One of the most celebrated plastic surgeons in the nation, Board-Certified, award-winning Dr. Ruth Celestin did not get to where is by drawing a fortune cooking quote and, poof, she became a celebrity plastic surgeon. It’s been a combination of non-stop hard work, great sense of personal direction, and the drive to live her best life, while also helping others attain their surgical objectives.

Dr. Celestin has worked on some of your faves, and has a thriving practice in the Georgia area. She completed her undergraduate studies at Rutgers University, and graduated from New Jersey Medical School. Self-Best Atlanta magazine once named her Best Plastic Surgeon for Breasts for three consecutive years. Media outlets like CBS46/WGCL-TV Atlanta call on her when they need a plastic surgery expert. She is the founder of Celestial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is among the stellar surgeons at Oculus, a plastic and reconstructive surgery practice.

Kreyolicious: When you were little, did you visualize this life for yourself?
Dr. Ruth Celestin: In some ways, yes, but in others no. Life is full of surprises no matter how much you plan. I always wanted to be a doctor, thanks in large part to my wonderful pediatrician Dr. Anthony Ricciardi, and I thought I would be a Pediatrician because of my own love for children. But while in medical school I discovered that the best use of my talents, in conjunction with my hobbies and natural interests was the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. It’s been a torrid love affair ever since [Laughter] As far as my personal life, I never imagined leaving the New York area and living in the South but taking leap of faith and stepping outside of my comfort zone has definitely paid off for me and been a blessing.

Kreyolicious: Has there ever been a time when you refused to perform a procedure on a patient?
Dr. Ruth Celestin: Yes, absolutely! I think a common misconception is that plastic surgeons are all about the money and that we aren’t really doctors. While some plastic surgeons may fit that stereotype, I’m proud to say that I am first and foremost a physician and therefore always putting safety and a patient’s well-being first. I’ve refused procedures for patients with unrealistic expectations as well as for patients who are not emotionally or medically optimized for elective surgery. It’s elective after all. That’s the importance of the consultation before surgery!

Kreyolicious: As a plastic surgeon, you help alter people’s looks to help them gain confidence. Growing up, did you feel beautiful and confident?
Dr. Ruth Celestin: Growing up in the 80’s was a mixed bag for a little dark-skinned Haitian-American girl. On the one hand, in America it felt to me like everything light was right and I didn’t receive many messages of positivity regarding my skin and hair. But on the other hand, in the microcosm of my home and family, my self-image was positively reinforced. My mom, dad, uncles and aunts etc. always told me I was pretty, had pretty brown gums and beautiful brown skin, and that I was a beautiful “daughter of Dessalines”. I didn’t quite know what that meant at the time and yes there’s undoubtedly some controversial history in that comment but I think it was one meant to positively reinforce my blackness, which I think any young black woman needs from her loved ones. More importantly than feeling beautiful though, my parents really went out of their way to make sure that I felt smart and empowered to get an education and make my dreams come true. They allowed me to believe that I could do anything I set my mind to do, and never let my race or gender serve as a barrier or an excuse.

Kreyolicious: What books would you recommend that you feel are must-reads for people serious about attaining success and personal growth?
Dr. Ruth Celestin: Well, I must say for a while I only read medical textbooks and plastic surgery textbooks and journals but now that I have a little more pleasure reading time, I would recommend: The Bible: Okay, I know some people won’t want to hear this and that’s fine, but I have found that a lot of the most successful self-help and motivational books in the world have principles and concepts directly taken from scripture. So, I try to make time to read what God has to say to me. Other than that, The Art of War by Sun Tzu, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey. Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, and lastly Skinny Girl Solutions by Bethenny Frankel, a recent read that I find highly motivational from a wildly successful female entrepreneur who started from the bottom.

