Today we’d like to introduce you to Saba Motakef.
Hi Saba, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Orange, California. My parents are Iranian American immigrants who fled their country shortly before the revolution in 1979. Like many people, I was always intrigued by plastic surgery. But I became truly fascinated with the specialty and finally decided to pursue it when I was first exposed to it in medical school in New York. It was unlike any other specialty. The plastic surgeons there operated on patients from head to toe to create solutions that were equal parts form and function. Plastic surgery seemed to elegantly tie together principles of aesthetics and science like no other specialty. It was love at first sight. I decided to take a chance and email the chief of plastic surgery to ask him for advice on getting into the specialty. I wasn’t expecting a response, but he replied right away. He gave me the opportunity to perform research for the department with some of the faculty there and shadow them in the hospital. I think they saw my interest in the specialty early on in medical school and took me under their wing. With their support, I was able to return to Southern California to complete my plastic surgery residency.
I trained in plastic surgery at Loma Linda University in Southern California. Loma Linda is a unique place. It is the only “blue zone” in the United States. Blue Zones are areas of the world that contain an especially high concentration of centenarians or people who live past the age of 100. Training there, we were taught to always consider the overall health and wellness of our patients, regardless of our specialty. I incorporate this in my practice today, where I take a holistic approach to my patients to ensure they are fully optimized for their procedures—this includes proper nutrition and diet, exercise, and enhanced recovery post-operative protocols.
I started my private practice in Anaheim, California during the pandemic in 2020. I was initially worried that starting a practice in the midst of a pandemic was poor timing. I always strive to go above and beyond for my patients, and our practice thrived thanks to their word-of-mouth referrals. I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with an incredible group of patients from all over Southern California and the US over the years.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In medical school, some of our advising deans discouraged me when I first told them I was interested in plastic surgery. They seemed to think that it was superficial compared to other specialties. I felt a bit like the black sheep of my medical school class because I was the only student in years to apply for the specialty. But I knew plastic surgery was where I belonged—the work we do isn’t just skin deep; it has a tremendous impact on the lives of our patients and their families. Studies show that plastic surgery has a powerful effect on patients’ self-image and self-confidence. Many of our patients describe their results as empowering and life-changing. As a plastic surgeon, this is an incredibly rewarding field to be in.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in high-definition liposuction and body contouring procedures. I was fortunate to travel to Bogota, Colombia earlier this year, where I was able to train in high-definition liposuction and fat transfer with the originator of these techniques, Dr. Alfredo Hoyos. I really love these procedures because they are as close as you can get to artistry and sculpture in plastic surgery. I love the breadth of plastic surgery—we truly operate head to toe, and this is one of my favorite things about this specialty. I was recently recognized by Castle Connolly Top Doctors for my expertise in mommy makeovers and breast and facial cosmetic surgery. In my practice, I perform a high volume of complex revision breast augmentation procedures as well. I love the challenge that these procedures entail.
No two patients are the same, and one of my favorite parts about my job is working closely with my patients to understand their goals and develop bespoke treatment plans to help them achieve beautiful, natural, and long-lasting results. I pride myself in establishing lasting relationships with my patients so I can continue to serve them for many years.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Growing up in Southern California, this area used to be covered with orange groves and strawberry fields. When strawberries were in season, my mom used to take me and my two sisters once a week to a strawberry field in the resort district of downtown Anaheim to pick fresh strawberries. California strawberries fresh off the vine–they were out of this world. The Fujishige strawberry farm was eventually sold to Disneyland Resorts in 1998 and now makes up part of Disneyland California Adventure.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sabamotakefmd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabamotakefmd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SabaMotakefMD
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saba-motakef-8280a0a
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/sabamotakefMD
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@motakefplasticsurgery
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/saba-motakef-md-anaheim?osq=Saba+Motakef
Image Credits
Irma Lomidze
