For our November cover story, Chic Icon turns its spotlight on a woman who has redefined beauty with intellect, artistry, and extraordinary precision. Dr. Cat Begovic — the Beverly Hills surgeon celebrated around the world for her flawless, natural aesthetic — represents everything our magazine stands for: elegance rooted in substance, influence born of integrity, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
From her Ivy League beginnings at Harvard to the luminous corridors of her Beverly Hills clinic, Dr. Cat’s journey is a masterclass in modern femininity — disciplined, graceful, and fearless. Her meticulous surgical artistry and visionary approach to empowerment have not only transformed countless lives but elevated the global conversation around beauty itself.
In this exclusive Chic Icon cover interview, Dr. Cat opens up about her philosophy of transformation, her belief in authenticity as the ultimate luxury, and why true refinement lies not in perfection — but in purpose.
You’re known as one of Beverly Hills’ most sought-after aesthetic surgeons. How did your journey from Harvard to the heart of cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles shape your philosophy about beauty and transformation?
Dr. Cat: My journey from Harvard to Beverly Hills taught me that true beauty is both science and soul. My medical training gave me precision and discipline, but my patients in Los Angeles reminded me that transformation goes beyond what we see in the mirror. It’s about restoring confidence, reclaiming one’s story, and celebrating individuality. Each surgery is both a technical masterpiece and an emotional rebirth.
Your approach to plastic surgery is often described as “artistry guided by precision.” How do you balance the technical, medical side of your work with the deeply creative and emotional aspects of aesthetic enhancement?
Dr. Cat: I see plastic surgery as a perfect marriage of art and science. Every millimeter matters, but so does empathy. The technical side ensures safety and longevity, while the artistic eye allows me to sculpt harmony and emotion into someone’s appearance. The true balance lies in listening – to anatomy and to the human being behind it.
Many people see you as a pioneer of the “natural look” era in cosmetic surgery. What does “natural beauty” mean to you in today’s world of filters and digital perfection?
Dr. Cat: Natural beauty is the art of enhancement without distortion. It’s about highlighting what makes someone uniquely beautiful rather than changing who they are. In a world obsessed with filters, authenticity is the new luxury. My mission is to help people look like the most refined version of themselves, not like someone else.
Your patients often describe your results as seamless and virtually painless and scarless. What are some of your signature surgical techniques or innovations that make this possible?
Dr. Cat: I’m known for my meticulous, detail-oriented approach that minimizes trauma and maximizes precision – from ultra-delicate suturing methods to strategic scar placement and gentle tissue handling. Every step is performed with intention and care. I also guide patients through a customized recovery protocol that supports rapid healing and beautiful results. Most importantly, I never rush. I perform only one surgery per day, dedicating my full focus and energy to that patient. The true secret to extraordinary outcomes isn’t chasing volume – it’s mastering the craft and honoring each procedure as a work of art.
Before you became a household name in aesthetics, you were breaking barriers in a field historically dominated by men. What challenges did you face early on, and how did you turn them into stepping stones?
Dr. Cat: In the early years, being a woman in surgery meant constantly having to prove yourself. There’s still a lingering belief, subtle but persistent, that women don’t belong in certain spaces, especially in the operating room. Balancing the roles of surgeon, wife, mother, and woman is not easy, and I’ve lived that reality every day. But I learned to turn doubt into drive. Instead of conforming, I focused on excellence, letting my results speak louder than stereotypes. Over time, I discovered that my femininity was not a limitation but a source of power. It allows me to connect with my patients’ emotions, insecurities, and desires on a deeper level and to approach every transformation with empathy for their healing journey back to confidence.
“Beauty by Dr. Cat” has grown into both a renowned clinic and a skincare brand. How do you ensure your brand reflects the same level of trust, science, and artistry that define your surgical practice?
Dr. Cat: MD GLAM was born from the same philosophy as my surgical practice, real science, visible results, and uncompromising quality. I formulated the line myself, using medical-grade ingredients to create skincare that truly performs. My clinic and my brand are both extensions of my belief that beauty starts with integrity, consistency, and care.
