A Celebrity Plastic Surgeon Defines Beauty: Sergio Alvarez
Calm. Cool. Collected. Plastic surgeon Sergio Alvarez counts on all of these qualities in the operating room.
As a celebrity plastic surgeon, Alvarez knew early on he wanted to be in the operating room. His cardiologist father took him to see patients while still in elementary school.
"I saw my first surgery at 10 years old," said Alvarez. "And I was fascinated by it."
He said that having that exposure early on really captured his attention. "[It] motivated me to get where I am now," said Alvarez.
The 33-year-old is now a very sought-after celebrity plastic surgeon in Miami who counts Heidi Klum, Elton John and Miley Cyrus as celebrity friends. He is also in demand by the everyday folk who need a nip here and a tuck there.
The self-described "Alpha Male" loves a challenge. "Early on, I knew I wanted to be a surgeon," he says. Alvarez notes that anytime you put someone under anesthesia, it is significant and serious.
When asked what part of the body is most challenging to redo, he says that it is a rhinoplasty --- basically a nose job. "The nose is the central part of your face. It can change the way you look. Results can be measured in millimeters. One or to two millimeters, one can go from good to a great. job," he said.
Alvarez has a diverse patient base in South Florida -- from 18 year olds to some in their 60s in need of a freshening up.
"[Miami] is an interesting place to build a practice," he confides.
The El Paso, Texan, also gives back to the community, not only where he was born and raised but also to the military that he trained in the days after 9/11, while doing his residency in Tampa, where Fort Myers Central Command is located.
Alvarez now goes twice a week to the VA Hospital to do reconstructive surgeries.
"The veterans are a gracious group of people. It is very fulfilling to go there," said Alvarez.
His family also has a foundation in Texas where they give scholarships to high school seniors for college and those who want to attend medical school. They sponsor these kids throughout their educational journey.
When asked what his definition of beauty is, Alvarez is very clear.
"For me, beauty is very abstract. [However] I am attracted to women who are confident. Comfortable in their own skin," said Alvarez, with one caveat for those that have insecurities.
"People in my profession change that," he adds.