Inspired by his father and a former professor from UTMB, Dr. Dinh brings selflessness, work-ethic, a positive outlook integrity, education, humility and respect into the operating room everyday. Understanding the importance of giving back to the community, Dr. Dinh also provides pro-bono procedures such as breast reconstruction for cancer patients through Methodist Hospital's program to treat patients who can not afford to pay for needed procedures (elective cosmetic procedures are usually not included except in rare cases to treat deformities from injuries or birth defects).

The time may come when you may need a little nip and tuck. “Simply, know your motivations before you make any decisions about plastic surgery,” explains Dr. Dinh . The desire to satisfy someone else or to change something that you have very little control over (attempts to save your marriage if your spouse has a lover, etc.) are not healthy justifications in pursuing a cosmetic procedure. However, when the reasons are right, plastic surgery is an effective and powerful tool to improve your confidence, life and well-being.

•  Unlike most plastic surgeons, you also do a lot of reconstructive surgeries. Which one do you enjoy more? There are actually many plastic surgeons who perform reconstructive procedures; they are not as well known because the media and advertisement usually highlight those plastic surgeons who do cosmetic procedures. I enjoy both types of surgeries, because there are different challenges in each. Reconstructive procedures, in general, are more technically demanding and may require more thought in the preparation. Cosmetic procedures require an artistic eye and also communication skill (besides surgical skill), so that the surgeon and patient have the same idea of what constitutes a beautiful result.

•  What is the most rewarding thing about your job?

It sounds very cliché, but it is true. I think that in surgery and plastic surgery in particular, you can see the result almost immediately at the end of the procedure. The fact that you have an almost immediate confirmation of your effort gives you a feeling that you have done well. There are procedures that are unusual or difficult, and if I have done them well, I feel like I have made a difference.

•  Is there such a thing as too much plastic surgery and how do you talk someone out of it?

Of course there are people who wanted and have had too many plastic surgery procedures. Both average people and prominent “celebrities” can suffer from this problem. It is quite difficult to talk someone out of having one more procedure if his/her mind is already made up. I have handled these situations by pointing out to those patients that additional surgeries may not improve their looks, in fact, it may make them look worse. I also informed those patients that I do not believe I could achieve what they want. Occasionally I am successful in convincing them not to have more procedures, but I suspect that they may go “doctor-shopping” until they find someone who is willing to do what they want.

•  What are some important factors that a patient should look for when selecting the right plastic surgeon?

Unfortunately there are a lot of people who perform procedures they are not qualified to do. I believe that patients should do some research regarding the doctors they go to, especially for elective surgery. I still believe the best recommendation is by word of mouth from someone you trust. However, you still need to find out the background and training of the surgeon. Look for board certification in the field of surgery you want (for example, to be board-certified in Plastic Surgery, one must complete an accredited training program and pass two vigorous exams). This at least ensures that the doctor has met a minimum standard of competence. Then, you need to ask specific questions during your consultation with your doctor, such as how many of these procedures has he/she done? Is he allowed to do the same procedure in an accredited hospital, if your procedure is scheduled to be done in the office or a less expensive free-standing surgery center? (Accredited hospitals allow surgeons to perform only the procedures they are qualified to do; some unqualified doctors circumvent this requirement by operating in the privately-owned facility whose requirement is less stringent). Ask also about the risk of complications and how does he handle complications. In general, avoid those doctors who pressure you to make a quick decision or discourage you from seeking a second opinion.

•  With the advance of technology nowadays, does it lessen the danger that's associated with being under the knife?

It is much safer to undergo general anesthesia now (than 10 or 15 years ago) due to new monitoring equipments and new medications for anesthesia. Additionally, there are new, more sensitive tests before surgery to detect and correct any potential problems. High-risk patients should have their procedures in a hospital (versus in an independent surgery center), so all the equipments and specialists are available in case they are needed. All these new advances do not guarantee that no one will have problem, but it is much safer to undergo surgery at the present time.

•  What are some of the things that women can do as a maintenance program to delay them from having to be under the knife until much later in life, or sometimes avoid it altogether?

