Cosmetic, reconstructive surgeries boosts self esteem

Dr. Adam Cash’s introduction to plastic surgery came during childhood when a tumble landed him in the surgeon’s office.

“Experiencing a moment that early on left a lasting impression, one that helped further develop the care I had for others and the desire I had to help people.” he said.

Years later, while in medical school at Case Western Reserve University, he was on a pediatric surgery rotation at the Cleveland Clinic. Working with children brought back memories of his own experience and reignited his experience with medicine as a young boy.

Further cementing Dr. Cash’s career choice was watching his aunt battle breast cancer. Being alongside her from diagnosis to surgery to the reconstructive process, further motivated Dr. Cash toward plastics as a specialty and more importantly, the restorative side of the surgical discipline.

Now a plastic surgeon with Mercy Health - Youngstown, Dr. Cash works with patients, many of whom are going through a diagnosis such as breast or skin cancer, by offering cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

“It’s not about making people look better,” he said. “It’s about making people feel like themselves after traumatic events or injuries, and getting them back to how they were before. In some cases, erasing the scar both figuratively and literally that cancer can leave behind.”

Improving self-confidence and self-esteem are two primary motivators for people seeking cosmetic surgery. During consultations, Dr. Cash places a heavy emphasis on making sure patients have true and personal reasons for cosmetic procedures.

“It is important that I develop a rapport with each patient,” he said. “I have an open conversation with them to make sure they are the ones who are wanting this change. I tell them, ‘It needs to be done for you, and only you.’”

During these conversations, Dr. Cash also wants to level expectations and real-world pressures for anyone who seeks plastic surgery based on the look of someone else, including celebrities. He again, seeks to identify the true motivation for cosmetic surgery.

“The reality is just because society says we should look a certain way doesn’t mean we should,” he said.

If someone is looking for a plastic surgeon, Dr. Cash believes there are many factors to examine, with experience and trust being top priorities.

“People need to ask, ‘How often have you dealt with reconstruction?’ or ‘How many cases have you seen like this?’” he said. “Trust goes both ways, and you need to connect with patients as much as they connect with you.”

Reflecting on his career to date, Dr. Cash believes there are certain moments that have affirmed his choice to become a plastic surgeon.

He recalled a former patient who continually looked exhausted due to bags underneath her eyes, even though she didn’t feel tired. Several weeks after having plastic surgery, the subtle change had a profound effect on her life.

“She completely blossomed, and the procedure had such an impact,” he said. “It’s great to see a person reignite that fire in themselves, be comfortable with themselves and regain confidence.”

Whether it’s reconstructive or cosmetic plastic surgery, Dr. Cash is focused on helping patients enjoy life and love the way they feel both above and below the surface.

“At the end of the day, the best reward for me is to help people become the best version of themselves as that feeling can be contagious.”

For more information on cosmetic and reco nstructive surgery, call 330-856-2545 or visit www.mercy.com