The Competition Edged Out By A Nose

Dr. Kassabian announced the three finalists in the Most Armenian Nose Contest", the contest was called The Biggest Nose" or The Most Crooked Nose.

(PRWEB) December 24, 2004 -- There is a new wrinkle in the worlds growing fascination with youth and beauty. Garo Kassabian, MD acclaimed board-certified plastic surgeon of Beverly Hills, headed up the judging and surgical team in the Armenian version of Extreme Makeover (WCVB, Ch. 5).

Just returning from Yerevan, Armenias capital city; Kassabian announced the three finalists in the Most Armenian Nose Contest", won free cosmetic surgery donated by him and his team as the top prize. Staged as a publicity campaign and fundraiser for a new surgery wing at Saint Nerses the Great Hospital, Kassabian sat on a panel of renowned artists and show business personalities and judged what was believed to be the most outstanding female and male nose in the country. Dr. Kassabian also volunteered to perform substantial reductions to the three unseemly proboscises.

It's human nature to want to improve on what Mother Nature has given you," states Kassabian. Garo subscribes to a credo that in cosmetic surgery less is more" with less invasive, mini procedures performed at a younger age. The philosophy looking good, feels goods" has been the cornerstone of his successful practice established in 2000. Kassabians comprehensive health and beauty center features water fountains and a bamboo stand on a penthouse terrace, a dermatological day spa and an on premise surgery theater in the heart of Beverly Hills Golden Triangle.

The three contestants were chosen from photos that were submitted through a massive outreach in newspapers, magazines, word-of-mouth and onsite visitations to Saint Nerses Hospital. Within a week after the competition was announced 200 contestants had nosed their way in with thirty new applicants daily.    

At its inception the contest was called The Biggest Nose" or The Most Crooked Nose". The organizers soon realized the pejorative tone of those titles and decided to adopt the practically patriotic slogan, the Most Armenian Nose". About 80 percent of the contestants were women," states Narineh Aslanyan, the Hospitals spokesperson. It was a new and fresh idea. There had never been a contest like this in the region and, as far as we knew, there had never been a similar contest anywhere in the world." The question most frequently asked by the applicants was Whether their most Armenian nose would be made public." Aslanyan replied, While he would take the winning contestants privacy into account, in order to bolster contributions for the cause there were plans to show the 'before and 'after photos on television. Photos available on Request.

One of the primary criteria in the selection process of the Most Armenian Nose" was choosing a nose that had little or no compatibility with the face it graced," commented Kassabian. In the case of the three finalists, the size and stature of their noses had become a hindrance, some even would call hideous. The winning male contestants nose had in fact been broken in five places. The average cost of rhinoplastey surgery in Yerevan is about $350-400 compared to $8,000 in the United States, making such procedures a luxury beyond average means.

It appears reasonable that the nose, a symbol of dignity and respect in many societies throughout antiquity, should be among the first and a recurring subject in the history of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Kassabian commented that reshaping the Most Armenian Nose" involved complementing characteristics normally associated with Armenian beauty -- the broad forehead, big almond eyes, and expressive eyebrows. Kassabian not only volunteered all of his travel expenses but also performed the three surgeries as a contribution to bettering the winning candidates lives and raising funds for the Hospital. In fact the contest garnered sufficient capital to begin construction on the wing with completion projected in 2005.

The top finalist was an aspiring performer who claimed the new look gave him confidence to seek out a dream job as a TV spokesperson. He edged out his competition by a nose. So to answer the question would their new nose" be made public? In the case of the winner, it was a resounding Yes!" and by choice. Kassabian's mastery of the technique Not only radically improved their overall appearance, but it helped them breathe better. His benevolent cosmetic surgery was the key to their better looks, self-confidence and health. Dr. Kassabian can be found at www.plastiksurgeon.com.

Submitted by: Cristiane Roget and Andrea

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