Jennifer Cooper, E!In this crazy world of plastic surgery that we live in, we had to know—is it really as chaotic as it seems?! Luckily for us, Dr. Dana Khuthaila was able to set the record straight and give us an insider's look at her posh New York City office.
As a celebrity surgeon to the stars (sorry, no Hollywood secrets being spilled here, people!) she knows a thing or two about making things perfect. Check out her exclusive interview with us to learn about how she came into her profession and why exactly she has breast implants currently sitting on her desk!
What was your very first job?
From as early as I can remember I was interested in medicine. My first job was as a volunteer at a hospital during the summertime.
How did you get started in your career?
I've always had an innate interest in medicine, and it was during my early internships that I realized it was more than an interest. Medicine is my passion. It was a difficult road to navigate since I was the first person in my family interested in a career in medicine, but I turned that passion into a career through hard work both in my studies and my pursuit of mentors who I could rely on for guidance. The guidance of a trusted mentor is so important in any career and certainly has been pivotal for mine.
Who are some of your career heroes?
I am fortunate enough to count among my mentors the great Ivo Pitanguy, who is arguably the most famous plastic surgeon in the world. I met him while I was completing a visiting fellowship in cosmetic surgery at the Clinica Ivo Pitanguy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil under his direction. I am lucky enough to have worked with and been mentored some of plastic surgery's greatest surgeons. In addition to Dr. Pitanguy, I have been star struck by Dr. Lloyd Carlson, Dr. Dan Baker, and Dr. Sam Hamra.
What's a typical workday like for you?
There is no typical workday for me, and that's part of what I love about it. What does remain the same is my 5 a.m. wakeup call, out the door by 6:30 a.m. and I head to work. Either to my office to see patients or the hospital to perform surgery.
Describe your office décor. What was your inspiration? Did you decorate it yourself?
My office was designed by Sophia Kang of Sophia Kang Interiors. Her husband John Kang and I practice in the same space and she did a beautiful job of infusing the space with elegance and traditional style with a mix of modern colors. I am forever impressed by her aesthetic.
List five things that are on your desk right now:
My laptop, my iPhone, water, sample breast implants from my last consultation and a Tiffany pen.
What do you typically wear to work?
I always try to dress comfortably, yet fashionably since my job requires me to be on my feet quite a lot.
What are your favorite stores to shop for work clothes?
I adore Rebecca Taylor jackets and blazers, Michael Kors suits, and anything from Pink Tartan. I will also take any opportunity to stroll up Madison Avenue and when I lived in Milan I spent all of my money on Via Montenapoleone!
What's the best piece of career advice you've ever received?
The best piece of advice I've ever received was to go after what I want. It sounds cliché, but it's so easy to forget that a career is more than just a paycheck. Passion and pride in your work is essential. Do whatever it takes to find that.
Finish the sentence…
Today for lunch I had… A salad with grilled chicken. There are so many great places to get delicious, fresh salads in New York.
The first website I log onto every day is…I check my email first thing and then its on to twitter!
The beauty products you can always find in my purse is…Vivier Vitamin C Serum, Jo Malone Perfume, and a Clinique Chubby Stick in Graped Up.
My must-have work gadget is…my iPhone.
My usual Starbucks order is…None for me, thank you. I prefer a croissant and a latte from Maison Kyser.
If I need a quick break during work, I usually…grab some ice cream at the food hall in the Plaza Hotel.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would be… a dancer! I love So You Think You Can Dance! I love the dancers' dedication, passion, discipline and competitive nature.
The best part of my job is…Meeting people from all different parts of the world. I'm inspired by their stories and it gives me great pleasure to help them achieve their goals.