Paul Nassif

Here is a biography and profile of Paul Nassif adapted with depth and context:

Paul Nassif — Life, Career & Notable Quotations

Explore the life, medical career, media presence, and memorable quotes of Paul Nassif — Lebanese-American facial plastic surgeon and reality TV personality.

Introduction

Paul Nassif (born June 6, 1962) is a Lebanese-American facial plastic surgeon, otolaryngologist, and television personality. He is best known for his work on the E! reality series Botched, where he and Dr. Terry Dubrow attempt to fix difficult or failed cosmetic surgeries. Dr. Nassif blends technical expertise in rhinoplasty and reconstructive facial surgery with a public platform in entertainment, giving him a distinctive presence in both medicine and popular culture.

Though he is widely referred to as “Lebanese” in media, his identity is more precisely Lebanese heritage (he is American by birth) — his medical and public life has largely been rooted in the U.S.

Early Life & Education

Paul Sabin Nassif was born in Los Angeles, California, on June 6, 1962.

He attended Loyola High School in Los Angeles. University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree (in 1984) in business before shifting fully into medicine.

He began his medical training at Rosalind Franklin University (Chicago Medical School) for the first two years, then transferred to USC’s medical school to complete the last two years, earning his MD in 1992.

After medical school:

  • He did a general surgery internship at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center

  • He completed a residency in otolaryngology / head and neck surgery (ENT) at the University of New Mexico (1993–1997)

  • He went on to a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 1998

Thus his medical credentials are strong and focused squarely on facial, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery.

Career & Achievements

Medical Practice & Specialty

Dr. Nassif is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and is recognized in professional societies such as the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

He has also openly discussed performing his own cosmetic procedures (such as multiple nose surgeries) and has shared some transparency about the challenges of cosmetic surgery, especially revision cases.

He runs a medical practice in Beverly Hills (often referenced as Spalding Drive Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology / Nassif Medical) and has also launched skincare lines under his name (for example NassifMD®) to extend into non-surgical aesthetic care.

Television & Media Presence

Nassif has become prominent outside the operating room through television and reality programming:

  • He co-hosts Botched (on E!) with Dr. Terry Dubrow, a show dedicated to correcting extreme or botched plastic surgeries.

  • A spin-off, Botched by Nature, has also featured him.

  • He has appeared in Dr. 90210, and he also made appearances on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, through his then-wife Adrienne Maloof.

These media roles have raised his visibility considerably, making him a household name in cosmetic surgery discourse.

Public Image & Approach

Dr. Nassif is known for a combination of surgical skill and personality. He often emphasizes:

  • Aesthetic realism: He has remarked that he does not always give patients exactly what they want if that might not suit their face.

  • Transparency about risks and limitations in reconstructive or revision surgeries, particularly nose surgery.

  • Attention to skin health, sun protection, and supportive aesthetic care beyond surgery. Many of his quoted statements concern skin, SPF, and barrier health.

Through Botched, he has been involved in cases many surgeons decline, giving him reputation for tackling challenging reconstructive cases.

Personal Life

Paul Nassif’s personal life has been the subject of public interest due to his television profile:

  • In 2002, he married Adrienne Maloof (a businesswoman known from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills). They had three sons: Gavin, Colin, and Christian.

  • In 2012 he filed for separation, citing various disputes, and their divorce was finalized later that year.

  • On September 28, 2019, he married Brittany Pattakos in Santorini.

  • With Brittany, he had a daughter, Paulina Anne, born October 12, 2020.

  • A son, Paul Michael Nassif Jr., was born on January 9, 2025.

Though he is often labeled “Lebanese” in media descriptions, his nationality is American; his Lebanese identity is part of his heritage.

Notable Quotations

Here are some well-known quotes attributed to Paul Nassif, illustrating his perspective on surgery, aesthetics, and his own journey:

  1. “The excess skin, especially in my neck, was driving me crazy.”

  2. “To make any endeavor successful, you have to put that time and energy into something and work long hard days. Whether it’s on the weekends or at night. You have to be constantly looking to improve things.”

  3. “As a plastic surgeon, I know the skin better than anybody because I see it in all the different layers.”

  4. “Your skin is a barrier that protects you from environmental aggressors like pollution, bacteria and moisture loss.”

  5. “When it comes to Sun Protection Factor, SPF, the higher, the better. Usually, between 30 and 50 is best.”

  6. “I’m not the typical doctor that gives patients what they want. I don’t do that. I try to give them what I want as long as they’re okay with that. I know what’s going to match their face.”

  7. “I’ve had my nose done a bunch of times.”

These quotes reflect both his professional commitment and personal perspectives on aesthetics and surgical reality.

Lessons & Reflections

  • Bridging science and media. Nassif exemplifies how a highly technical profession (facial plastic surgery) can gain broader public impact through well framed media exposure.

  • Transparency in aesthetic work. By admitting his own surgical history and discussing limitations, he brings a measure of humility to a field often viewed as superficial.

  • Handling revision cases. Many surgeons shy away from complex reconstructive or “botched” cases; Nassif’s willingness to engage with difficult operations underscores professional courage and skill.

  • Balancing identity and profession. His Lebanese heritage is often highlighted in media, but his professional life has been firmly grounded in American medical institutions.

  • Skin health as foundation. His repeated emphasis on skin care (not just surgical correction) points to an integrated approach to aesthetics.