Honest Conversations About Beauty and Medicine

A Thoughtful Approach to Beauty and Wellness or Face to Face

By Dr. David Isaacs MD

Living in Los Angeles means being surrounded by beauty and energy – but also by mixed messages about what “looking good” really means. Within our Jewish community, I often find that people want something deeper: not perfection, but comfort and confidence in their own skin.

At nearly every simcha, community event, or social gathering, people of all ages – men and women alike – pull me aside to ask a question or get my thoughts. It might be about eyelid bags, wanting a facelift, or whether a bit of Botox or filler could give them a quick refresh and help them look more rested. Those conversations all have one thing in common: people are searching for clarity.

That’s why I decided to begin this column. My goal is to share practical, trustworthy information about facial aging and aesthetics – the small details that have a big impact on how we feel about ourselves. There’s so much misinformation online and so many treatments offered by people without the right training. I want our community to have accurate knowledge so you can make decisions that are safe, thoughtful, and truly right for you. I want to help you make informed choices that bring peace of mind.

In each issue, I’ll explore topics that blend medicine and aesthetics – for example, how aging affects eyelids, what really causes dark circles, the difference between fillers and fat transfer, when a facelift may be the right choice, and how to choose treatments that keep your features natural and expressive. We’ll also look at advances that excite physicians, along with timeless principles that never go out of style – like proportion, restraint, and respecting each person’s unique character. We’ll dive into questions such as why we look tired, anxious, or angry; which simple surgical procedures can help us look more youthful and rested; what new minimally-invasive techniques have been developed for eyelid surgery; what a deep-plane facelift really is and how it differs from traditional techniques; what really helps dark circles and skin texture; how to keep results natural, not “done”; and even which skincare routines – from affordable essentials to high-end options – are truly worth it.

This column is about education and understanding. My hope is that when you read it, you’ll come away with more confidence and less confusion. I’ll also be listening – if there’s a question you’d like answered, please share it with the editors. I want these articles to reflect what you want to learn about.

A bit about me: I’m an Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with a private practice in Beverly Hills, trained and still on staff at UCLA and Cedars-Sinai, and I love research and innovation. My work focuses on the face and eyelids – areas where form and function meet. I have the privilege of teaching medical students, residents, and fellows, teaching surgical courses, and caring for patients who simply want to look as healthy and vibrant as they feel.

I’m deeply grateful to do what I do. Every patient and every question reminds me that medicine is ultimately about service – about helping people feel renewed confidence and gratitude. Writing for The LA Jewish Home is another way to serve: by sharing honest, science-based education that builds trust and empowers our community.

Thank you for welcoming me into this space. I look forward to sharing insights, clearing up myths, and – I hope – helping each of you make more confident, informed, and healthy choices.

And if you see me at the next community event and just can’t hold back, go ahead and ask your question – I promise I won’t mind. 😉

Dr. David Isaacs is a dual-fellowship-trained Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Beverly Hills. A UCLA-trained physician and staff member, he specializes in eyelid and facial plastic surgery and skin rejuvenation using advanced techniques that emphasize natural results and patient safety. In addition to patient care, he remains active in teaching, research, and mentoring future surgeons around the world.