Dr. Waqqas Jalil is one of the founding plastic surgeons at FORM Face + Body, with proficiency and experience in both reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. Whether you’ve had the pleasure of being his patient or you’re considering a consultation, we’re helping you get to know Dr. Jalil a little better today!
What inspired you to become a plastic surgeon?
It’s interesting, I initially started in medical school thinking I wanted to be an orthopaedic surgeon, but it wasn’t until my plastic surgery rotation that it all began to rapidly change. During this rotation I met a very inspiring mentor that had a significant impact on me and my career choice. Throughout this short period of time, I was able to witness all the amazing and transformational procedures that plastic surgery provided. It was awe-inspiring how each procedure (reconstructive or aesthetic) always had such a profound positive impact on the patient. After that rotation, I knew then and there that I wanted to be “just like my mentor” and have a profound impact on my patients’ quality of life. So much of what we do in regards to a career choice is impacted by who we choose as role models or people who inspire us… I was lucky enough to find that person during my formative years in medical school.
What do you find is a common misconception about plastic surgery?
Some people connect plastic surgery solely to Hollywood celebrities who have every luxury in the world. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth—plastic surgery isn’t restricted to people with endless fame and funds. It’s actually something that can benefit people from all walks of life and all genders. Most aesthetic and reconstructive patients are not the rich and famous, but are average people who simply wish to restore confidence, enhance their overall appearance and improve their lives. Everyone has the power to pursue the changes that are best for them!
What do you think is the best part of the FORM experience?
The FORM experience is really meant to be patient-specific. We’re here to help you discover how plastic surgery can best help you achieve your goals and desires.
Something we really focus on at FORM is tailoring a procedure (surgical or non-surgical) specifically to the patient. We don’t believe that plastic surgery is a cookie cutter, one-size-fits-all type of specialty. There is a certain art to it, and as a result we always try to strive to make everyone’s experience special and tailored for the desired outcome. We pride ourselves on the fact that each and every person that walks through our doors receives a ‘Four Seasons’ level of service.
Can you tell us about any interesting cases you’ve seen recently?
Recently, we performed a transformative procedure on a patient who had bilateral mastectomies with radiation. During her original procedure, she was not offered breast reconstruction due to her need for postoperative radiation. After being cleared by her cancer surgeons several years later, she decided to pursue reconstruction. In addition to the desire of restoring her form, she also needed some help with her function as she suffered from lymphedema to her extremities. This was a direct result of the radiation, mastectomy and pathologic lymph nodes being removed. After listening to what she desired and creating a tailored procedure specific to her, we performed a combined reconstruction during which we transferred excess skin and tissue from her abdomen along with spare lymph nodes from her groin. We transferred the tissue to her breast and the spare lymph nodes to her axilla, helping restore the normal lymphatic flow to her extremities.
After seeing her in follow-up at two months, she stated that the surgery has changed her life and that she no longer has any issues with swelling or heaviness in her arms. She actually returned to her golfing routine shortly after the surgery, and has stated that her golf swing even improved as a result!
How do you help patients decide whether they’re ready to take the leap?
It’s always such a difficult decision as to whether or not a patient is ready for surgery. It really takes an in-depth discussion to allow us to understand their frame of mind and what seems to be bothering them the most.
I find that the patients that are the most ready to take the leap are in fact the ones that are the most realistic about their expected outcomes and understand all the nuances of surgery. That’s why I’m so focused on patient education, because I find that once the fear of surgery is taken away and replaced with an understanding of what we are trying to accomplish, patients are much calmer and in fact excited to take the next steps!
What’s a great piece of advice you’ve received?
“Do what you’re afraid to do.”
I got this from one of my best friends who is a self-made entrepreneur, and I have seen its applications used in many aspects of life. As we all know, life can be fairly challenging and it’s often easier to take the path of least resistance. But there is wisdom to be gained in doing challenging or scary things—we should not be programmed to back away from them, but rather take the bull by its horns! The more we face what we perceive to be scary, the less scary it becomes and the more our confidence grows.
What are your favourite ways to stay active?
With Covid it’s definitely been difficult to continue my usual routine, but prior to the lockdown I really did enjoy having a varied aspect to my exercise regimen. This usually involved going to the gym, biking, golfing or playing basketball with friends. With lockdown now in effect, I’ve replaced some of these activities with virtual training, running, and getting to know where the staircase is in every building. 🙂 The one thing I’m looking forward to the most after the lockdown is definitely taking part in sporting activities with friends again.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year?
It’s probably Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. I am a bit of a shoe junkie, specifically related to the Nike brand, and as a result the book was a must-read! It’s about how Nike founder and CEO Phil Knight turned his company into one of the most iconic, game-changing, and profitable brands. The coolest part of the book is how Phil Knight initially borrowed $50 from his father to start the company. He even sold the shoes from the trunk of his car! The book is a nice reminder that you always have the ability to create amazing things, even from humble beginnings.
If you weren’t a plastic surgeon, what would you be doing?
Well if I was dreaming… it would be rock star, sports star and or movie star! But realistically speaking, it would probably be something along the lines of political science or international relations. I’ve always thought it would be really fascinating to work for the UN or as an ambassador to various countries.
Where did you get that awesome bobblehead?
A very thoughtful and kind breast reconstruction patient had it specially made and delivered for me! It’s one of the coolest gifts I have received in my career. We have the best patients here at FORM!
