Secrets of a Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgeon
The Expert's Guide To Safe, Successful Surgery
The Essential Cosmetic Surgery Companion
Don't Consult A Cosmetic Surgeon Without This Book!

Read Chapter 1. Click here for PDF download
Click to view the Table of Contents
Now, from the world’s beauty capital, Beverly Hills, comes an eye-opening exposé of American cosmetic surgery. An increasingly popular but sometime controversial young specialty.
SECRETS OF A BEVERLY HILLS COSMETIC SURGEON is the definitive, insider’s guide to choosing a top specialist, selecting the right procedure, and using a safe facility all at an affordable price.
Dr. Kotler, one of America’s premier cosmetic surgeons and a prominent UCLA teacher, lecturer and author – draws upon his unique 35 year experience and more than 5,000 procedures performed. No co-writer, no ghostwriter required. Because the inner workings of this highly-hyped but little-explained field are best revealed by only those who live within it.
Plus
For the 13 most important cosmetic procedures, an at-a-glance table listing:
With a clear definition of each - in English - not medical jargon.
And
A ready-for-photocopy, handy 29 Point Checklist to "check out" prospective doctors and their surgical facilities. It reveals the important questions you might not know to ask. And makes the doctor interview non-intimidating and productive.
SECRETS OF A BEVERLY HILLS COSMETIC SURGEON is not a tattler's memoir. Nor a technical manual describing surgery. It is a how-to manual. How to be a smart consumer, how to get the best result—safely and economically.
An easy read. Clear, sharp, entertaining with 53 before and after photographic case histories. Peppered with touching patient letters to Dr. Kotler. Commentaries from leaders in the field. And witticisms from those high-visibility divas of cosmetic surgery: Joan Rivers and Phyllis Diller. On the light side, the best of The New Yorker’s cartoons, poking fun at both cosmetic surgeons and their patients.
Read Chapter 1. Click here for PDF download
Click to view the Table of Contents
by Robert Kotler, MD, FACS
“A great book. Every question you ever had about cosmetic surgery -but were afraid to ask- is answered in this book. Except one: “When does Dr. Kotler sleep?”
-Phyllis Diller
“Eminently readable, engrossing, informative…this book should be the starting point for anyone even day-dreaming of cosmetic surgery…provides a simply-told education in what these magical and mysterious procedures are, how they work, what can realistically go wrong, and how to prevent it. Dr. Bob Kotler writes conversationally, like a friend who cares, but a friend who also happens to be one of the foremost experts in this technical yet artistic business. He dares to be honest about the whole process.”
-Barbara Sternig,
Hollywood journalist, and author, Secrets of a Tabloid Reporter
"Dr. Kotler has been a friend and colleague of mine since 1972, and I am truly impressed with the information and education this book provides. Cosmetic surgery can be a life-changing decision, and Dr. Kotler relays valuable information so that the public can make an informed decision. As a practicing dermatologist, I get many questions about cosmetic surgery from my patients. This book answers those questions and is an excellent resource for both doctor and patient. Sound decisions translate to piece of mind- an important factor when considering plastic surgery."
-Howard Murad, MD
Founder, Murad Inc.
Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, UCLA
"For anyone who is considering enhancing their physical appearance via cosmetic surgery, this book will tell you everything you need to know. The information you will glean from this book will give you more confidence in making the right choices - from how to select your doctor to what procedure is best suited for your specific needs. After reading this book you will know exactly what to expect during a specific procedure, especially the recovery process, as well as what mental blocks you may possibly experience. In essence, it is an honest and candid approach to helping the consumer responsibly choose what is in their best interest."
-Lillian Glass, PhD,
Best selling author, counseling psychologist, and communication expert
“If you're contemplating having cosmetic surgery, Dr. Kotler's book is a 'must read.' He is one of the most trusted doctors in his field, and his book is an excellent and comprehensive guide that demystifies the world in which he practices. The information in these pages will allow patients to make much more informed and intelligent decisions in their cosmetic surgeon's office."
-Richard Trubo, medical journalist
Winner of American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery's Journalism Award of Excellence
“Robert Kotler has revealed the secrets of finding a cosmetic surgeon who is right for you. A must have book for anyone contemplating this type of surgery.”
-Dr. Earl Mindell,
Author of Vitamin Bible, Herb Bible and Diet Bible
“Dr. Kotler understands the system; he knows today's training process for cosmetic surgeons. This book states clearly that not all cosmetic surgeons are qualified to operate on you. As a resident surgeon trainee, I agree with Dr. Kotler's conclusion that one important reason is that some training programs are deficient.”
-Young Kim, M.D., Ph. D.
Resident, Head and Neck Surgery, UCLA
“This is a book of knowledge, with unusual benefits. Now, a sound judgment can be made by the consumer.”
