Why Dr. David Shorkian Performs “Live” Surgeries on Instagram

Dr. David Shokrian is a renowned plastic surgeon based in New York, eminent for his expertise in awake surgeries. In fact, he has performed more awake surgeries than anyone in NY. Basically, these are procedures performed under local anesthesia, which many patients prefer over general anesthesia.

Apart from his expertise in awake surgeries, Dr. Shokrian is also known for his innovative use of social media platforms, particularly Instagram and YouTube. While many modern doctors use social media to promote their services, Dr. Shokrian uses these platforms to educate and inform the public about plastic surgery. He believes that social media can be a powerful tool for disseminating accurate information about plastic surgery and dispelling myths and misconceptions.

Now, clearly, the most unique feature of Dr. Shokrian’s social media presence is his “live” surgery. He performs surgeries on Instagram (or YouTube) live, with the patient’s consent, and walks his audience through each step of the procedure. He provides detailed explanations of what is happening during the surgery, what instruments he is using, and what he hopes to achieve with each step.

The goal behind broadcasting live surgeries?

Here are his exact words: “No filters, just real surgery. I take questions on social media sites to help potential patients understand. No one is actually doing anything like this online either. I’m comfortable teaching and giving instructions. I’m happy to share knowledge. People want to copy everything the celebrities have but what they don’t realize is that most celebrities/bloggers don’t really look like that in person, so that makes it a little harder to have to explain that what they see isn’t what they really are. I do try to help them accomplish their goals and most leave even happier than they expected. ”

Actually, these live surgeries are more fascinating than educational. They provide a rare glimpse into the world of plastic surgery, allowing viewers to see firsthand what happens during a procedure. Many people are frightened by plastic surgery and curious about what goes on behind the scenes, under the knife. Dr. Shokrian’s live surgeries give them a chance to satisfy that curiosity in a safe and informative way.

Dr. Shokrian’s use of social media has not gone unnoticed in the medical community either. Many doctors are skeptical of the use of social media in medicine, believing that it can be a source of misinformation and that it can trivialize serious medical procedures. But Dr. Shokrian holds his ground that social media can always be used in a responsible and effective way.

Focus on Realistic Goals

Dr. David Shokrian’s approach to plastic surgery is not only focused on achieving his patients’ goals but also ensuring that those goals are realistic and attainable. He simply advises patients against certain procedures if he believes that their expectations are unachievable. While social media has played a significant role in the rise of cosmetic surgeries, it has also contributed to a culture of unrealistic beauty standards that can be damaging to some patients.

He says, “One of my favorite success stories is about a client who wanted a Brazilian butt lift. She worked at Sephora as a makeup artist, and was very unhappy with her appearance. So unhappy that she was on antidepressants and went to psychiatric therapy twice a week. When I met her she didn’t seem to have unrealistic expectations so we agreed to do the procedure for her. Three months after her procedure, her psychiatrists called me to let me know she had stopped the antidepressants and stopped therapy. Basically it changed her whole life in a very positive way. This was truly a morale booster and life changing surgery, and I love doing these.”

Dr. Shokrian is also noted for his ethical approach to plastic surgery. According to him, plastic surgery should be a collaborative process between the surgeon and the patient, with the patient’s goals and concerns taking center stage.

How do I choose the right surgeon?

“Research, check out venues, their training and certifications. Very important, are they plastic surgeons or cosmetic surgeons? Be sure you know the difference. Read reviews and go meet them and research client reviews before you make a decision. Also, make sure you validate the reviews because there are a lot of companies buying those too.“, says Dr. Shokrian.

Fun fact: 84% of women in the United States are completely unaware that a medical professional who performs surgical cosmetic procedures is not required to be board-certified in plastic surgery.

Ultimately, Dr. Shokrian’s decision to perform live surgeries on Instagram is part of his larger mission to bring transparency to the procedure of plastic surgery.

When asked about his motivation to work in this high-stakes industry, he says, “I love interacting, talking post surgery, and patient loyalty. Relationships that I’m able to build. We do a lot of advertising but most of our patients are word of mouth. I have a huge female police officer clientele among others.“