Dr. Frederick N. Lukash, M.D.,FACS, FAAP, has consistently been voted one of “America’s Top Doctors,” by the Castle Connolly guide, and by the Consumer Research Council of America (www.bestdoctors.com). A board-certified cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon in practice in Manhattan and Long Island since 1981, he is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Dr. Lukash achieved board certification by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
A strong sense of service to the community here and worldwide has motivated Dr. Lukash to volunteer his expertise to organizations such as Surgical Aid to Children of the World and Operation Smile. He has been honored by the Chief Executive of Nassau County for his service in reconstructing children from war torn Afghanistan. His giving also includes surgical service to local adoption agencies where correction of physical deformities has enabled unplaceable children to find homes. The United States Olympic Committee has recognized Dr. Lukash for his volunteer service at the summer Olympic Games.
In addition to writing and speaking, Dr. Lukash has an exhibit called “Operation Art” that has been featured at many Children’s Museums around the country. This exhibit depicts emotions through non verbal medium of art in children before and after undergoing plastic surgery.
Dr. Lukash holds staff appointments at Long Island Jewish Medical Center / Schneider Children’s Hospital, North Shore University Hospital, Winthrop University Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and Lenox Hill Hospital. He has also served as a plastic surgical consultant to the New York Islanders hockey team and the New York Jets football team.
His latest book is The Safe and Sane Guide to Teenage Plastic Surgery.
You can visit his websites at www.drlukash.com and www.teenageplasticsurgery.com.
Q: Thank you for this interview, Dr. Lukash. Can you tell us what your latest book, The Safe and Sane Guide to Teenage Plastic Surgery is all about?
This is the first book for the general public that addresses body image and self esteem and the role plastic surgery can play under the right set of circumstances. It deals with body image and self esteem and sets up red flags and green lights in its consideration.
Q: How did you come up with the idea for your book?
I wrote the position paper for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons on teen plastic surgery and I am their spokesperson on teen issues.
Q: What kind of research did you do before and during the writing of your book?
For 30 years I have collected before and after drawings on children with structural issues and the effect surgery had on them. I also collected long term follow-up attestations from parents and teens as to the changes experienced from the surgery.
Q: If a reader can come away from reading your book with one valuable message, what would that be?
Communication between parent and teen to be able to discuss feelings about how they feel about how the look.
Q: In your own experience, is it hard to get a nonfiction book published today? How did you do it?
Wrote a proposal- hired an agent – got a publisher- delivered a manuscript – edited it – had it published
Q: What’s a typical day like for you?
Operating on children fro structural problems
Q: What’s next for you?
Keep on working and writing a book on the non surgical things teens can do to look and feel better.
Q: Thank you so much for this interview, Frederick. We wish you much success!
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