Artistry In Aesthetics: How Plastic Surgery Is An Art Form

"The word art is derived from the Italian word arto, which is the translation for limb. Creating art is in effect the expression of the extremities or hands," said Haute Beauty Ambassador, Dr. Sachin Shridharani. Though a plastic surgeon isn't necessarily an artist, they in fact have a prime similarity, which is the use of their hands to create the stunning end result. Seeing a resemblance in both extremities, Haute Beauty sat down with Dr. Shridharani himself to understand how his practice resembles one of an artist.

An artist’s tools are their brush and easel; what are your corresponding tools?

"Whereas an artist typically selects a medium which resonates with them, a plastic surgeon requires many different “tools” (instruments) to create his/her art. We perform numerous procedures from scalp to toe and cosmetic to reconstructive—each area and type of procedure requiring unique instruments and mastery of our craft."

Out of his over 200 surgical instruments, the most essential in Dr. Shridharani's box of "paint brushes" is his scalpel, electrocautery and syringes. The "canvas" is the patient. Unlike a painter's canvas, each face, figure, and skin type is so unique that Dr. Shridharani must understand the physical composition perfectly as well as personal aesthetic goals in order to create a “masterpiece.”

As for the "paint," his mediums range from Botox to fillers and even the patient's own fat. Where an artist will choose their medium based on the surface they are painting, Dr. Shridharani carefully selects the product being injected, the implant being inserted or tissue being transferred based on the patient – whether that be a neurotoxin in a forehead, dermal fillers in a lip or fat grafts under the skin.

Mastering your art form takes discipline and dedication. What are some of the habits you have instilled to continue improving your craft?

Dr. Shridharani's discipline started well before medical school. As an artist develops an understanding of their skill set over time, it can be years before a future doctor is exposed to anatomy and physiology. It's their discipline, focus, and enthusiasm for learning that starts very early in life.

To ensure optimum focus during surgery, Dr. Shridharani surrounds himself with a clean, organized, fun environment including a customized playlist and making sure every instrument is exactly in its place. The night before can be just as important as the day of surgery. Dr. Shridharani focuses on mindfulness and preparation the night before just like a performing artist does. Most importantly, Dr. S has a world-class team that makes it possible for him to create his “art.”

Artists are known for their type of craft. What are you best known for?

As a surgeon, Dr. Shridharani is not limited to only one procedure. When considering the benefits of being well-rounded in a craft, an artist who comes to mind is Leonardo da Vinci. He was considered a polymath due to his skills in painting, teaching, engineering, architecture, theory, and science. It was the combination of these skills that allowed him to be a talented painter with a cohesive understanding of the subjects he represented in his work.

Dr. Shridharani's work as a plastic surgeon is continuously improving as he increases his breadth of skills in research, teaching, and all types of procedures ranging from advanced facelift techniques to breast and body contouring with liposuction and fat transfer to championing drainless tummy tuck with his signature Tubeless tummy tuck to advanced injectables like Botox, fillers, and Kybella.

How would describe the technique used to achieve the best aesthetic outcome?

The "best" technique will be different for every patient Dr. Shridharani treats. Using the right materials and techniques is imperative to achieving optimal results. The patient's unique physique, the type of procedure, the quantity of product used, and the instruments employed will be different for everyone.

Like artists, plastic surgery requires skill, what would you say are your most notable skills?

Obsession with details, spatial reasoning, and near ambidextrous hands are three skills and traits Dr. Shridharani possesses. From the organization of the Practice to the aesthetics of the office to the precision of each suture placed and finally, every syringe injected…every detail matters.

For more information, visit Sachin Shridharani, MD, FACS's social media: