Carlos Chacon

Dr. Carlos Chacon, MD, is a plastic surgeon who is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. As a distinguished and accomplished plastic surgeon who is recognized by his peers for his work and by his patients for his surgical skill, compassion, and expertise, he is dedicated to performing an array of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

Dr. Chacon is a renowned leader in the field of plastic surgery. He’s trained by some of the most renowned plastic surgeons in the U.S. and Europe. And he has been named among the world’s best plastic surgeons. His training and skills have earned him many accolades.

Dr. Chacon focuses on improving physical appearance, not just on the outside, but on the inside as well, and believes that the secret to living a long and healthy life is to look great and feel good. He combines his specific areas of expertise in plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery to provide patients with the best options to achieve the results they want. He believes in personalizing each treatment plan to the specific needs of each patient. He also believes that each patient should have the opportunity to explore a procedure before moving forward with it.

Throughout his scholastic career, he has demonstrated a commitment to education and maximized every opportunity. After earning his high school diploma from Pueblo High School in 1989, he went on to complete his B.S. in Physiological Sciences in 1998 at the University of Arizona. He took a few years off and then attended the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, Arizona, from 2001 through 2005. Never settling for mediocrity, Dr. Chacon earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2009 from the University of Arizona.

Where did the idea for Divino come from?

Divino could mean many things to many people. I chose the name because it allows for open interpretation. For myself, Divino is a Spanish term that has always identified with the ‘finer things in life’.

For some, it’s items of luxury and elegance such as expensive jewelry, clothing, art, wines, fine dining, and, yes, cosmetic or plastic surgery. That said, it can also be moments we often take for granted or things we value and appreciate, like a sunset or a smile, like that which follows a woman looking in the mirror after a complete mommy makeover.

When we begin to appreciate the internal value and beauty of something and do so above others, these things transform into something we consider the finest in life, or simply something Divino.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I chose Cosmetic Plastic Surgery primarily because a “typical day” is basically non-existent. In fact, it’s the variability of my days that keep me on my toes and productive. Approaching each day with the goal in mind to maintain a healthy lifestyle balance, while building smiles in people that can go on to do the same, is what drives me as a plastic surgeon.

How do you bring ideas to life?

More often than not, ideas fail to come to life due to a lack of execution or motivation to bring them to fruition. I commonly first challenge ideas in my own mind and play devil’s advocate with reasons it could be a bad idea. If the idea after this thought process passes, I test it with others in the same fashion. Lastly, if the idea tracks logically as a good one, I assemble a team of resources to bring the idea to life.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Perhaps the one trend I’ve found to be exciting is the momentum of social media. While I understand that there are many dangers, drawbacks, and pitfalls to the effects of social media, it has brought to life freedom of expression. What can be more exciting than folks sharing their insecurities and their newly discovered solutions.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Persistence. Failure is normal, whether it’s an objective you have or a simple rejection. Entrepreneurs get rejected over and over, and while it’s not enjoyable, it does get your heart beating a little faster. The more you tackle these experiences, the easier it gets.

Another thing is setting daily or weekly goals and breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This helps prioritize and focus efforts, keep track of progress, and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work to be done. Things are always evolving, so regularly reviewing and adjusting these goals based on experiences and new information can help ensure that efforts are aligned with the overall vision and purpose of the business.

When you want something, you have to give it your all. I want to share Divino with as many people as possible, and that means ensuring that I’m successful in acquiring and retaining patients. At the end of the day, I try to be as productive as possible to push my business forward for the benefit of my patients.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Focus on self-improvement: Dedicate time to learning new skills and improving upon existing ones. Your personal and professional growth will benefit from it.

Take risks: Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks in both your personal and professional life. Some of the greatest rewards come from stepping outside your comfort zone.

Surround yourself with positive people: Seek out people who uplift and inspire you, and surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you.

Prioritize your health: Take care of your physical and mental health by eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Obviously, as a doctor, this one should come as no surprise. It really makes all the difference, though.

