Dr. Robert Flowers

[konajo]

Hi,
Does anyone here know someone who has used this doctor? (He is a plastic surgeon in Honolulu)
Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[craigwatanabe]

I used to produce his radio show on KHVH and KGU. He and Susan are really nice people. Susan is the voice behind those commercials you hear and see on radio and TV. They are eclectic (Dr. Flowers is an artist and poet) so their demeanor is unlike your average person.

Both of them are in the spotlight quite a bit, as so some people think critically of them, but I know them more personally and have no problems. :)

[konajo]

Hi there,

Thanks so much for your post. I live on the mainland, so I'm not familiar with his shows. However, I've heard that he's a good surgeon to go to for Asian double eyelid surgery. But, before I make all the arrangements, I wanted to make sure that he is indeed good. Have you heard anything about the work he has done? Thanks again.

[craigwatanabe]

yes I have. As you said he does excellent work with Asian eyes. His techniques are a bit different than most but his results are far better and natural than most others. He always talked about the eyes, I guess because it's the most prominant feature on the face next to the nose (which he also does...rhinoplasty).

He makes a good point that a good plastic surgeon should have a good command of artistry. His artistic discipline was sculpting so that coupled with his medical profession work together well.

When you call him drop him my name: Craig Watanabe, former show producer. I also do the voice over for his intro. By the way Susan is his wife and also a good friend of mine.

[konajo]

Thank you very much, Craig. It looks like I'll be leaning towards Flowers to do my surgery. I'm still a bit nervous as I have not personally met him. However, he seems to have a really good reputation. Aloha--Jo

[craigwatanabe]

Dr. Flowers' bedside manners are impeccable. One thing though because he is an artist, he will tell you what would look good for you. He has refused work because what the patient wanted and what he felt was correct were different. In order for him to do a good job he has to agree with the operation.

His work is great, that's why he's one of the best in the world. He gives seminars worldwide on his procedures and is highly respected in that field. He also corrects the work that other plastic surgeons have done from patients who were dissatisfied.

[melorama]

His wife has an impossibly sexy voice. I recorded a bunch of voice-over tracks with her a bunch of years ago, and let me just say that she is a walking testament to Dr. Flowers' masterful handiwork. I can also attest to her being very nice and down to earth.

[Albert]

"As you said he does excellent work with Asian eyes."

There was an encouraging report on NPR this week which said Asians are beginning to understand that *looking* Asian is an asset, not a liability.

(Sorry about that, Dr. Flowers)

[craigwatanabe]

His wife has an impossibly sexy voice. I recorded a bunch of voice-over tracks with her a bunch of years ago, and let me just say that she is a walking testament to Dr. Flowers' masterful handiwork. I can also attest to her being very nice and down to earth.


Believe it or not Susan has very little plastic surgery done on her. I've known her for almost 20-years now and her beauty is her birthright.

[konajo]

Hey Craig,

I found out Dr. Flowers is getting up there in age (70 ys old). Have you seen him lately? Is he pretty healthy and still doing good work (as far as you know) at his age???

Thanks soo much for all your info. I really appreciate it! :)

[craigwatanabe]

he's in great shape being very active. I'm 44 and I think he could out run me. Susan keeps his heart in excellent shape :eek: if you know what I mean.

His mind is sharp, his reflex is quick (he plays tennis), his overall health I believe to be in excellent condition. He is a soft spoken man with a passion for his work...as an artist should be.

[konajo]

Hi Craig,

Okay, I did it. I booked my airline ticket and finally decided to go with Dr. Flowers (going right after the new year). There's a little part of me that is still worried if I made the right decision, but from what I hear he's really good. I think one of the reasons why I'm a little worried is because I have not met him personally. Also because I am going according to other people's (whom I also don't know) impressions of him.

Anyways, I wanted to thank you for taking the time to give me your input about Dr. Flowers. It really helped to hear what you had to say about him.

:)

[craigwatanabe]

I don't think you'll regret your decision. It's perfectly normal for one to feel apprehension when doing any elective surgery on oneself not to mention going on recommendations from total strangers.

Dr. Flowers is eclectic so just be aware of that in your conversations with the man. If you have the opportunity to speak with Susan (his wife) she will put your doubts (if any) to rest. Dr. Flowers will be brutally honest with you regarding techniques that he pioneered versus the cookie-cutter methods done by others. He has lectured at symposiums around the world regarding his work. He is good. He will also tell you if your suggestions on what you'd like to do will work for you.

He has done virtually every race and will look at your features to determine what should stay intact and what could be enhanced. He has even declined to do work because of differences of opinion. As an artist he refuses to turn a good thing into something of lesser desire. He has a passion for his work and for the many years (decades) I've known him and Susan, he still maintains that passion.

Good luck and keep us informed as to your progress!

[konajo]

Hi Craig,

I was on a plastic surgery board a few minutes ago looking for recommendations for pre-op/post-op healing aids and came across a girl who posted a message about Flowers. She lives in Hawaii and said that she spoke to several people that said to stay AWAY from Flowers. Now, I'm worried again. It worries me because she was looking for a surgeon to do the same type of surgery and she lives in Hawaii. You know what they say, everyone knows everyone in Hawaii... And, to me Hawaii people are very trustworthy (guess it's because my parents are both from Hawaii and we have a large community here who are from Hawaii). Anyways, what are your thoughts on this?? Have you heard or actually seen people who had surgery done by him recently that look good??

Thanks so much for your support :confused:

[Miulang]

Any time someone elects to undergo aesthetic surgery, the outcome is always very subjective. It could very well be that the person who groused about her outcome was disappointed with the final result (i.e., her appearance) even though technically the plastic surgeon did his job well. These are the kinds of cases that end up in court and usually get thrown out of court because while the plastic surgeon can pretty accurately predict what you're going to look like post-operation, your body may not react in the same way as others. That's why they have you sign a disclaimer and waiver whenever you undergo any kind of surgery. As long as the doctors tell you about the risks, then you should be prepared for the possible consequences.

A lot of times the patients go in with too high expectations of what the outcome will be, and those are the patients who complain about bad results. If out of 100 satisfied customers you hear from one person who is unhappy, then my guess is that the doctor is an excellent one. And in this case, since Craig knows the doctor and his wife on a professional and personal level, I would trust his judgement.

Miulang

[craigwatanabe]

Thanks for the support Muilang, Dr. Flowers has a radio show that appears periodically on KHVH AM 830 in Honolulu. Because of that he's in the public eye even more so than virtually all other plastic surgeons and for that people see his demeanor.

There are times when people would call just to be sticklers to the subject of plastic surgery and will debate him on spiritual grounds (God gave me this so I shouldn't change that...You're playing God when you change a person's appearance). And because he will indicate that your ideas may not be what's best for you. He's an artist/sculptor and can see the beauty in everybody's features. Sometimes a facelift isn't necessary just an eye lift. Or during his interview with him he may realize that breast augmentation isn't the answer to your problem, but maybe a talk to your pastor may be in order.

It is those people that have problems with Dr. Flowers. He has done a lot of reconstructive surgery, some from the result of a botched plastic surgery from another surgeon, so there is some animosity from others in the field.

In your initial interview you'll find out for yourself if you can trust him. He may even decline your consideration for him as your surgeon. He will only work with you if there is mutual trust between both parties and for that some take it personally.

So there you go, there are those who have negative thoughts of him. Yes he has been sued in the past for faulty work. Those cases involved complications from surgery he recommended against, individuals who didn't follow precise post-operative care, or from those who didn't disclose an accurate medical history that inhibited a safe post-operative recovery.

Dr. Flowers is world-reknowned, an expert in his field, a dedicated professional, a Christian, an artist, a father, and a husband. He's eclectic, sincere, and brutally honest. That last one is what gets him into trouble. As he states, "Plastic surgery isn't for everyone, but for those who want to seek an improvement for a fault in their lives"...Dr. Flowers can help.

Those who walk into his practice seeking to better themselves for the sake of spite will be turned away. Those who want to create a facade while not working on their inner self will get turned away.

Those who have been cheated out of life in deformaty or accident or those who have completed their own self help and now want to polish off the final product with a make over, will be accepted.

Which of these types are you? If you feel you will be turned away then it's time to look at yourself and ask whether plastic surgery is right for you or if some internal healing is in order. This is what Dr. Flowers is all about as his motto is, "It's more than skin deep" because plastic surgery only works on the surface, only you can make the difference from within. Sometimes it takes someone else to tell you what's right and what's wrong for you. Dr. Flowers in his brutalistic honesty will tell you to your face.

Isn't that what you really want to hear from someone that will purposely disfigure you? Total trust in your surgeon is a must and to have one disagree with you on the basis of humanity is good. If he was that bad as some have indicated, he wouldn't be practicing now, nor would he still be doing lectures around the world.

Good luck!

[konajo]

Hi Craig,

Thank you again for all the information you have provided, along with your support and your candor. I truly appreciate it.

