Dr. Frederick N. Lukash, M.D.,FACS, FAAP, has consistently been voted one of “America’s Top Doctors,” by the Castle Connolly guide, and by the Consumer Research Council of America. A board-certified cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon in practice in Manhattan and Long Island since 1981, he is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Dr. Lukash achieved board certification by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a fellow in the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
A strong sense of service to the community here and worldwide has motivated Dr. Lukash to volunteer his expertise to organizations such as Surgical Aid to Children of the World and Operation Smile. He has been honored by the Chief Executive of Nassau County for his service in reconstructing children from war torn Afghanistan. His giving also includes surgical service to local adoption agencies where correction of physical deformities has enabled unplaceable children to find homes. The United States Olympic Committee has recognized Dr. Lukash for his volunteer service at the summer Olympic Games.
In addition to writing and speaking, Dr. Lukash has an exhibit called “Operation Art” that has been featured at many Children’s Museums around the country. This exhibit depicts emotions through non-verbal medium of art in children before and after undergoing plastic surgery.
Dr. Lukash holds staff appointments at Long Island Jewish Medical Center / Schneider Children’s Hospital, North Shore University Hospital, Winthrop University Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and Lenox Hill Hospital. He has also served as a plastic surgical consultant to the New York Islanders hockey team and the New York Jets football team.
His latest book is The Safe and Sane Guide to Teenage Plastic Surgery.
Thank you for this interview, Dr. Lukash. Can we begin by having you tell us why you chose to write a book about plastic surgery for teenagers?
I watched the media begin to encroach on teens as a topic and was worried about exploitation. As a pediatric plastic surgeon I wanted proper information available. I took my thirty years of experience and my high moral and ethical values and put it into a book for parents and anyone else dealing with teen angst.
Did you outline before you wrote your book or just went with the flow?
Very careful outlines filled with red flags, green lights and flashing orange proceed with caution.
What kind of research did you do before putting this book together?
Much of it came from my experience and my academic research into body image and self-esteem such as my article on Children’s Art as an Index of Anxiety and Self Esteem and plastic Surgery.
Can you tell us if you interviewed people for this book and can you give us an example of who?
I collected attestations from patients and family five, ten, fifteen, and twenty years after surgery to gain impressions of the difference made by the plastic surgery. I also interviewed psychologists, psychiatrists, dermatologists.
What was the hardest part to write?
The editing and being respectful of patient anonymity.
What message are you trying to get across to your readers with this book?
Plastic surgery is real surgery that has risks but for the right patient at the right time and for the right reason can be life changing for the positive.
Do you plan on writing more books?
I have a novel—medical murder mystery in progress and a sequel Safe and Sane Guide regarding non-surgical ways to be your best.
Thank you for this interview, Dr. Lukash. We wish you much success!
You can visit Dr. Lukash’s websites at www.drlukash.com and www.teenageplasticsurgery.com.