This area of plastic surgery, the so-called minimally-invasive or maintenance procedures, has been the fastest growing segment of elective cosmetic surgery. These procedures include Botox or fillers, the tightening of skin and treatment of age-related skin blemishes using light energy such as laser or intense light, some form of microdermabrasion, and slightly more invasive procedures such as the many different types of minimal facelifts (to treat minimal sagging) with much less recovery time than traditional surgery. Of course, these procedures are most effective when they are started early when the patient has not had significant changes due to age. They are designed to be repeated, and their result is much less dramatic and less lasting than traditional procedures, but they do work (to delay aging changes) if the patient is willing to follow the protocol. Additionally, there are many new maintenance skin lotions or “cosmeceuticals “, etc… that also help in keeping a youthful appearance of the skin. It is difficult to devise a protocol that will fit everyone. This is one circumstance that a thorough evaluation and discussion with a qualified plastic surgeon will be beneficial in order to individualize each treatment.

•  What do you do for fun during the little time you are off?

I have a three-year old son and a one-year old daughter, and I try to spend as much time with them as possible. My wife also works (a lot), and we try to arrange time to be together as a family. I also enjoy traveling, both for fun and for (hopefully) good causes. I recently went back to Vietnam to teach and perform volunteer surgeries at an indigent hospital. I do believe that helps me as much as those patients I did the surgeries – it keeps me grounded with the proper outlook. I also had a few days off for fun – I traveled to Cambodia and climbed the Angkor temples. That was also amazing.

•  Who is your role model?

I believe I have at least two role models and many more people who have positively influenced my life. The first role model is, of course, my father. He was a selfless doctor who worked very hard, always had a positive outlook, and thought of others before himself. He instilled in me the value of hard work, education, and integrity. But what impressed me the most (as I grow older) was his compassion and kindness toward his patients and his unwavering belief that acting with integrity will always be better in the long run despite any easy temptations. My second mentor is my former professor and chief (who operated on me when I was young). He was a giant in American plastic surgery – he was a former president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons – but he was always humble and treated everyone with respect. His dedication to his chosen profession and his love for teaching was inspiring; and he always found time to perform volunteer surgeries despite the fact that he was one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgeons in the US during his time. He taught me not only about plastic surgery but also about life: he has said that he was not perfect – one of his deepest regrets was not spending enough time with his children while they were growing up. I hope that I will be able to learn from this lesson and actively participate in the growth of my young children.

•  What is (are) the most popular procedure(s) at your clinic?

The most common “nonsurgical” cosmetic procedures are Botox and filler injections and laser treatments. The most common cosmetic surgical procedures are abdominoplasty and liposuction.

•  What is the latest breakthrough in plastic surgery?

There are many new advances in plastic surgery. Some of them will need to be tested over time to prove their worthiness. I will just mention a few.

For cosmetic surgery , there are new lasers being developed to treat skin problems (such as wrinkles or blemishes or mild sagging) without burning the skin. There are new techniques to harvest fat for transplantation (and also new technique for liposuction). New fillers are being tested all the time along with new, minimally invasive surgeries to achieve good result (such as midface lift) without much recovery time. Body contouring (to restore normal-appearance after massive weight loss) has had major innovations. Two areas of the body that are becoming more popular for cosmetic procedures (at least in America) is the buttocks – for augmentation – and the vagina/labia area – for rejuvenation or reduction.

For reconstructive surgery , there are new flaps (tissue designed to be transferred from one part of the body to another) described. There are also advances in techniques of microsurgery (especially in breast reconstruction), and supermicrosurgery (extremely small surgery using very high-powered microscope).

•  Do you think Americans as a whole is obsessed with their looks more than the rest of the world?

I believe that Americans are more obsessed with plastic surgery now than 10 years ago. It is due to the popularity of all the TV shows about plastic surgery – it is more acceptable now to have plastic surgery and it is becoming more affordable. However, as a population becomes wealthier and has more disposable income, procedures to improve appearance gain in prominence. I even saw it in Vietnam , whose economy is expanding. However, I am not sure that Americans are the most obsessed about their look. This is just my opinion, but in some South American countries such as Argentina or Brazil , plastic surgery may even be more popular than in the US .

•  What are your future plans?

I hope that I will continue to be able to perform the types of surgery that I like. I am hoping to expand the Center for Genito-Urinary and Pelvic Reconstruction (that is where I perform a lot of my perineal/ vaginal/penile reconstruction) and the Asian Aesthetic Program. I am involved in teaching Plastic Surgery residents and a few ongoing research projects; I hope that some of these projects will be successful and improve the care of patient. Personally, I hope to reorganize my schedule so I could spend more time with my family and exercise more and start playing the piano or tennis again…. (one can always hope…)

Dr. Dinh can be reached at the Methodist Hospital – Division of Plastic Surgery by calling 713/ 441.6104 or send an email to his assistant at lsnead@tmhs.org .