Dr. Emil Kohan, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California, announced the launch of the Choose Knowledge First Pledge, a personal initiative designed to encourage individuals to slow down, ask better questions, and make thoughtful decisions before pursuing cosmetic procedures or significant appearance-related changes. The pledge, announced on July 11, 2026, draws on principles that have guided Dr. Kohan’s career, emphasizing education, personal responsibility, and long-term thinking over quick decisions driven by social media or fleeting beauty trends.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 1.6 million cosmetic surgical procedures were performed in the United States in 2024, alongside millions of minimally invasive procedures. Research indicates that frequent exposure to appearance-focused social media content is associated with greater body dissatisfaction, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Medical organizations continue to stress the importance of patient education, informed consent, and realistic expectations in cosmetic care. Surveys show many people spend hours daily consuming online content that shapes perceptions of appearance and self-image.
Dr. Kohan believes the pledge’s philosophy applies beyond aesthetic medicine. “Science and creativity should work together,” he said. “The best decisions come from combining good information with thoughtful reflection.” He hopes the initiative will encourage individuals to pause before making important decisions and create results that fit the individual and stand the test of time. “The goal isn't to chase trends,” he added. “The goal is to create results that fit the individual and stand the test of time.”
The Choose Knowledge First Pledge includes seven personal actions: continuing to learn throughout one’s career by studying new research and techniques weekly; encouraging questions before decisions by creating space for honest conversations; prioritizing individualized care over popular trends; choosing long-term outcomes over short-term popularity; communicating honestly about benefits, limitations, recovery, and expectations; contributing to education through research and lectures; and leading by example with curiosity and discipline. “The details matter,” Dr. Kohan said. “Small decisions can have a major impact on the final result.”
The initiative also provides a do-it-yourself toolkit for practicing thoughtful decision-making without spending money. Steps include writing down reasons for major changes, waiting 48 hours before appearance-related decisions influenced by social media, learning something new for 15 minutes daily, comparing goals with five-year aspirations, following educational resources instead of trend-focused accounts, writing three thoughtful questions before consultations, spending one day weekly without online comparisons, keeping a notebook of ideas, reflecting on whether decisions reflect personal values or outside pressure, and sharing accurate information instead of online myths.
A 30-day progress tracker encourages participants to complete daily checklists including learning something new, pausing before decisions, asking thoughtful questions, focusing on personal goals, and taking small steps toward long-term objectives. Weekly reflection questions ask what changed perspectives, which decisions felt more thoughtful, where improvement occurred, and what to continue next week.
Dr. Kohan invites individuals, students, healthcare professionals, educators, parents, and community members to adopt the pledge and share the free toolkit. He hopes the initiative sparks conversations about thoughtful decision-making, realistic expectations, lifelong learning, and personal responsibility—values extending well beyond aesthetic medicine. “The goal is always to get better,” he said. “That's how meaningful progress happens.”
