breast lift with or without implants, and even breast implant removal. There are many facial surgeries such as a forehead lift, lip augmentation, eyelid and facelift, Botox and many others. Liposuction is also a popular operation but I like to call it Liposculpting. I detailed the two different procedures in a prior question. Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, is also a very popular cosmetic enhancement.
Do you ever treat any men or is it just women?
This is another common myth about cosmetic surgery. Not only women, but men too, can benefit from getting augmented. Whether it’s getting gynecomastia to reduce male chest breast size or having some Botox to smooth out wrinkles, more and more men are starting to see the benefits that cosmetic surgery can offer. So if you’re a man who’s considering getting some work done, don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not allowed!
What is a favorite quote or maxim that you live by?
I really do believe that “the early bird gets the worm.” The key to productivity is getting started early and not procrastinating. Also, getting proper sleep is just as important because if you don’t then waking up early is pointless since your brain will not fully be functional and productivity will suffer. This also ties in to personal health and giving your body what it needs. All in all leading a healthy lifestyle is important to your and your business’s well being because if you are not operating at your best then how can you expect your business to be?
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