AGENTS OF BEAUTY ON DUTY

Interview with Dr. Christopher Low and Dr. Michael Cheung for D&F – magazine 2018/19

Dr. Christopher Low and Dr. Michael Cheung are two physicians board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. After completing an extensive training in General Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Microvascular Surgery they joined together to build Cosmetic and Reconstructive Specialists of Florida, also known as CRS Plastic Surgery. They take care of a wide array of patients ranging from cosmetic surgery to complex reconstructive surgery. Their office is located conveniently located next to Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale. Today we sat down with each of them to ask them about themselves and their practice

Dr. Low
1. What is your favorite cosmetic operation to perform?
I would have to say that a Mommy Makeover is probably my favorite cosmetic procedure to perform. We use the term “MommyMakeover” when we are addressing both the abdominal area and the breasts of a post-pregnancy woman. After pregnancy, a womans’ breasts can change dramatically, often the breasts reduce in size and leave excess skin. Women will also likely experience a change in there abdominal region, often with excess skin, increased fat, or loss of muscle support of the abdominal wall. The abdomen is addressed with either a full abdominoplasty, mini abdominoplasty, or just liposuction. For the breasts, we perform either a breast lift, breast reduction, breast implants, or breast implants with a lift. The idea behind a Mommy Makeover, is that you are addressing both areas during one operation. The results are often dramatic and can really improve ones self appearance and self confidence.

2. What sets you apart from the other plastic surgeons in South Florida?
South Florida likely has more plastic surgeons than anywhere else in the country, so there’s plenty of competition. I think whats made us so successful is the way we treat our patients. We care for our patients like family which makes it personalized. What also has makes us unique is that we’re not the typical cosmetic surgeons. We’re also reconstructive surgeons and we are referred patients from all over the region to take on the challenging complex reconstructive cases.

3. What’s been a recent difficult case you had to perform?
As plastic and reconstructive surgeons, we take call at several of the regional trauma centers. My most difficult case was when my partner and I were called in to assist in providing care for some of those injured in the Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting. Reconstructive surgery can be challenging at times and when children are involved it becomes even more challenging. I’m glad to say that our patients have done well and are home recovering with their families.

4. If you had to choose another career which would that have been?
I chose the field of plastic surgery because it combines mental creativity and physical creativity. If I had to choose another career I would have probably chosen to become an architect or inventor. I’ve always had good manual dexterity and the field of plastic surgery allows me to work with my hands while integrating my creative side.

Dr. Cheungs

1. If you did not become a plastic surgeon, what other career path would you have chosen?
I would like to think that I could have become a professional poker player. Although I like to play poker, I am certainly not that good, nor am I good enough to make a living from it. More realistically, I would have become a chef. My father was chef, and my family has been in the restaurant business for a very long time. I most certainly would have followed in his footsteps if I did not go to medical school.

2. What has been your most challenging case?
About 8 months ago, a man was attacked by 2 sharks in the South Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Ascension Island. He was air lifted to the United States for medical care. My partner and I were the surgeons who treated him. He required multiple operations to reconstruct his injuries, along with months of rehab and therapy. I am glad to say that he is back home in Hawaii, and once again back in the water.

3. How is your practice different than other Plastic Surgery practice?
My partner and I are both board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. We perform both cosmetic and reconstructive operations while most other practices only perform cosmetic cases. Dr Low and I take pride in performing reconstructive procedures where we are able to restore patients who have been affected by trauma or cancer. We feel that our cosmetic patients benefit from our experience in reconstructive surgery.

4. What is the biggest misconception about plastic surgery?
Many doctors trained in other fields have ventured into plastic and reconstructive surgery. While they may be board-certified, it may not necessarily be in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Likewise, some doctors who report themselves as board-certified in cosmetic surgery are not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Patients choosing a surgeon for their plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures should always inquire about a doctor’s training and specific board certifications.