Did you enjoy this interview with Dr. Ruth Celestin, famed plastic surgeon? Stay tuned for PART II, and PART III of the interview! Meanwhile…

CLICK HERE to learn more about Dr. Ruth Celestin and her world-famous practice. CLICK HERE to follow the famed plastic surgeon on Instagram | CELESTIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

The conversation with award-winning celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Ruth Celestin continues. Today, we’re going to reach deep into her roots and discuss culture and heritage. The New Jersey-born daughter of Haitian parents, the surgeon was recently honored by the Creole Image Awards for her accomplishments in her field. Let’s start by discussing her childhood…

Kreyolicious: What was your Haitian-American experience?
Dr. Ruth Celestin: That’s a broad one but I’ll sum it up as follows: Being of Haitian descent but born in America (NJ), my life has been enriched by the culture my parents worked so hard to pass down to my sisters and me. While children of course always want to be the same as their peers and not stand out, we were raised to be proud of who we are, our language, our culture, all of it from a very young age way before it was popular to be Haitian in America. My parents came here for opportunity and that’s exactly what they found. Their experience in this country has contributed in large part to my patriotism and belief in the American dream. This is honestly one of the biggest reasons why I chose to serve my country as a reservist in the US Air Force. So, my Haitian-American experience has been amazing!

Kreyolicious: What role have your parents had in your success?
Dr. Ruth Celestin: No doubt, my parents were the biggest factors in my life that drove me to work hard and strive for success. I know it sounds cheesy but their story— two young people leaving all they know and love behind and immigrating to a strange country, working hard in Manhattan and subsequently New Jersey to carve out a life for themselves and help their entire families immigrate as well— makes it hard for me to rest on my laurels, having been blessed with the gift of being born in this land of opportunity. They are my daily inspiration and I hope I make them proud.

Dr. Ruth Celestin, accepting her Creole Image Honors Awards conceptualized by fellow Haitian-American Kervin Andre.

Kreyolicious: Are there things they did that you were miffed about growing up but thank them for now?
Dr. Ruth Celestin: No doubt growing up, they drove me absolutely crazy. They were super strict about everything from grades to going out to how we dressed and wore our hair— everything. I used to think they were doing it just to ruin my social life and was a bit of a renegade. But as I went off to college and started working to become a doctor I quickly understood that all they wanted was to protect me. Now as an adult, I can say I’ll probably raise my kids the same way. Don’t tell them I said that though [Laughter].

Kreyolicious: I won’t! I remember reading this headline about a black surgeon in plain clothes on a plane where a passenger was having some sort of emergency. When the surgeon tried to intervene, her credentials were questioned. Have you ever been in such a situation?
Dr. Ruth Celestin: Yes that incident was really heartbreaking, but sadly not shocking to me. Every day, I have to deal with microagressions against me as a black female surgeon. Someone– from patients to patient families to staff in a new hospital will question my experience, intelligence, credentials or skill based on my appearance, age, sex, or even the fact that I like designer heels and makeup. I have introduced myself as Dr. Celestin to a patient, educated them on their procedure and answered all of their questions only to be asked if my male practice partner would be doing their actual surgery. Black and minority male surgeons don’t quite deal with the level of ingrained societal dismissal that female surgeons and female surgeons of color encounter daily. Some have suggested that I wear a white coat or scrubs more often to help with this issue and make myself “less threatening to other women”, and honestly, I find that suggestion insulting because no such request would be made of a male physician. I think the answer is that we need to do a better job as a society of accepting that doctors come in all colors, genders, religions and from all socioeconomic backgrounds. I’ve responded to many medical emergencies on the side of the road before EMS gets there and never had the grateful accident victims ask to see my credentials before accepting my help or expertise as a surgeon. I hope my future children live in a world where this is no longer an issue. I won’t let it make me bitter, but will continue to be genuinely myself and in so doing hopefully re-educate people about what a surgeon looks like. Whew! That was a mouthful.

Kreyolicious: Do you travel to Haiti often?
Dr. Ruth Celestin: Sadly, no I do not travel to Haiti often. This is a dream of mine and for various reasons it hasn’t yet happened, but it will someday soon.

