Dr. Anton

Dr. Anton
By Shelley T. Hudson

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s an ideal time to appreciate the health and happiness of our loved ones and to recognize the selfless acts of others. In September of this year, local plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Anton gave families halfway around the world a lot to be grateful for.

In conjunction with Operation Smile and a mobilized team of surgeons, medical professionals and caring hearts, Dr. Anton set out on a journey to Kenya, Africa to bring smiles to children throughout the region. Working alongside local plastic surgeons at Provincial General Hospital in Nyeri, Kenya, the team provided hundreds of patient evaluations and performed operations to correct cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial and bodily deformities. Reconstructive surgeries are especially needed in this area, as nearly one in 500 children are born with a cleft lip or cleft palate.

What drives a successful plastic surgeon with a thriving Newport Beach practice to travel to a third world country to treat patients? Anton’s response: “The gift of seeing such dramatic change in the lives of these young children, both physically and psychologically, is indescribable. Children who may once have been ostracized because of their conditions now have an opportunity to lead happy and productive lives.”

In addition to Dr. Anton’s obvious love of children, his mission to Kenya allowed him, “The opportunity to partner with doctors of similar ilk that have voluntarily taken hiatus from their surgical practices. I was fortunate to get to know them on a personal level – sharing philosophies on politics, spirituality and humanity. I have formed friendships through Operation Smile that I expect will last forever,” shares Anton.

Dr. Anton’s relationship with the international charity began in Liberia over 21 years ago when he provided medical assistance to victims of the war-torn nation. “Working with Operation Smile in Liberia was a life-altering experience,” says Anton. “I was humbled by the spirit and determination of people who faced incomprehensible obstacles. That experience will stay with me for a lifetime.” 

In February 2010, Anton once again partnered with Operation Smile in Hinche, Haiti to offer medical and surgical treatments to post-earthquake survivors. Due to Operation Smile’s remarkable ability to transport supplies and medical personnel internationally, Dr. Anton readily volunteered his expertise because he “was confident that the effort would have a direct impact on the lives of the Haitian people. Operation Smile delivers medical services that make a difference. I’ve witnessed it firsthand.”

In stark contrast to Dr. Anton’s recent trip to Kenya, he was featured on The Real Housewives of Orange County last season when he performed a revisional breast augmentation surgery on Peggy Tanous —
the newest housewife to join the reality series. When asked to comment on the seemingly disparate experiences, he said, “Reconstructive procedures, whether in wealthy Orange County or poverty-stricken Kenya, maintain a common thread; the psychological component affects all aspects of a patient’s life. I am just fortunate to be able to help those who want and need it.”

Anton Aesthetics
361 Hospital Road, Suite 427
Newport Beach, CA
949.722.1967
www.antonaesthetics.com