
Photo Credit: drmovassaghi.com
MEET DR. KIYA MOVASSAGHI – OREGON PLASTIC SURGEON
Kiya Movassaghi, MD, DMD, is both a plastic surgeon and a plastic surgeon’s advocate. He is the founder and director of Movassaghi Plastic Surgery & Ziba Medical Spa in Eugene, Oregon, a clinical assistant professor of plastic surgery at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland as well as the 2015-2016 president of the Northwest Society of Plastic Surgeons (NWSPS).
Aside from running a busy surgical practice, Movassaghi also spends much time teaching residents the ins and outs of plastic surgery procedures including how and when to best use the new highly cohesive “gummy bear†breast implants. He is equally passionate about the importance of wellness initiates for surgeons, and plans to call attention to such programs during his term as NWSPS president.
Movassaghi spoke to Beauty In The Bag about his plans, passions and what his patients really want. Here’s what he had to say:
1. What is your signature procedure?
My signature procedures are breast augmentation, revision breast surgery and facial plastic surgery. For women who are unhappy with their breasts, confidence can be incredibly difficult to maintain. Breast augmentation has some of the highest rates of patient satisfaction because personalized and dramatic improvement can be achieved, and the associated downtime is not excessive. Improvements and increased options in breast implants mean that we can get very close to creating the breasts a woman has always dreamed of. Unfortunately, some women have either had bad experiences or results with past surgeons or have decided their breast implants no longer suit their lifestyle. This is an opportunity for me to work closely with a patient to ensure both that I fully understand her goals and desired outcome, and that she has realistic expectations of the procedure. Revision breast surgery can correct a number of issues—dissatisfaction, poor placement, and capsular contracture are just a few examples—by replacing the old implants with new, improved implants, often through the original scar.
I also focus on facial rejuvenation with mini or extended facelift, or isolated neck lift, which can reduce many common signs of aging. By removing excess, sagging skin and lifting remaining skin to a more youthful position, I can reduce the appearance of facial creases, jowling, and falling features.
 2. What is trending among your patients today?
Two of the biggest trends among my patients today are nonsurgical fat reduction and breast surgery with anatomical implants. Nonsurgical fat reduction with CoolSculpting® really is an amazing treatment, and my patients have been consistently impressed with their results. Using a proprietary technology called “Cryolipolysis,†this system literally freezes fat cells to death. Over the course of about three months, those fat cells are gradually metabolized by your body, resulting in up to a 25% fat reduction in the treated area. The best part is that it’s completely nonsurgical, only takes around an hour for one treatment, and has very limited downtime. Both anatomic and round breast implants are gaining in popularity. Unlike other implants that conform to the body and produce a rounded shape, anatomic implants have a teardrop shape. For patients with little natural breast tissue, shaped implants can produce very natural results. It’s important to note that the type of implant that will produce the best results is absolutely dependent upon a patient’s natural anatomy and desired outcome. Someone who wants breasts with fullness and projection in the upper pole of the breast would not be content with teardrop-shaped implants, which produce more fullness in the lower areas of the breast.
3. Tell us about The NWSPS.
NWSPS is an intimate regional society representing the plastic surgeons in the northwest states, western Canada, Alaska, Idaho and Hawaii. I got involved with the society to give back to the specialty and to promote plastic surgeons and our mission in the region. I also hope to work from the ground up to advocate for physician wellness, including surgeon advocacy issues, which I believe will have a positive ripple effect on a national level.
4. What have the new highly cohesive breast implants brought to the table?
Highly cohesive silicone gel breast implants (often referred to as “Gummy Bear†implants) are delivering more predictable, reliable, and stable results.
For patients specifically, highly cohesive implants offer a very natural option, both in look and feel. These implants retain their shape and position beautifully, and are less likely to ripple or fold. All of these factors have resulted in higher patient satisfaction.
5. What role does fat grafting play in your practice?
I use fat grafting extensively in breast reconstruction to smooth out the boundaries of the implants. Fat transfer offers a natural and long-lasting option for reconstructing a very natural-looking breast that more closely resembles the patient’s natural breast appearance. I also often use fat grafting for facial rejuvenation. Because many visible signs of aging are actually the result of volume loss in the face, fat grafting can be an excellent option. Using a patient’s own fat can produce longer lasting,and more natural looking results.
6. What do you do to stay healthy and youthful?
I know it’s cliché, but it’s important to take care of ourselves mentally, emotionally, and physically. I do yoga and meditation for emotional and spiritual satisfaction and health. I have a competitive nature, so I train for and participate in triathlons. I’d say that swimming and cycling are my passions, and they play a large role in maintaining my physical health.