A Career Chosen
With Her Eyes Wide Open

By Ramona Hurley

“I really try to relate to every person that comes into my office on any level, whether young or older, and understand what their concerns are, be it more cosmetic or visual. It’s really important to me that they are confident and clear about the plan we’ve chosen together."

Malcolm Forbes once said, “The best vision is insight.” While some seem to search for insight throughout their lives, others seem to be born with it and possess that vision early on. It doesn’t take much time with Dr. Jasmine Mohadjer of The Aesthetic Institute of West Florida and The Eye Institute of West Florida to realize she is not only living her passion, but is clearly at the top of her field as a cosmetic and reconstructive Oculoplastic Surgeon. Dr. Mohadjer is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist, with an additional two years of very specialized fellowship training in Oculofacial Reconstructive Surgery. Not familiar with those terms? Perhaps it’s easier to explain her expertise by looking at a typical day in the life of this highly-skilled surgeon. An early riser, Dr. Mohadjer usually starts with a surgery three to four days a week such as a brow lift or blepharoplasty (surgery to remove excess skin or fat on the eyelids for visual or cosmetic reasons), skin cancer reconstruction or tear duct surgery forwatery eyes. This is followed by patient consultations for procedures and products. This ranges from cosmetic or medical surgery, Botox or injectable fillers to soften the lines of aging, or lasers treatments for facial rejuvenation. The doctor also regularly sees patients at all three of their locations in Largo, Clearwater and St. Petersburg to consult about these services. She performs an average 10-15 cases per week and, of course along the way, spends time researching her ever-changing field. A schedule of this magnitude might exhaust many of us, but Dr. Mohadjer’s passion for her work and her tireless energy are inspiring.

As impressive as her skills in this specialized field, is the path chosen to get to where she is today. Dr. Mohadjer’s parents immigrated to the U.S. when she was 11 months old, well-educated and motivated to provide their daughter with the best possible opportunities. They began with little and later became very accomplished, both with doctorate degrees in their chosen fields of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. Raised in Alabama, Dr. Mohadjer recalls an experience her Mother had while taking her to a doctor visit that resulted in confusion about a treatment, and her Mother’s resulting unease with the doctor and the choice of how best to proceed. “I decided then that I wanted to be a doctor so I could help foster a relationship with my patients,” she said. “I knew by doing that I could help my patients feel more at ease with their treatment and be more compliant, resulting in their better health and the prevention of more problems. That became my focus.” 

At age 16, Dr. Mohadjer was an outstanding student and was presented with an opportunity to apply to Bard College at Simon’s Rock, a small, intensive college in Massachusetts for less than 400 students who have completed 10th or 11th grade and are ready to go on to more intensive studies. She received a full scholarship and graduated with an AA Degree two years later, which was actually a week before she walked for her high school graduation back in Alabama. She then got her undergraduate degree from The Johns Hopkins University, and was interviewing for med school at age 19. Not surprisingly, she persevered in getting into the University of Alabama School of Medicine, despite many questions and doubts as to whether she could handle the curriculum and pressure at such an early age, but again she excelled.

During her first summer of medical school, Dr. Mohadjer knew she wanted to be a surgeon so she decided on an internship in a program of Oncology Education at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. The program selects only 80 medical students from numerous applications received. She was chosen and later matched with an Ophthalmologist for her studies which would prove to play a key role in her decision to become an Oculoplastic Surgeon.

Dr. Mohadjer’s studies that first summer in med school turned out to be “eye-opening” in many regards. She became involved in twenty or so cases that involved a rare malignant tumor (cancer) of the retina in the eye called retinoblastoma. It generally affects children under the age of 6. Many ophthalmologists go their entire careers without ever seeing one of these cases and she learned how to do these very specialized eye exams and was “literally in awe of the many delicacies and intricacies of the eye.” Dr. Mohadjer’s mentor, Dr. Barrett G. Haik, FACS, recognized her interest and talents and made sure she completed a rotation with all of the various sub-specialties in the field of ophthalmology and she was intrigued to learn more.

Dr. Mohadjer then completed her ophthalmology residency at Saint Louis University which was followed by two years of specialized training in Oculoplastic Surgery. This is a field that specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries of the eyelids, tear ducts and orbit. This highly competitive fellowship was through theAmerican Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). Only 15-20 physicians are selected each year from throughout the country to complete this training. For the next two years Dr. Mohadjer performed literally thousands of procedures within this specialty – something that sets her apart from many other colleagues within her field and a compelling reason to choose Dr. Mohadjer for surgeries or procedures of this nature.

