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Meet Brian Arslanian of Arslanian Plastic Surgery in Sandy Springs

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Arslanian.

Brian, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a small town in Western New York State and was the first born son of two immigrants. For some reason, I always knew I wanted to be a doctor from a young age and dedicated my life to achieving that goal. After college and medical school, I completed a residency in General Surgery at a Harvard Training Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. I became board certified in general surgery and decided to pursue a career in plastic surgery. I was always fascinated by the combination of technical, precise surgery and the artistry that one must have to become a plastic surgeon. I completed a fellowship in Plastic Surgery at Emory University which is one of the top programs in the country. This allowed me to have the confidence to go out into the world and start my own private practice in the Atlanta area. Starting your own business your first year in practice can be a daunting task. The first couple years were tough, and there were days that I asked myself if this was really worth it. But you press on and keep focusing on that light at the end of the tunnel. After 16 years of rigorous training, I knew that this was just another hurdle I had to jump to get to the finish line.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Medical School and residency does an amazing job of teaching you how to be a doctor and a surgeon. There is very little training, however, in how to run a business and how to function out in the real world. Starting your own business in medicine is very much a leap of faith. I remember contemplating for months whether this was something I wanted to do. I went back and back, back and forth. Finally one day I just had to make a decision. I pulled the trigger, called up a lawyer, and formed my own Corporation. That was when I realized this was really happening and there was no turning back now. That was the springboard I needed to get my business started and moving. I have made probably every mistake in the book, and there are probably several more that I will make along the way. But nobody ever said the journey would be easy. When I first started I struggled with seeing my peers out there making high salaries in their employed positions, while I couldn’t even take a paycheck. Everyone told me that in the long run, I would eventually catch up and make as much money as them. So then why bother with this whole running your own business thing? If in the end I would make just as much money, then why all the headache. And that is when I realized that that is what this was all about, and that is what life is all about. It’s about the headache….it’s about the journey. If we take the easy way out all the time, then what do we learn about life? NOTHING. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I want EVERYTHING out of life that I can get. And that is why I do what I do. Because it’s hard, because it makes me think, because it makes me work. That is what living is all about.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Arslanian Plastic Surgery is a full service Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery office located in the heart of Sandy Springs. My passion is to “fix” people. Sometimes that means a tummy tuck for a 35 year old mother who had 3 kids and just can’t get her body back. Sometimes that means putting back together a severely damaged face from a traumatic injury causing extensive bony injuries. And sometimes that means helping a breast cancer survivor feel a little better about herself by finding a way to give her back what the cancer had taken away. For reconstructive surgery I am extremely proficient and very busy doing complex facial reconstructions after traumatic injuries, and reconstructing breasts after surgery for breast cancer. In terms of cosmetics, I have a passion for non-invasive techniques for facial rejuvenation such as: Botox, Fillers, and skin care. I also perform a high volume of body contouring procedures such as liposuction and tummy tucks. In addition, I perform a high volume of breast surgery such as breast augmentation, breast lifts, and fat transfer procedures. I am one of the only plastic surgeons in the Atlanta area performing endoscopic transaxillary breast augmentation which allows for a “no-scar on the breast” technique.

I am most proud of my business/company in that we provide superior patient care to ALL of our patients. To us it doesn’t matter if you are a cash-paying cosmetic patient, or an uninsured patient who suffered traumatic injuries. We treat everyone just like we would treat our own family member: with compassion, patience, and a listening ear. This is something that my staff excels at and prides themselves on.

What sets us apart from other practices is our dedication to patient care and customer service. I perform my own injections, my own consults, and my own skin care. I give my patients email and phone access so that they can always reach me with any problems or concerns that they might be experiencing. My staff is committed to taking care of problems as soon as they come about and remedy the situation to the best of their ability. In the operating room I pride myself on an attention to detail and artistry. I firmly believe in informing my patients of all the details of their procedures including potential risks and complications.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up I started off as a very quiet and shy kid. It wasn’t until I joined a karate school that I really came out of my shell. In karate, I finally found a group of people, ideals, and philosophy that seemed to mesh perfectly with me. It was a home away from home, a family away from family. It helped me grow as a person, a student, and as a man. It gave me the confidence to spread my wings in College, join clubs and sports teams, and become a much more social individual. My passion for martial arts then transferred to a passion for rowing. In College I became Captain of the Crew team after my first year. The people that know me from College, would probably never believe I was a shy and quite high schooler. I now consider myself rather outgoing and personable, but at the same time my number one priority is always my family. When given the choice between a social event and a family event….there really is no decision to make as the choice is obvious. Being a husband, father, and business owner does not leave much time for hobbies nowadays but I still have a few. I love woodworking and build furniture in my spare time. I also enjoy collecting Bourbon and Scotch. I have recently started getting involved in triathlons and endurance competitions as well.

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