Embrace failure: Don’t be discouraged by failure, it is a valuable learning opportunity. Use it as a chance to grow, reflect, and try again with a newfound perspective.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Success can only be defined by oneself, and not by others or outcomes. Despite this, many people still believe they can define others’ successes and failures.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Continuous learning: Successful entrepreneurs and healthcare professionals prioritize ongoing learning and professional development. This can include attending industry conferences, reading relevant books and articles, taking courses and workshops, and seeking out mentorship and coaching. By continuously expanding your knowledge and skills, you can stay ahead of the curve and provide the best possible service to your customers or patients.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Perhaps the most important way I’ve grown my business is by providing excellent patient care and results. I’ve focused on delivering high-quality results and an exceptional patient experience that has led to positive word-of-mouth referrals and reviews. Our patients are the backbone of our business, so putting them first, being professional and communicative, and ensuring they’re satisfied has really set us apart. I really do believe that establishing and building strong relationships with people is the lifeblood of success.

Divino also offers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures that have attracted a wider patient base and increased revenue.

Marketing and Branding: Develop a strong marketing and branding strategy that sets you apart from other plastic surgeons in your area. This can include a professional and visually appealing website, social media presence, targeted online and offline advertising, and a reputation for delivering high-quality results. By establishing a strong brand and showcasing your expertise and skills, you can attract new patients and build a loyal patient base.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Covid made business for all extremely difficult, we overcame it with optimism and persistence. We’ve worked on resolving the inherent challenges that came with social distancing, including scheduling considerations and boosting disinfection practices. It was a long road, and we had to constantly adapt to adhere to the CDC’s guidelines, but we made it out on the other side! We’re so grateful to our patients who continued to trust us with their health, safety, and business during the pandemic.

When starting out, there’s also the challenge of having difficulty attracting new patients. This can be due to a lack of visibility, and a lack of differentiation from other practices. Overcoming this challenge is where the marketing tactics come into play again. It’s important to focus on building a strong brand. Still, it’s also helpful to gather testimonials and positive reviews from satisfied patients to build trust and credibility with potential new patients.

I’ve found that the more satisfied patients we have, the more the business grows. As long as you stay committed to a great patient experience, communicate with your patients and educate them throughout the process, and provide quality care, the rest will follow.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A healthcare-related business idea that we’ve considered is a telemedicine platform that connects patients with healthcare providers remotely, through video or phone call appointments. The platform could also provide a patient portal for booking appointments, managing health records, and prescription renewals. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for remote healthcare services has increased, making telemedicine a promising business opportunity.

While most of our consultations and appointments must be conducted in person, the telehealth aspect can be really beneficial for simple requests. It’s so important to continue to adapt and evolve with your industry, and COVID-19 proved just how true that is, especially in healthcare.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

Every dollar I spend on a new experience with my family. We love going to explore our city together, checking out restaurants, sporting events, and the like. My business is my passion, but it’s also important to unwind, spend time with loved ones, and recharge. I believe I’m a better doctor when I am fulfilled in more than just my work life.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

I use Trello, which is a project management tool that allows you to organize and prioritize your tasks and projects in a visual and intuitive way. Trello also allows for collaboration and communication with team members and provides features such as due dates, attachments, and comments. This helps my internal team communicate with each other and ensure we don’t miss any important appointments or events.

It can be used in a lot of ways. I find that using it as a personal task manager is the most beneficial for me.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

“Who Moved My Cheese?” The book is a simple, short story about change that takes place in a maze where four characters, two mice named Sniff and Scurry, and two little people named Hem and Haw, live and search for cheese. The cheese represents something people want in life, such as a job, a relationship, or a personal goal. It’s a quick, easy read that can help individuals develop a positive attitude toward change and become more resilient.

What is your favorite quote?

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

Key Learnings:

Having a growth mindset – there is so much information available online; once you pick what you want to learn, finding the best educational tools to help you get there is key. But having that intellectual curiosity to continue to learn has paid dividends for both my personal and professional growth.

Enjoy the now – It is very easy as an entrepreneur to be thinking 5-10 years out about your strategy, business plans, etc. But if you’re not enjoying it ‘in the now”, is it all worth it? I really enjoy all that I am doing, and I love sharing these strategies with other business owners.

Do not be afraid to fail. Every great entrepreneur learns from their mistakes and comes back even better, having learned from the pain.

Find a mentor to gain a new perspective.

Learn that neither rejection nor failure is the end of the world.

Use data to help you set goals and expectations.

Read “What You Do Is Who You Are: How To Create Your Business Culture” by Ben Horowitz.

Do things right the first time, even if it might take a long time.