Doctors Making A Difference

Why Plastic Surgery Isn’t About Vanity with Dr. Susan Chobanian | DMD#84

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In this heartfelt episode of Doctors Making a Difference, Dr. Peter Crane interviews Dr. Susan Chobanian, a highly experienced facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Glendale, California. Dr. Chobanian discusses her unconventional path from math/chemistry teaching aspirations to medicine, her transition from ENT to facial plastics, and her deep commitment to whole-patient care. She addresses myths about plastic surgery, details her patient-centered approach (especially in rhinoplasty), shares inspiring multi-generational patient stories, and offers wisdom for young physicians on technical excellence, physical fitness, psychology, and sustaining joy in medicine.

Episode Highlights
  • Growing up in Wisconsin, graduating high school at 15, starting college at 15, and becoming one of the youngest licensed physicians in Wisconsin at age 23
  • Transition from math/chemistry and teaching aspirations to medicine, inspired by her dentist father and the respect for the profession
  • Early career in ENT/head & neck in Wisconsin, then a fellowship in facial plastic surgery in sunny California
  • Plastic surgery as the perfect merger of art and science , improving both appearance and patients’ self-confidence for greater success in life
  • Common misconceptions: plastic surgery is only for vanity, the wealthy, or women (she notes ~50% male rhinoplasty patients)
  • The power of closed (scarless) rhinoplasty technique, a “lost art” that delivers better healing and natural results while preserving ethnicity and individuality
  • Multi-generational patients (2nd and 3rd generations), patient success stories, and receiving ongoing feedback about life-changing outcomes
  • Importance of physical fitness for surgeons (gym 4x/week, deadlifting 120 lbs, running) to maintain performance in the OR
  • In-depth consultations, setting realistic expectations, and treating the whole patient, psychological and social aspects matter
  • Advice for medical students/residents considering plastic surgery and for all physicians on sustaining long, fulfilling careers
    • Top 3 Takeaways
    • Plastic surgery is far more than vanity, it’s about helping patients gain confidence to succeed in life; everyone deserves to feel they belong in the “realm of attractive people.”
    • Technical excellence + artistic vision + psychological insight = outstanding outcomes. Closed rhinoplasty, preserving ethnic identity, and drawing proposed results on patient photos help deliver natural, personalized results.
    • To enjoy a long career in surgery, stay physically fit, remain self-critical of your results, follow patients long-term, and never forget you are a physician first who must care for the whole person.
      • About Dr. Susan Chobanian

      Dr. Susan Chobanian is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon practicing in Glendale, California, with over 25 years of experience. She began her career in ENT before specializing in facial plastics. Known affectionately by patients as the “Queen of Rhinoplasty” for her expertise in closed rhinoplasty techniques, she has cared for multiple generations of patients and is passionate about helping people achieve natural-looking results that boost confidence and life success. She continues to practice with enthusiasm and mentors students and residents.

      Website: SusanLChobanianMD.com

       Instagram: SusanChobanianMD

      About the Host:

      Dr. Peter Crane is a board-certified physician, educator, and storyteller with a heart for service and a calling to spotlight doctors who make a difference—in their communities, in medicine, and in the lives they touch.

      Through Doctors Making a Difference, he brings you into intimate conversations with physicians who have overcome challenges, redefined success, and found purpose in and beyond the clinic. His goal is simple: to help more doctors stay in medicine by showing them what's possible.

      About the Show:

      Doctors Making a Difference is more than a podcast—it’s a movement to highlight the good, the gritty, and the deeply human side of medicine.

      In every episode, Dr. Peter Crane interviews physicians whose stories defy the script. From burnout recovery to bold career pivots, health challenges to quiet leadership, this show honors the truth that healing begins with connection—and doctors, too, deserve to be whole.

      Visit: doctorsmakingadifference.com

      LMC Series Note:

      Living with Metastatic Cancer (LMC) explores the science, decisions, and day-to-day realities of life with advanced disease—through candid physician–patient conversations.

      The Doctors Making a Difference Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult appropriate experts regarding your unique circumstances.


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      Doctors Making A DifferenceBy Peter M. Crane, MD