-Eleni-Dayle Iversen,
Author, Look Younger Without Plastic Surgery
“Pay attention! Dr. Robert Kotler is a straight-shooter with vast knowledge and unquestionable character. When he speaks, people should listen.”
-Michael Levine,
author and media expert
“A valuable and honest resource to the lay public, especially to those contemplating cosmetic surgery. For the naïve and experienced alike, it offers practical advice that is often difficult to obtain.”
-Stephen H. Mandy, MD
President, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery?
Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of Miami
”I found Dr. Kotler's book "Secrets of a Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon" to be written in the language every potential patient could understand. He entwined humor with common sense, intelligent decision making based on informed facts, and addressed the issues most important to consider when planning cosmetic surgery. He leads you step by step through the discovery period, the performance period, and the recovery period. He performs all of the above and leaves you smiling.”
-Maggie Lockridge, RN
Administrator, Shanteque, A Recovery Retreat, West Los Angeles
“Dr. Kotler has put together a thorough consumer's guide highlighting all of the important areas of concern one should consider when contemplating cosmetic surgery. Most importantly he emphasizes and reiterates that cosmetic surgery is real surgery with all of the risks and potential for complication. Since, in most jurisdictions, when this is performed in an office-based setting there are no meaningful regulations to protect the public, it is up to the consumer to do their homework. This book is invaluable toward that end.”
-David B. Barinholtz, MD
Clinical Associate, Department of Anesthesiology,
University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
President & CEO of Mobile Anesthesiologists, LLC,
founding member and Director, Society for Office-Based Anesthesia, surveyor, Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
“This is the book to read if you're thinking of having cosmetic surgery or just want to learn more about it. Dr. Kotler, one of the top cosmetic surgeons in the United States, guides you through the procedures. You learn how to choose a cosmetic surgeon and what each operation entails- from the costs right up to the recovery times. After you read this book you will truly be an "informed consumer."
-Mary Ann Malloy, MD,
Cardiologist, women's health expert,
Consultant to NBC 5, Chicago
“Dr. Kotler's book, Secrets of a Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgeon, is a must read for any patient who is interested in undergoing cosmetic facial surgery. I recommend this book.”
-Gerald S. Berke, MD
Professor and Chief, Division of Head and Neck Surgery
UCLA Center for the Health Sciences
“Complete and concise. A must read in today's more complex cosmetic surgery world; there is more to know and there are more choices. More procedures, more operating facilities and more surgeons - from different specialties - performing the work. That's why the consumer needs this book and why I recommend it.”
-Kurt J. Wagner, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Author of How to Win in the Youth Game and co-author of Beauty by Design
“Secrets of a Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgeon” pierces the maze and mystery of choosing the right doctor, asking the right questions and making the right choice for anyone considering cosmetic surgery. Thank heavens that doctors like Robert Kotler are willing to share their vast experience and unveil the secrets that can make your surgery a success or prevent it from being a possible nightmare.”
-Anita Talbert?
contributing writer, Beverly Hills publication 90210
“This book contains valuable information that will be of great interest to patients who are considering cosmetic surgery. I was so impressed that I intend to order several copies for use in my office, as I feel that it will be quite helpful for my patients considering cosmetic surgery. I was particularly impressed by the chapters that address choosing a surgeon on the basis of training, experience, and expertise.”
-John W. Shore, MD, FACS
President-elect, American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
“Once again Dr. Robert Kotler, an acknowledged master of facial plastic surgery has written a book in an informative, easy to read, well-organized and humorous manner. It is a must read for the interested cosmetic patient who requires education regarding the cosmetic surgery realm in order to be well-versed in all the nuances and protected from the pitfalls.”
-Jeremy L. Freeman, MD
Professor of Otolaryngology, University of Toronto
"Secrets of a Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgeon" will become a bible for the consumer who is looking for rejuvenation. It contains checklists to make sure they stay on the right track. The consumer needs to be concerned about what procedure they really need and who's the best operator they can find to do it."
-James E. Fulton Jr., MD, Ph.D
Co-Developer Retin-A®
"In this era when patients are appropriately becoming more involved in their medical care, Dr. Kotler's book is certainly timely. I particularly liked the patient commentaries, quotes, insider tips, and even the cartoons. This all helped make the book very readable, in addition to being a tremendous resource for patients contemplating cosmetic and/or reconstructive surgery."
-Paul Lambert, MD, Medical University of South Carolina
Professor and Chairman, Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery
"This book distills decades of clinical experience into a seasoned view of the cosmetic surgery landscape, where the author guides the patient through the labyrinth of choices and potential obstacles with the same warm and generous sense of caring for the patient that has made him an outstanding success in his field. Recommended for the thoughtful reader who is contemplating elective cosmetic surgery."
-Richard G. Glogau, MD
Professor of Dermatology, University of California
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