Now that I'm almost ready for the holidays, I'm actually very excited about the upcoming surgery. It is a huge relief to finally have all the arrangements secured. And, I am feeling much more comfortable with my decision to go with Dr. Flowers. One thing for sure is that his staff is so supportive and NICE! Compared to the offices here in Beverly Hills, every person I spoke to at his office has been wonderful.

I will let you know how everything turns out.

In the meantime, have a wonderful, healthy holiday season!
:)

[1stwahine]

:D How I wish I could be worrying about having plastic surgery...some people so lucky! I lucky I live in Hawai'i despite all our problems especially against Small Business Owners! Growing old is betta even with da wrinkles,sags and whatevas, LIVING to grow old is another thing! Shucks!

1stwahine! Merry Christmas to all and Happy Happy New year!

[craigwatanabe]

One cheap way to get rid of the wrinkles is to get fat. :D

Ho boy when Larry Price dropped the weight...WOW he looked older!

We all have different things to worry about at different social levels. To the WalMart employee its worrying about feeding their family and staying employed. To a person on welfare, its worrying if the welfare check doesn't come in time for the next car payment or electric bill. To Linda Lingle its worrying if the Walmart employee can keep their job so she can tax the hell out of him so she can write that welfare check to the person on welfare so that person can pay their electric bill.

It goes on and on. Heck if you got the time and the money, enjoy it because YOU earned it. How you spend it is up to you and only you. You will be judged about your sincerity whether you gave or received. I have money to burn now but didn't have before, I thank God for my fortunes. When my lawnmower broke and had to get it repaired, it didn't get fixed in time for my one year old's baby luau. (mow the lawn for the tent). So I bought another one and got the job done. Yesterday I gave it to a Title one family my wife is administering care to as a Headstart manager. They're happy that they got a once used lawnmower, and I'm happy because it went to a deserving family. Excess? Yeah it was but now I'm back down to one lawnmower and feeling less guilty about that indulgence. :)

[1stwahine]

One cheap way to get rid of the wrinkles is to get fat. :D

Ho boy when Larry Price dropped the weight...WOW he looked older!

We all have different things to worry about at different social levels. To the WalMart employee its worrying about feeding their family and staying employed. To a person on welfare, its worrying if the welfare check doesn't come in time for the next car payment or electric bill. To Linda Lingle its worrying if the Walmart employee can keep their job so she can tax the hell out of him so she can write that welfare check to the person on welfare so that person can pay their electric bill.

It goes on and on. Heck if you got the time and the money, enjoy it because YOU earned it. How you spend it is up to you and only you. You will be judged about your sincerity whether you gave or received. I have money to burn now but didn't have before, I thank God for my fortunes. When my lawnmower broke and had to get it repaired, it didn't get fixed in time for my one year old's baby luau. (mow the lawn for the tent). So I bought another one and got the job done. Yesterday I gave it to a Title one family my wife is administering care to as a Headstart manager. They're happy that they got a once used lawnmower, and I'm happy because it went to a deserving family. Excess? Yeah it was but now I'm back down to one lawnmower and feeling less guilty about that indulgence. :)

:D CraigWatanabe, Very wise words...yes, by all means, when one has it, why not splurge on ones self or anything one's heart desires. Point understood and well taken. Several months ago I gave my electric wheelchair to Salvation Army cause I thought I would never need it again, plus my children said it was old and if ever I should need one, they would get me a new one. Two weeks ago, I was supposed to drop off some clothes to IHS but never got around to it. After submitting this post I am going there to finally bring the five bags and make others happier for the Holidays. Although my son and daughter are not in Iraq this year, my son is in Afganistan after being injured twice in Iraq and returning with sharpnel imbedded in his chest. He was deployed less than a year. My late husband died of Lou Gerigh's disease in 1997 and I suffered two strokes. I recovered completely but I had succumb to crack cocaine for two years. The hurt in my kid's eyes, hate and my belief in GOD in my heart brought me out of the madness and evil in which being an addict brings. Today, I am over two years clean but the stupidness of my past is now haunting me with a vengence. Today, I fight a disease that is rapidly taking everything I am. Yes, I live at MWH and how I wish I had welfare sometimes. I don't. Still the rent is cheap and my children want me to move out due to the increasing problems that MWH is having. I keep telling them no body bothers me, I get the biggest mouth here and I don't run from a fight. However, when my son returns, I'm sure he is going to make drastic changes for me. All my children are scheduled to be in Hawai'i for the first time in seven years, in April 2005! It's supposed to be a happy event and I hope it won't be to bury me. Yes, if one has it...why not. I'm all for that! I'm off to IHS, I'll be back online in 30-45 minutes! Going to bring some cheer to the ones less fortunate than me!

Just got back. Mahalo, CraigWatanabe!