I would not have been able to create this book (or my new face) without the help of a great many talented people …most of whom I am actually continuing to speak to.
Even though the idea to write a book about beauty through plastic surgery was right under my nose, it took mastermind, book packager, self-help author, and acclaimed film producer Larry Thompson to bring it to my attention. Before he finished pitching me the idea for this book (his wife, Kelly, actually had suggested the title), I said, “Yes! I’m absolutely passionate about this subject, and I think I know a thing or two or three about it, having been the poster child for plastic surgery since the invention of knives.”
I am grateful to Larry not only for his ideas and creative talents, but also for his passion and confidence in me and all of my endeavors. Unlike all of the other stupid men in the world, he’s drop-dead smart and a real visionary.
After our successful pre-op consultation, Larry and his most efficient head of development, Robert G. Endara II, discovered through literary agent Nancy Yost the brilliant researching skills and prolific writing talents of my co-writer, bestselling novelist, and new friend, Valerie Frankel.
In addition to researching and writing books (her newest is a memoir, Thin Is the New Happy), Val is also a sought-after magazine journalist. From 1990 to 2000, she was an articles editor at Mademoiselle, and during her tenure, she wrote monthly advice columns on sex, men, dating, etiquette, and female friendship. As a freelance writer, Val has been a fixture at Parenting and Self, as well as a contributor to nearly every major woman’s magazine in the United States.
Thank you so, so much, Valerie.
Next, the literary agency Dupree Miller & Associates joined our efforts. They deserve many thanks. Jan Miller, a star maker and superstar herself, with her ever-vigilant and enthusiastic co-worker, Nena Madonia, went immediately to Simon & Schuster and inquired, “Would you like to offer entertaining and helpful information to all the women in the world?”
And then our vision became real.
With much enthusiasm, I want to thank everyone at Pocket Books and Simon & Schuster who rolled out the hospitality gurney for me. First, my deep appreciation goes to my glorious and talented editor, Mitchell Ivers, who embraced our proposal, smiled, and has escorted us every step of the way down the publishing red carpet. Also at Pocket Books and Simon & Schuster, big kisses and no small thanks to executive director Anthony Ziccardi and publisher Louise Burke, who also said “yes.”
During the writing of this book, in addition to all the information I have gathered firsthand over the years from all the doctors I have interviewed or even used, we enlisted top plastic surgeons from across the country to serve on the book’s advisory panel to guarantee 100 percent accuracy.
Robert Singer, M.D., F.A.C.S., past president of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, past chairman of the board for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, current president of the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities Educational Foundation, has run a clinic in San Diego for thirty years. He’s the industry spokesperson on public awareness and safety in his field. I met him doing a panel about plastic surgery on “Larry King Live,” and he impressed me with his commitment and passion. The message he wants out there: plastic surgery is all that it’s cracked up to be, as long you do the necessary homework about doctors, facilities, and procedures. Patients must make it their personal responsibility to be informed. I completely agree, and I want to thank him for giving his time and expertise in helping me in this book to go a long way toward that end.
Steven Hoefflin, M.D., F.I.C.S., F.A.C.S., the man who inspired the movie Doc Hollywood, has been my own surgeon for many years. He’s worked on dozens of A-list stars, as well as tens of thousands of others at his Santa Monica-based Hoefflin Center for Plastic Surgery. Steve is the professional’s professional, an author, a maverick, and an expert on the latest, greatest plastic surgery advances, tools, technology, and techniques.
Anthony Youn, M.D., a Rochester Hills, Michigan-based plastic surgeon who specializes in nose jobs, facial fillers, and eye lifts worked tirelessly with us on evenings and weekends.
Scott J. Zevon, M.D., is a Manhattan-based plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery of the face, breasts, and body. He loves his work and described six hours of surgery as “relaxing.”
Lisa B. Cassileth, M.D., F.A.C.S., a Beverly Hills-based surgeon, specializes in breast surgery, body sculpting, and facial rejuvenation. Thanks to her, I can hold my arms high with pride when I give my grandson a high-five.
Shilesh Iyer, M.D., a Manhattan-based dermatologist who specializes in skin resurfacing, laser surgery, liposuction, Botox therapy, soft-tissue augmentation, and skin cancer surgery, works endlessly at making sure that all of the correct information is given to patients.
David Louis Matlock, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.O.G., based in Los Angeles, is the pioneer of the trademarked procedures Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation ® and the G-Shot ®. He is the founder and medical director of the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute of America.
And finally, Jerome Spivack, M.D., a plastic surgeon based in Westfield, New Jersey, who generously gave his time and expertise. Thanks, Jerry!
That’s quite a team…. Thank you all for your advice and dedicated work.
I sincerely want to say thanks to my personal manager and cheerleader, Billy Sammeth, my agent, Joel Dean, my entertainment attorney, Kenneth Browning, my business manager, Michael Karlin, my indefatigable personal assistant, Jocelyn Pickett, and my longtime publicist, Judy Katz. With that payroll, you know why I work my ass off.
I also want to thank every woman who has ever stopped me and asked me about plastic surgery. All of you confirmed for me the need to research and get out all the truthful and comprehensive information about beauty procedures available today.
And lastly, a special thank-you to my one and only darling daughter, Melissa, and her adorable son, Cooper, for allowing me to embark on yet another creative effort that robs us of our precious time together. To Melissa, who calls me by the most beautiful name in the world, “Mom,” and to my grandson, Cooper, who refers to me after each of my beauty enhancements as “Nana New Face,” I want to say, thank you for everything and I love you very much. You both really do make me feel blessed and beautiful.