From Dr. 90210 to your social media presence, you’ve been remarkably transparent about the surgical process. Why is education and openness so central to your mission as a doctor?
Dr. Cat: I believe knowledge empowers people. By demystifying surgery, I help patients make informed, confident decisions. Transparency also builds trust and in a world full of misinformation, I want to be a reliable voice that educates with honesty and compassion.
You work with a global clientele, from Hollywood celebrities to women seeking personal renewal. How do you tailor your aesthetic vision to such diverse cultural definitions of beauty?
Dr. Cat: Beauty is universal, but its expression is deeply personal. My approach always begins with listening and understanding a patient’s heritage, lifestyle, and emotional goals. Whether I’m sculpting a face or body, my goal is harmony and results that feel authentic to who they are, not a one-size-fits-all ideal. My patients come from all walks of life, from mothers and professionals to celebrities and royalty, yet every single one receives the same level of care, attention, and artistry.
Modern cosmetic surgery often walks a fine line between empowerment and perfectionism. How do you help your patients define confidence without falling into the trap of unattainable ideals?
Dr. Cat: I always remind patients that plastic surgery should be about enhancing, not escaping, oneself. I turn away cases where expectations are unrealistic or emotionally driven. My goal is empowerment to help people see themselves more clearly, not to chase perfection. Confidence isn’t about flawlessness; it’s about self-acceptance with refinement.
Your practice emphasizes compassion and emotional safety as much as surgical excellence. Can you share a moment or patient story that deeply reaffirmed why you chose this profession?
Dr. Cat: One that stays with me is a mother who had avoided mirrors for years after childbirth. After her surgery, she looked in the mirror and cried not because of the change, but because she recognized herself again. That moment reminded me that this work is not just about appearance it’s about healing identity and restoring joy.
The world of aesthetics evolves rapidly — from regenerative medicine to non-invasive technologies. What trends or innovations do you believe truly represent the future of beauty?
Dr. Cat: Trends and technologies come and go, many are simply hype, and some can even be unsafe. I always say: show me the data. A treatment must have proven results and at least five years of safety behind it before I consider offering it to my patients. I believe the true future of beauty lies in personalization and prevention, merging regenerative science, bio-stimulatory treatments, and advanced skincare to support graceful, natural aging. The goal is to maintain vitality and harmony, not to chase excessive intervention.
You often speak about the importance of self-care and confidence as extensions of inner health. How do you personally maintain balance and wellbeing amidst such a high-pressure career?
Dr. Cat: Balance is something I cultivate intentionally. I prioritize my family, my morning rituals, and activities that ground me whether it’s meditation, gym, my skincare routine, gratitude, or time in nature. I’ve learned that caring for others starts with caring for myself. Self-care isn’t indulgence; it’s maintenance for the soul.
Beverly Hills has become synonymous with glamour, but also with scrutiny. How do you preserve authenticity — both as a surgeon and as a woman — in an environment that constantly redefines perfection?
Dr. Cat: Authenticity is my anchor. I stay true to my values; compassion, excellence, and integrity. Trends come and go, but authenticity never ages. I’ve learned that being genuine resonates far deeper than trying to fit into a mold.
If you could redefine one misconception the public holds about plastic surgery, what would it be — and why?
Dr. Cat: That plastic surgery is about vanity. In truth, it’s about self-expression and healing. For many of my patients, surgery marks a new chapter, reclaiming confidence after loss, trauma, or life-change. When done with care, it’s one of the most powerful forms of self-love.
Finally, Chic Icon celebrates icons of elegance and influence. What, in your view, does it truly mean to be a “chic icon” in today’s world?
Dr. Cat: To me, being a chic icon isn’t about status or style, it’s about substance. It’s a quality, not a state. It’s having grace under pressure, staying kind in a competitive world, and using your influence to uplift and inspire others. True elegance comes from purpose, confidence, and authenticity – qualities that never go out of style.
Read more interviews HERE
