We have entered a new century on the information highway.   What was science fiction 100 years ago has become reality.   Computers, lasers, supersonic transport, the Atkins Diet, aerobic exercise, cloning, nano technology the list is endless.
 
Our concept of aging has undergone a drastic overhaul.   Who is middle-aged?  Was it Strom Thurmond - a Senator at 100?  1 used to tell my patients, "Old is dead."   It seemed true when was 40 and much more plausible as I approach 70.
 
Being in private practice in Beverly Hills for over 30 years has given me a great deal of interpersonal experience with over 20,000 patients.  I consider every one of them as a star.  I thought that retirement would enable me to leave the hectic arena of daily stress, but as much as I love Kathleen (my wife of 36 years) and the occasional 250-yard drive off the tee, it's hard to keep this racehorse in the paddock.
 
What about the practice of plastic surgery?  My dream was always to offer the patients not only a better-looking extern, but also to give them the tools to enjoy their illusion of beauty and turn it into reality.
 
That brings us to today's options and opportunities.  You can travel to get a wider choice of procedures and prices. Not only do we know more about technical improvements in the mechanics of surgical intervention, but today's expanding frontiers in hormonal replacements, exercise options and healthier diets offer us a chance to enjoy life to the fullest.  It’s all worth just a little more effort on our parts.
 
There are a myriad of offerings bombarding us on a daily basis:  A one-hour face lift;  lose ten pounds in two days; have an erection that lasts forever.  What is a person to do in today's world?  What is truth?  What is reality?
 
My associates and I propose to give you a guide to help you along the way encompassing many phases that will avoid the pitfalls of superficial hype.  After all, the more things change, the more basic truths remain the same! You can learn more at my web site www.DrKurtWagner.com. Concerns about global warming might be attracting attention of the media, and governments might tax airplane fuel to offset carbon emissions, but the real value comes when you travel for good procedures, not just for low prices.
 
Kurt Wagner, MD