If You Don't Have Anything Nice to Say ...

View from Irvine Plastic Surgery Center
Photo by Donald Altman, M.D.

I applaud Ashley Judd for having the courage to address reports that inferred she had undergone cosmetic surgery as the star’s face appeared “puffy."

Like many plastic surgeons I am often asked to provide my input as to whether or not a celebrity has received a cosmetic procedure.   Just because someone is in a position to make a judgment doesn't make it the right thing to do, especially when the action only causes harm to all participants.

Given the recent headlines regarding Ashley Judd, I thought I would share the email below, which took place between me and a journalist several weeks ago.

At the end of the day, Ashley Judd is just a very talented individual, who like the rest of us, just wants to have some peace of mind.  We should respect her right to privacy, and as she has stated so eloquently, “change the conversation.”

As plastic surgeons, it might be more appropriate if we kept some of our thoughts and discussions within the context of our academic circles.  As a society, we should all resist the temptation to judge others by their appearance. 

Maybe Thumper had it right ...

Donald Altman, M.D.
Irvine, California

Una Clínica de Cirugía Plástica Increíble en Barcelona -

View from Irvine Plastic Surgery Center
Photo by Donald Altman, M.D.

Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting Dr. Jorge Planas, the director of the The Clinica Planas in Barcelona, Spain.

His father, Jaimie Planas, started the clinic, exclusively dedicated to plastic and reconstructive surgery more than 40 years.  The clinic serves as center of excellence in the area of cosmetic surgery, laser therapy, nutrition, and other areas patient of well-being.   Resident surgeons in training, primarily from Spanish speaking countries, including South and Central America were gracious and welcoming.

The patients, physicians, and staff all spoke Spanish, with very little English as one might expect.   

Frankly, this was the most impressive plastic surgery facility that I have ever witnessed.    It was immaculate, orderly, respectful of patients privacy, and the work produced was excellent.  

Clinica Planas, Barcelona

I was able to observe breast implant surgery, particularly as it relates to the recent issues of PIP implants in Europe.  In order to give their clients peace of mind, the doctors and the Planas Clinic are removing the implants for their patients at no charge.

The following is an excellent video that takes a patient through the breast augmentation process at the Clinica Planas in Barcelona Spain.

It was fascinating to compare and contrast the breast augmentation procedures performed at the Planas Clinic with the surgeries performed at Irvine Plastic Surgery Center under my care. 

For anyone considering breast augmentation, I would welcome a dialogue on this topic. 

Any patient presented with the opportunity to seek cosmetic surgery in Barcelona might consider himself or herself lucky to have access to the work performed in this clinic.   Any plastic surgeon fortunate enough to visit the Clinica Planas  or attend their international cosmetic meeting this fall will not be disappointed.


Donald Altman, M.D.
Irvine, California