Dr. Tania Medina, a world-renowned plastic surgeon from the Dominican Republic, is redefining the concept of beauty through her advocacy for integral beauty, which is all about balance. “Integral beauty is a balance between how I feel, my self-perception, and what I want to become. To see yourself as beautiful, you must feel beautiful,” Dr. Medina explains.

Reconciling Self-Love with Plastic Surgery

Dr. Medina believes that plastic surgery can play a significant role in boosting self-love and acceptance, but the key is to approach it from a place of self-acceptance rather than external pressure. “Plastic surgery is a tool for physical change, but it must always stem from self-love, not from a desire to please others,” she says. Dr. Medina highlights that self-esteem has four pillars: self-concept, self-efficacy, self-image, and self-gratification, all of which need to be balanced for a person to feel whole.

The Importance of Self-Love and Acceptance

For Dr. Medina, self-love is foundational to happiness. “Self-love and acceptance go hand in hand. When a person finds true self-love, it brings a balance that projects outward, creating a feeling of well-being,” she notes. The ultimate goal of self-love is to be happy with oneself, regardless of outside influences.

Confidence and Happiness

When asked what makes her confident, Dr. Medina points to self-affirmation exercises and the importance of loving oneself. “These exercises are powerful because they reveal the areas where you may be resisting or open. Working with the mirror can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life,” she says. Dr. Medina finds happiness in spending time with her family and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation and massages.

Why Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Medina’s journey into plastic surgery stemmed from her personal story and the realization of the importance of integral beauty. “I can tell you that this love was born from my experience as an 18-year-old struggling with my physical appearance,” she explains. This inspired her to not only transform bodies but also help people find themselves and embrace self-love.

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Rejecting Patients: A Commitment to Ethical Practice

Dr. Medina’s commitment to ethical practice leads her to reject patients who approach plastic surgery for the wrong reasons. “I recently rejected a patient with body dysmorphia syndrome. She had already undergone multiple surgeries and saw herself in a distorted way. I referred her to a psychiatrist for help,” she shares.

Popular Procedures and the Future of Plastic Surgery Today, one of the most sought-after procedures is the enhancement of buttocks, influenced by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez. Dr. Medina predicts that the future of plastic surgery will focus on complementing individuals’ inner and outer beauty, emphasizing that plastic surgery should be a tool for self-fulfillment rather than societal pressures.

Looking to the Future Dr. Medina’s vision for the future includes leaving a legacy of self-love and launching a foundation to support families with children with special needs. “My book, which is a guide to navigating physical and mental changes, is a step towards that legacy,” she says. Dr. Medina also plans to launch a foundation to support families with children on the autism spectrum, driven by her personal experience as a mother of an autistic child.

Credits:
Model: Dra. Tania Medina @drataniamedina
Photographer: Eduardo Javier @_eduardojavier_
Stylist: Joselo Franjul @jfranjulm
Makeup and hair:  Avis Vasquez @Avisvasquezmakeup
PR: Firebird PR Agency @firebirdpragency