Having an experienced and reassuring surgeon can ease some of the doubts you may have when contemplating going under the knife, and thus, an important component of your surgery experience. As a doctor who finds a keen sense of satisfaction in guiding his patients throughout their cosmetic journey, Dr Mark Kohout is a renowned leading professional in his field, with a bedside manner and attention to patient care to match. This week we sat down with Dr Kohout to find out what his favourite procedures are, what he loves about his job and what he does outside of the office to unwind after a hard day’s work.

When did you first decide you wanted to become a plastic surgeon?

While I was in medical school, during my final year of study, I had done a 1 week placement in a plastic surgery unit and it honestly felt like a revelation. I immediately thought that this was for me. The surgery was clever, precise, ingenious and you could produce life-changing results that you can see and appreciate on a daily basis

After deciding that this was the career path for you, where did you complete your studies?

I did my first rotation in plastic surgery at Royal North Shore Hospital. After that, I went to England to work in a busy plastic surgery and burns centre in Nottingham. In 1992, I spent a year in plastic surgery research in Melbourne and earned my Master of Surgery degree at the University of Melbourne. I then completed my 4-year formal plastic surgery training in Sydney and Canberra in various plastic surgery units in Sydney teaching hospitals, such as Westmead, Concord and Prince of Wales. After this, I chose to complete a fellowship in Boston (USA). So I have had a very broad, comprehensive training in plastic surgery, in both the practical and academic spheres.

With such a wealth of experience, what qualifications have you attained?

My medical degree is from the University of Sydney, my masters from the University of Melbourne, and then I have also attained a Fellowship of the Australasian College of Surgeons. I also belong to a number of professional associations, such as the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

Why did you choose cosmetic surgery as your area of expertise?

Cosmetic surgery is a very satisfying area to work in. The technical expertise in achieving good results is high and exacting even small changes can make a big impact on a person’s life. I like the immediacy of the results and the satisfaction they bring to the patients I see and interact with.

What is your favourite procedure?

Probably a breast lift procedure. So many women have this issue where after the birth of their children, they feel like their youthful breast fullness and firmness has disappeared and sometimes can get quite down about it. Restoring the youthful shape and firmness by lifting the nipple and the breast tissue can restore not only the high look, but also the firm, full look.

What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your job?

Without a doubt, the highlight of my working career is seeing the satisfaction on my patients’ faces when the procedure and healing process has finished. It’s amazing how much of a difference cosmetic surgery can make in a person’s life and how good it can do for their self-esteem. It has an impact on all aspects of life, including relationships, social life, and a more positive attitude at work.

When you’re not in the office helping others, what do you like to do to unwind?

I enjoy trail running. I belong to a running club and I run around 4-5 times a week. Sydney is such a fantastic place to run – in the bush, around the harbour, there are so many hidden, little known paths, shortcuts and places to explore, you never seem to run out of surprises. Not to mention the views or the feeling of serenity that comes from being in the bush. The hills are hard work, but you always get a great sense of achievement and satisfaction when you’ve completed a hard run.

Learning more about the personal and professional life of your plastic surgeon is a great way to feel more comfortable about your cosmetic procedure. Dr Mark Kohout’s journey is inspiring and one of hard work, and from this interview it is evident that he is dedicated to learning something new everyday, to ensure his approach to cosmetic surgery is cutting edge.