Episode Summary: Beyond the Scalpel: Dr. Jay Calvert on Plastic Surgery, Music, and Hockey

In this engaging episode of "Escaping the Drift," host John Gafford sits down with Dr. Jay Calvert, a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon based in Beverly Hills. The conversation delves deep into Dr. Calvert's multifaceted life, blending his expertise in plastic surgery with his passions for music and hockey. The episode offers valuable insights into the intricacies of the plastic surgery industry, the impact of social media on beauty standards, and the role of sports in community building.

1. Introduction to Dr. Jay Calvert

[02:01]
John Gafford warmly welcomes Dr. Jay Calvert, highlighting his reputation as a top plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. Dr. Calvert is not only celebrated for his medical expertise but also for his musical talents, playing in a Blink-182 cover band, and his involvement with the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team.

Quote:
John Gafford: "This guy is, let's just call him the plastic surgeon. He is the guy that like, the plastic surgeons you see on TV... World renowned as a plastic surgeon."

2. Navigating the Plastic Surgery Landscape

[05:22] - [14:32]
Dr. Calvert discusses his journey from medical training at the University of Pittsburgh to establishing a leading practice in Beverly Hills. He emphasizes the importance of board certification, explaining that out of approximately 50,000 practicing plastic surgeons, only about 7,500 are board-certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Quote:
Dr. Jay Calvert: "If you throw a dart at all the plastic surgery people, all the plastic surgeons that call themselves plastic surgeons, the odds are you will not hit a board-certified plastic surgeon."

He also criticizes the prevalence of non-board-certified practitioners in the industry, stressing that while board certification doesn't guarantee quality, it does provide a higher likelihood of skilled practice.

3. Ethical Marketing and Patient Transparency

[14:32] - [28:14]
Dr. Calvert introduces the Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Podcast, co-hosted with Dr. Millicent Ravello. The podcast aims to expose unethical marketing practices within the plastic surgery field, such as photoshopping before-and-after images and misleading marketing tactics.

Quote:
Dr. Jay Calvert: "We call it out. Not because we're trying to nuke any certain plastic surgeon... We do it so that the public can have some idea about what they're looking at and can understand."

He shares anecdotes about patients who have fallen victim to deceptive marketing, resulting in unsatisfactory surgical outcomes and the need for revision procedures.

4. Impact of Social Media on Beauty Standards

[28:14] - [33:02]
The discussion shifts to the influence of social media on beauty standards and the rising incidence of body dysmorphia. Dr. Calvert expresses concern over the unrealistic expectations set by platforms like TikTok, where procedures like extreme Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) and unnatural nose surgeries become trends.

Quote:
Dr. Jay Calvert: "They look like war crimes that have been done on these people. It is so ugly and so horrible."

He introduces the term "nonfluencers" to describe individuals who attempt to set beauty trends without genuine expertise, leading to harmful and unsustainable surgical demands.

5. Personal Health and Longevity Practices

[40:28] - [51:32]
Dr. Calvert shares his personal regimen for health and longevity, including the use of high-end medical-grade skincare, mechanical scrubbing brushes, and red light therapy. He emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet and supplements, cautioning against extreme dietary practices like juice cleanses, which he believes can be detrimental.

Quote:
Dr. Jay Calvert: "High-end medical-grade skincare will make a difference for your skin, end of story."

He also discusses the role of medications such as growth hormone and testosterone in his health routine, advocating for personalized medical approaches based on individual needs.

6. Involvement with the Vegas Golden Knights

[57:03] - [63:32]
Dr. Calvert recounts his pivotal role in helping the Maloof brothers secure the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team. His strategic pitch focused on the desire to win the Stanley Cup and build a dedicated local fan base, rather than targeting tourists.

Quote:
Dr. Jay Calvert: "We would like to have a team in Las Vegas because we want to win the Stanley Cup and bring it to Las Vegas."

He praises the team's handling of crises, such as the tragic shooting during their inaugural season, highlighting the community's resilience and the team's commitment to honoring victims and first responders.

7. Reflections on Competition and Team Dynamics in Sports

[63:32] - [70:07]
The conversation transitions to hockey, where Dr. Calvert shares his admiration for players like Andre Kopitar and Alex Barkov, praising their adaptability and intelligence on the ice. He contrasts them with less skilled players, emphasizing the importance of team roles and individual strengths.

Quote:
Dr. Jay Calvert: "Andre Kopitar... can morph his game to whatever the game needs that day."

He underscores the significance of having versatile players who can adjust to the team's needs, contributing to both offensive and defensive plays effectively.

8. The Future of Plastic Surgery and Technology

[54:23] - [56:25]
Dr. Calvert discusses the integration of AI and technology in his practice. He highlights the use of AI chatbots for patient consultations, streamlining the intake process and enhancing patient engagement.

Quote:
Dr. Jay Calvert: "Finding qualified patients for my practice... if you're thinking about a facelift and you call the offices of Dr. Jay Calvert... that's from 2008."

He predicts a significant increase in procedural costs due to rising operational expenses, particularly post-pandemic supply chain challenges.

9. Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The episode wraps up with a reflection on the importance of passion and dedication. John Gafford encourages listeners to find something they love and commit wholeheartedly, drawing inspiration from Dr. Calvert's diverse pursuits and achievements.

Quote:
John Gafford: "Find something you love and go all in on it. And if you go all in on it with everything you got, maybe one day you can be a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [05:46]
  John Gafford: "If you're going to go, I think every woman in America, men or whoever that wants something done, I think the Beverly Hills is, like I said earlier, like the Yankees."

• [28:14]
  Dr. Jay Calvert: "We are so... name names. We call it out. It's crazy what people do and I think it's unfair."

• [32:02]
  Dr. Jay Calvert: "I came up with a term yesterday that I called it the, the nonfluencers. You know, they're, they're people that think they're influencers, but they really have no clout whatsoever."

• [40:37]
  Dr. Jay Calvert: "I've never been on a statin. My cholesterol is... 201. My HDLs are like 75 or something crazy high, which is cardio protective."

• [57:03]
  Dr. Jay Calvert: "We would like to have a team in Las Vegas because we want to win the Stanley Cup and bring it to Las Vegas."

• [54:23]
  Dr. Jay Calvert: "I was happy to win. It was cool."

Final Thoughts

This episode seamlessly intertwines Dr. Jay Calvert's professional expertise with his personal interests, offering listeners a holistic view of what drives a top-tier plastic surgeon. From ethical considerations in medical marketing to the passionate support of a local sports team, Dr. Calvert exemplifies the pursuit of excellence across multiple domains. "Escaping the Drift" not only provides actionable insights for aspiring professionals but also underscores the value of balancing career ambitions with personal passions.

For more information about Dr. Jay Calvert and his work, visit his website or follow him on Instagram.