As cosmetic procedures become more common and social media continues to influence how people view themselves, Dr. Emil Kohan, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, is encouraging a different approach. Through a new public awareness effort, he is advocating for thoughtful decision-making, patient education, and long-term thinking before pursuing aesthetic treatments.
Dr. Kohan believes the best outcomes begin long before a procedure takes place.
“I’ve always believed that science and creativity should work together,” Dr. Kohan said. “The same is true for decision-making. Good choices come from combining information with thoughtful reflection.”
His message comes at a time when aesthetic medicine continues to grow. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 1.6 million cosmetic surgical procedures were performed in the United States in 2024, while millions more minimally invasive treatments were completed. As demand grows, so does the need for reliable education and realistic expectations.
For Dr. Kohan, one of the biggest misconceptions is that cosmetic surgery is about following trends.
“Patients don’t want to look like someone else,” he said. “They want to look like the best version of themselves.”
He believes every person should understand why they are considering a procedure before deciding whether it is right for them.
“The goal isn’t to chase trends,” Dr. Kohan said. “The goal is to create results that fit the individual and stand the test of time.”
Dr. Kohan’s perspective has been shaped by years of education and experience. Raised in Los Angeles, he developed an early appreciation for art, design, and science. After graduating summa cum laude from UCLA with dual degrees in Neuroscience and Psychobiology, he earned his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA before completing his Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency at the University of California, Irvine.
Throughout his career, he has remained active in research and education, authoring peer-reviewed publications, contributing to textbook chapters, and presenting advanced surgical techniques to fellow surgeons.
“Medicine never stands still,” Dr. Kohan said. “The responsibility of a surgeon is to continue learning and improving.”
Recent studies also reinforce the importance of informed decisions. Research has shown that social media can influence body image and appearance expectations, particularly among younger adults. Professional medical organizations continue to stress the importance of board-certified care, patient education, and informed consent before elective procedures.
Rather than encouraging people to pursue cosmetic surgery, Dr. Kohan hopes they will become more informed consumers.
He recommends that anyone considering an aesthetic procedure take time to research credentials, ask detailed questions, understand recovery expectations, and think carefully about long-term goals instead of short-term trends.
“The details matter,” he said. “Small decisions can have a major impact on the final result.”
What You Can Do Today
Dr. Kohan encourages anyone interested in aesthetic medicine to take a few simple steps before making a decision:
Write down your personal goals before scheduling a consultation.
Research a surgeon’s training and board certification.
Learn about recovery as carefully as you learn about the procedure itself.
Ask questions until you fully understand the risks and benefits.
Avoid making decisions based solely on social media or celebrity trends.
Give yourself time to reflect before committing to any elective procedure.
Focus on long-term confidence rather than immediate gratification.
“The best decisions happen when people feel informed instead of rushed,” Dr. Kohan said. “Education is one of the most powerful tools anyone has.”
Dr. Kohan hopes more conversations around aesthetic medicine will focus on knowledge, realistic expectations, and personal responsibility rather than comparison and pressure.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Informed Aesthetic Decision-Making
Informed aesthetic decision-making is the practice of researching procedures, understanding risks and benefits, choosing qualified medical professionals, and making appearance-related decisions based on personal goals rather than outside influence. It encourages patient education, realistic expectations, and long-term thinking as the foundation for responsible cosmetic care.
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Media ContactCompany Name: Dr. Emil KohanContact Person: Dr. Emil KohanEmail: Send EmailCountry: United StatesWebsite: emilmd.com
