Emory Facial Center Philosophy

"The Natural Look"

Facial plastic surgery, either elective cosmetic or reconstructive, is intended to improve one's appearance, but it also has a much more profound effect: it changes the "face" we present to those around us and, as a result, alters people's interactions with us.

As human beings, we are all experts in recognizing that elusive quality we know as "beauty" — even if we are unable to explain what makes one individual attractive and another less so. Therefore, when aesthetically enhancing a face, I am mindful of the many subtleties that combine to define beauty, including ethnically appropriate aesthetic norms. Above all, I strive to create a face that "fits" the individual and appears completely natural. To accomplish this surgically requires many things, such as:

• an artist's eye
• a deep understanding of the changes that have occurred due to aging
• birth defects
• disease or trauma
• meticulous surgical technique

Through the years, while treating thousands of patients, I have honed my skills with the goal of creating a natural, beautiful face. Of course the human face is not like clay and perfection is often elusive. My personal credo is to be consistently excellent, to care about my patient’s experiences and to educate them on realistic outcomes. I believe that by following this credo, I have been able to serve my patients well.

– Seth A. Yellin, M.D.
Director, Emory Facial Center