Hidden Gems: Meet Dr. Samuel Golpanian

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Samuel Golpanian.

Hi Dr. Golpanian, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I observed my first surgery, which was an open cardiac bypass case, during freshman year of college while being involved in a research project. I immediately fell in love and told myself that I needed to become a surgeon. I felt like it was a gift and miracle to be able to operate on the human body, not to mention, immensely humbling.

While I was pre-med, I shadowed a plastic surgeon and found it interesting that every day was a different day in terms of what area of the body he operated on. What was more intriguingwas the artistic finesse that was necessary in plastic surgery. Growing up, I played piano and composed music, painted, and had an avid appreciation for fashion. I felt that becoming a plastic surgeon would be the perfect additional ingredient to expand my creativity and hone my artistic skills.

I studied for four years in undergrad (pre-med track), four years of medical school, five years of general surgery training, two years of stem-cell research, and three years of plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship training. It was a very long road, but very well worth it. I found myself attracted to warm weather after living in Miami for seven years and knew that Beverly Hills was the mecca for plastic surgery. What would be better than to move to LA? And so I did.

It has been the best decision of my life and I wake up every day more motivated than the last to provide excellence of care, beautiful results, and boost my patients’ confidence!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been the smoothest road. But you know as they say, “no pain, no gain”. Moving away from my friends and family has been rough. Additionally, a lot of people have discouraged me from going out on my own, especially to a place like Beverly Hills. Interestingly, discouragement from others actually gives me more encouragement. I know what I can and cannot do and I understand my limitations. I am my own competition, no one else is. If I believe I can do something, that’s all I need to know. So I firmly am an advocate that one has to hit rock bottom before making it to make it to the top. If the road isn’t “smooth” at first that’s okay. Self-belief, consistency, and discipline will lead you to your goals eventually.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a cosmetic plastic surgeon and practice in Beverly Hills, CA. Although I perform all types of cosmetic surgeries, I specialize and find most interest in aesthetic surgery of the body– Brazilian butt lifts, tummy-tucks, etc.

My practice is known for its ultra-luxury and VIP feel but also for its natural results. I think that having surgery with natural, lasting results definitely can enhance one’s beauty. But beauty is not the end all result. For me, it’s a means to an end to boost my patients’ confidence and overall well-being.

I offer patients my honest opinion on what can or cannot realistically be done. If they come in with a concern of a specific area, I discuss what I think could be done safely and naturally. I also tell them if I really believe something cannot be done because far too often patients are misguided and told that a specific surgery or result is possible when it in fact isn’t. I tell every patient that I want to give them the honesty and care I would give my mother or sister. Communication is so important between patient and doctor and I like to be upfront with the patient even if it’s not something they want to hear.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was always extremely curious. Always wanted to know why, how, when, and where. I’m still like that. I think it definitely helped me become who I am today. My meticulousness and constant effort to be better in all aspects of my life, not just surgery, stems from trying to understand everything. I was and still am very detail-oriented. From the way I did my homework, to the way I cleaned my room, to the way I dressed.

I always found interest in imitations and humor. Around my family and friends, I’ve always been known to be the “imitator” of people’s voices, mannerisms, and all things between. While I love to go out to restaurants and certain events, I’ve always been a homebody and appreciated family time. It’s the simple things that count.

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