I have interviewed a number of notable plastic surgeons on the DiepC Foundation YouTube channel about topics related to breast reconstruction. This interview evokes a special, more personal feeling. I interviewed my own reconstructive plastic surgeon, Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo, for this special Father’s Day Tribute. He discusses the reason, inspiration, and why he chose plastic surgery. It was time spent with his father watching the history of plastic surgery on “the tellie” growing up as a young boy in London. His profession in life has truly become his passion and it is evident as the video conversation unfolds. What inspired you to choose plastic surgery? A Father’s Day Tribute.
The History of Microsurgery
Imagine a young lad spending time with his dad, “a massive history buff”, as Dr. C says, watching World War I and World War II programs. It was their bonding time. He points out plastic surgical procedures had been described prior to World War I but really went back centuries. World War I was a catalyst for the development of the specialty of plastic surgery. I think Dr. C’s compass was set at an early age spending time this special time with his Father.
Plastic Surgery was born out of the need for reconstruction. Soldiers were suffering terrible injuries, not just loss of limbs, but massive facial injuries. Dr. C learned about PTSD but more importantly, the psychology of returning from the war with these injuries. The one thing that identifies us as human beings, our facial identity, was robbed for many soldiers due to horrendous facial injuries. This multi-dimensional aspect of these injuries piqued his interest. The technical aspect of moving tissue all over the face and neck area, borrowing from one place to reconstruct another, was another intriguing aspect.
Harold Gillies was the surgeon known for groundbreaking facial reconstruction. The photos in the video show the progression of the “poor chap who has had the middle of his face blown off from a gunshot wound”, as Dr. C says. Listen to the embedded video as he explains exactly the progression of the beauty of plastic surgery in terms of its innovation.
Understanding your Inspiration
Have you considered what sets you apart? What inspired you to choose the specialty of plastic surgery? I sensed Dr. C was first influenced by his experience as a youth. It was the foundation of his career. If you chose the specialty of microsurgery, you have chosen the road less traveled. Plastic surgery, especially if you are working with breast cancer patients, is deciding to surround yourself with passionate folks, both patients and the colleagues you work with.
As a patient who talks to many other patients choosing to have plastic surgery for breast reconstruction, to us, we know you make a difference. The impact you make on our lives is profound. Your unique strengths include compassion for your patience, and a quiet confidence to assure us you will rebuild what breast cancer has taken from us, our breasts. To those of us who have had successful reconstructive, plastic surgery experiences, you feel like legends to us, helping people in a meaningful way because of the profession you have chosen.
Passion Defines the Individual
Dr. C, pensive in his thoughts as he speaks of his Father again states, “When you’re watching someone change and decline, you recognize it and you’re trying to maximize your time and conversations. You try to remember and soak everything in”. When it came to talking about history, even in declining years, his Father possessed encyclopedic knowledge. He would ask his Dad a topic on history, just so he could listen to him talk. So yes, how he got into plastic surgery means a lot.
As he says, “Passion defines the individual”. I could not agree more, Dr. C. You recognized your passion early on and took responsibility for it by choosing plastic surgery.
I would love to hear from others in this profession, or from those who are currently in training, what inspired you to choose plastic surgery? What do you recognize as your unique strengths?