Dr. Haik’s guidance and mentoring have profoundly affected Dr. Mohadjer’s career choice and she is quick to share her gratitude for his care and guidance. Something she also found attractive as she made her rotations with one ophthalmologist after another was that she learned these physicians were truly satisfied and enamored in their field of choice, creating a positive experience – another trait of Dr. Mohadjer’s personality that is wise beyond her years. She knew early on and continues to value the importance of loving what you do and how that contributes greatly to your own personal success, and in this regard, to that of her patients.

Dr. Mohadjer sees herself in the next five to ten years continuing to enjoy the patient interaction and intense satisfaction of helping her patients lead healthier, happier lives. “I love seeing how happy people are after surgery. I get so excited for them and the new possibilities they see because of how they now look,” said Mohadjer. Patients often leave her care with a new sense of confidence that translates into feeling better in their relationships and other areas of their lives. The best part might be that everyone comments on how rested or how much better they look, but can’t quite figure out why. Often a marked improvement in eyesight is the result of having “droopy” eyelids corrected and this can be lifechanging. Dr. Mohadjer’s oldest patient so far was a 100 year old woman who could no longer read due to excess skin on her eyelids. Shortly after completing the surgery she was back to her love of reading, feeling a lot less tired than prior to the correction. You might also think women count as the majority of her patients, but her male patients number just as many.

When you make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Mohadjer she will spend ample time with you to make sure she first understands exactly what your concerns and needs are, and then explains all of the options available to you, and what each choice might entail. (You’ll also love the beautiful newly-remodeled office at The Aesthetic Institute which is furnished with plush, relaxing furnishings, soothing music and wonderful aromas.) She then personally completes the procedure or treatment agreed upon, and is the one on the phone and in the office with you for later follow-ups. “I really enjoy the cosmetic side because you can often see the results immediately. We’re making a definitive change in your appearance right now,” said Mohadjer. This type of hands-on, enthusiastic approach stems from a genuine desire to offer the best in patient care and is driven by stories shared about how her work has created smiles and improved lives. Amazingly, this is the outcome of an 11-year-old year girl vowing to change a negative experience she saw her mother go through when seeking medical care. It’s the promise from a specialized, highly respected physician that we all hope to find when in need of assistance from a medical or cosmetic standpoint. “The referral of a friend, sister, or mother is a real honor for me,” said Mohadjer. “I love all aspects of what I do and it would be hard for me to give up any part of it.”

When asked her insights on the future of her field, Dr. Mohadjer predicts a continuation in procedures becoming less invasive, with shorter down-time and minimal bruising. The Aesthetic Institute has also recently incorporated the use of lasers for skin pigmentation, resurfacing and facial rejuvenation, allowing her to transform the skin. As laser technology changes continually, Dr. Mohadjer and her colleagues are doing constant research to stay on the cutting edge of procedures that are proven effective. This enhancement to their services will enable Dr. Mohadjer to address the skin’s look and feel around the eyes as well.

“I love seeing how happy people are after surgery. I get so excited for them and the new possibilities they see because of how they now look,”

To what does Dr. Mohadjer credit her drive and strength? Without hesitation she looks back at the strong example her parents have set for their daughter. Her mother has been especially inspirational and she describes her as a strong woman, supportive, and well accomplished. “No matter how successful I become, I will never be as successful as my parents,” Mohadjer said. “I never had to climb as far as they did and I’ll always be thankful. Furthermore, I have a fabulous husband who is a huge source of support and that makes a big difference as well.”

Frustrated with being told you appear tired? Now is the time to make a change. Who do you really want to perform surgery around your eye, a general plastic surgeon or an oculofacial plastic surgeon who has a vast amount of skill and training to deal with the complexity of orbital, eyelid, tear duct and facial plastics procedures?

The Eye Institute of West Florida was founded by Dr. Stephen Weinstock in 1974. They expanded into an adjacent building this past May, which is now the site of the Aesthetic Institute of West Florida, a state-of-the-art cosmetic and surgery center dedicated to providing patients with the latest non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and surgical services including a variety of restorative procedures from personalized chemical peels and facial fillers to brow lifts and eyelid surgery.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jasmine Mohadjer simply call (727) 559-9811. You can also follow the latest news and special offers from the Aesthetic Institute on Facebook at Aesthetic Institute of West Florida, or find them on the web at www.BeautifulChanges. com. The Aesthetic Institute is located at 1295 W. Bay Drive in Largo.