Meet Kevin Sadati | Facial Plastic Surgeon

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kevin Sadati and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kevin, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk has been the constant thread in the fabric of my life — sometimes frayed, often tested, but always leading me forward. Even in the most stressful moments, taking chances has been my path to success.

At nineteen, I was drafted into the army during the Iran-Iraq war. By fortune or fate, I was assigned as a medic, a role that would ignite my interest in medicine. For two years, as a medic on the front lines, tending to the wounded while the chaos of war raged around me. During that time, a loud explosion cost me part of my hearing — a loss that would later become one of the challenges I faced when I was thinking of learning a new language. But it never stopped me.

When my service ended, I knew I wanted more than what life in Iran could offer. Despite my father’s objections — driven by financial strain and worry — I left for Germany, alone, searching for better education and opportunity. But after some time, I realized Germany wasn’t the place for the growth I sought. So I made the boldest move yet: I decided to start over in the United States with only $700 in my pocket.

By day, I sat in classrooms learning English as a second language, straining through lessons with my partial hearing loss. By night, I worked seven nights a week to keep myself afloat. Every challenge tested my endurance, but each step forward was another investment in my future.

40 years later, I am running my own business as a facial plastic surgeon in Newport Beach with 20 staff— still taking risks, still embracing challenges. If there’s one lesson my journey has taught me, it’s that the greatest rewards come to those willing to walk into uncertainty with determination and hope.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My journey to becoming a facial plastic surgeon in Newport Beach has been anything but easy, but every challenge shaped the person and doctor I am today. I was born in Iran, and when the Iran-Iraq War broke out while I was still in high school, my life changed overnight. I couldn’t leave the country and was drafted into the military at 19. Because I was a good student, I was assigned as a medic on the front lines. For 18 months, I cared for wounded soldiers, and that experience completely shifted my purpose. I no longer wanted to be an engineer; I knew my life’s mission was to help people.

After my service, I left Iran on my own—universities were closed due to the war—and went to Germany. Soon I realized the best medical education was in the United States. At 23, I arrived here with limited English, went to school during the day, worked at night, and eventually earned a scholarship to UC Berkeley, where I double majored in molecular biology and Near Eastern history. From there, I went to medical school in Chicago, trained in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, and completed a fellowship in facial plastic surgery.

While studying medicine, I also discovered my love for painting and sculpting. I decided to merge my two passions—medicine and art—into my career. Facial plastic surgery became my canvas, allowing me to create natural, harmonious results that honor each patient’s unique features.

Early in my career, I performed over 1,800 facelifts while working for a national group, but the corporate environment didn’t align with my values. I wanted more than to treat patients as numbers—I wanted to know their stories, understand their motivations, and give them the very best care. So, in 2010, during a major recession, I opened my own practice: The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery. It was a leap of faith, but my loyal patients referred friends and family, and the practice grew rapidly.

My vision was to create a space that embodied both art and medicine—a place where patients could feel cared for, inspired, and understood. Over the years, we expanded into a two-floor, state-of-the-art surgical and aesthetic center connected by a striking spiral staircase that serves as the heart of the facility. Every detail, from the architecture to the names of the rooms, reflects my artistic philosophy.

It hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced language barriers, financial stress, and the uncertainty of starting over. But I’ve learned that success comes from staying true to your vision, building genuine relationships, and never compromising on the quality of care.

Today, I’m proud to say that my patients travel from all over the world for my techniques, and I’ve had the privilege of training other surgeons in my methods. My story is one of resilience, passion, and the belief that medicine—when done right—is as much an art as it is a science.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Orange County for a week, I’d make sure they got the full Southern California experience—equal parts active adventure, coastal relaxation, and great food.

We’d start the mornings on our bikes, riding some of my favorite local trails. The Back Bay Loop in Newport Beach is perfect to warm up, with beautiful views of the water and wildlife, and if we’re feeling more adventurous, we’d head to the Aliso Creek Trail or Santiago Oaks for a mix of nature and challenge. Afterward, we’d reward ourselves with a relaxed brunch at Plums Café in Costa Mesa or a fresh oceanfront breakfast at Beachcomber Café in Crystal Cove.

Afternoons would be for enjoying the coast. We’d spend time at my favorite beaches—Crystal Cove for its natural beauty and quiet coves, Laguna Beach for art and people-watching, and of course Newport Beach for that classic Southern California vibe. Some days, we’d grab a stand-up paddleboard or kayak to explore the harbor. On another afternoon, we might take a drive down to Dana Point to watch the boats or catch a sunset over the water.

Evenings would be about great food and conversation. For fine dining, I’d take them to Mastro’s Ocean Club for a perfect steak with ocean views, or Nobu in Newport Beach for world-class sushi. On a more casual night, we might grab tacos at Bear Flag Fish Co. or head to San Juan Capistrano for dinner at Trevor’s at the Tracks, where you can enjoy live music with your meal. I’d also plan one night at The Ranch in Laguna Beach for an unforgettable farm-to-table experience in a stunning canyon setting.

We’d mix in some cultural stops too—spending a morning exploring the art galleries in Laguna Beach, visiting the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, and maybe catching a performance at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. If they’re into shopping, we’d stroll through Fashion Island or the charming boutiques along Balboa Island, with a stop for their famous frozen bananas.

Of course, no visit would be complete without a sunset cruise from Newport Harbor or a ferry ride to Balboa Island. And at least once, we’d finish the evening with a walk along the sand, listening to the waves and enjoying the cool coastal breeze.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I first arrived in the United States, I carried little more than hope, a dream for education, and the weight of prejudice that seemed to shadow my every step. It was in those early, uncertain years that I met Dr. Michael Payne, an African American math professor at Junior College. He saw past the surface — past my accent, my struggles, my insecurities — and believed in my potential. His guidance and encouragement helped me navigate the challenges I faced, eventually opening the door for me to attend UC Berkeley for higher education.

I am also deeply grateful to Faz Poursohi, a kindhearted restaurant owner who offered me more than just a job. He gave me a place to live when I had nowhere to go, making it possible for me to work at night and attend school during the day.

Two men, from different walks of life, stepped in when I needed it most. Their generosity and faith in me didn’t just help me survive those early years — they shaped the very foundation of the life I went on to build.

Website: https://www.drkevinsadati.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkevinsadati/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kevin-sadati/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drkevinsadati/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KevinSadati