Kreyolicious: Do you feel close to the Haitian-American community?
Dr. Ruth Celestin: I still feel very connected to the Haitian-American community though because the diaspora is so strong here in the US. My brother-in-law is a restaurateur in New Jersey and so I have Haitian cultural events and fine dining at my fingertips at First Republic Restaurant and Lounge whenever I visit home. He knows to practically bring the food to the airport because I won’t go back to Atlanta without a taste [Laughter] That said, Atlanta still being relatively new to me, I’m always looking to strengthen those community ties and build relationships with Haitian people living here in the A. [Smiles]

This is PART II of the interview with Dr. Ruth Celestin. CLICK HERE if you missed PART I. Stay tuned for PART III.

Meanwhile, CLICK HERE to follow her journey on Instagram |CLICK HERE to visit Dr. Ruth Celestin’s website |

When you’re one of the most wanted and most requested plastic surgeons on the planet, and you’re balancing family life, plus your other obligations, how do you keep yourself from neglecting yourself? Dr. Ruth Celestin of Oculus in Georgia is one of those always-on-the-go medical professionals. When the whole world looks at you as if you always have it together, and don’t need any self-nourishment, how do you handle things? And what about friendships, especially women friendships? How meaningful are they to a professional woman’s well-being?

Here she is answering my questions about self-care and friendships…

Kreyolicious: As someone who is hugely successful…people come to you not only for their plastic surgery needs but also to be mentored, to be counseled. We hear of people who are the go-to person for everybody’s needs but who have no one to turn to for those needs. How do you make sure you take care of “you” too? Wow, hugely successful?
Dr. Ruth Celestin: Consider me flattered. I see myself as more of a work in progress [Winks]. But to answer the question, I do give 100% of me to my patients and staff, sometimes to the point where it can be stressful. There are days where I have talked so much all day to so many people that I come home and don’t want to utter another word! But I’ve also learned that you have to prioritize yourself to have anything left to give others. To take care of me, I lean on lessons I learned from mom, who is a cosmetologist as well as a nurse and absolutely beautiful at her age: I find enjoyment in self-maintenance. You feel good when you look good and this is not vanity it’s reality. I have a “girl cave” as my husband calls it where I spend quiet time and beautify. Hair, nails, massages, spa days, shopping, workouts, girlfriend time. All to-do’s, but I make sure I enjoy them by putting the phone down and engaging with my friends, trainer, stylist or technician. Or, if I’m just too tired, it’s headphones and great music while I’m getting pampered or working out. No emails or calls during “me” time! For a doctor that is very difficult, but having a great team in place makes it possible even if only for short periods of time. I have a lot of respect for their personal time and in return they do for mine as well and I’m grateful for that. Last but certainly not least I’m super blessed to have a wonderful husband who takes excellent care of me, even when I forget to take care of myself!

Kreyolicious: Are you going to write a book someday?
Dr. Ruth Celestin: Yes! I am going to put it out there so as to hold myself accountable! Writing a book is on my list of things I want to do. I have a lot of life yet to live and I don’t think I or anyone has all of the answers but… I’d like to think that my struggles and experiences might serve as inspiration and give someone a more clear path to their own success. And also tell a fun/entertaining story while I’m at it. Maybe there’s more than one book in me??

Kreyolicious: What else are you working towards accomplishment wise?
Dr. Ruth Celestin: Oh so much, it’s impossible to list. My mind is always working on the next project. As I mentioned, I see myself as a perpetual work in progress— I’m a perfectionist and happen to be my own biggest project. God is not done with me yet, and I’ve got some big dreams. In the short term, I plan to travel much more (we just got back from Paris celebrating our one-year wedding anniversary!). We’re getting a puppy, planning to have a family, and long-term I’m planning to take over the world. Nothing big. [*winks*]

This concludes the three-part interview with Dr. Ruth Celestin, plastic surgeon and reconstructive surgery expert! CLICK HERE if you missed the previous installments.

CLICK HERE to follow her journey on Instagram |CLICK HERE to visit Dr. Ruth Celestin’s website | OCULUS on Facebook |