If you thought doulas only supported women in delivery rooms, think again. Julie Obst and Alana Ungvari, Los Angeles–based concierge consultants, have reimagined the concept for the operating room, guiding clients through the high-stakes, detail-heavy world of plastic surgery.
Obst and Ungvari, founders of LA Beauty Connect, combine strategic planning, emotional support, and logistical expertise to deliver a full-service experience for clients seeking cosmetic procedures. “We think of ourselves very much as plastic surgery doulas because we hand-hold our clients from beginning to end of their journey, providing physical, mental, and emotional support,” Obst told The Post.
From Friendship to Business
Their partnership began 25 years ago when a chance roommate search turned into a lifelong friendship. Both share a rich professional background—Obst in beauty PR, inspired by her mother’s work with Dior and Chanel, and Ungvari across private equity, hospitality, and private aviation, industries where discretion and attention to detail are paramount.
The idea for LA Beauty Connect emerged after Obst’s personal experience navigating cosmetic surgery. “I was asking everybody about a ‘mommy makeover’ after pregnancy, and I got conflicting recommendations. Surgeon shopping shouldn’t feel like Yelp with scalpels,” she recalled.
A Personalized, “Black Book” Approach
LA Beauty Connect operates like a bespoke matchmaker—for surgeons rather than soulmates. Clients complete a comprehensive intake covering health history, lifestyle, aesthetic goals, budget, and schedule. From there, Obst and Ungvari connect them with vetted surgeons from a national network, attend consultations, and meticulously record details that patients often forget.
For 52-year-old client M. Cohan, the duo’s assistance proved indispensable. Initially confident in her ability to navigate the process alone, she quickly encountered gatekeepers even to schedule consultations. With LA Beauty Connect, she not only found the right surgeons but also streamlined her timeline and ultimately saved money by avoiding costly missteps.
“People normally retain only about 40% of what they hear in consultations,” Obst explained. “We take notes, ask the right questions, and guide clients through the fine print of each surgical plan.”
Concierge Care Beyond the Operating Room
The pair’s services extend far beyond consultations. For out-of-town clients, they can arrange private jets, long-term accommodations, post-op groceries stocked with recovery-friendly foods, and even coordinate lymphatic drainage massages or private nurses. On surgery day, they monitor procedures, communicate with surgeons and family members, and handle every detail, from parking logistics to office staff quirks.
Cohan recalled, “I was much more relaxed knowing they were monitoring the surgery and coordinating with the aftercare facility and my husband. Their support eased my nerves in ways I didn’t know I needed.”
A Tailored Approach to Plastic Surgery
Obst and Ungvari stress that one surgeon does not fit all. “The number one mistake we see is women going to their best friend’s doctor and expecting the same results,” Ungvari said. Their philosophy ensures clients are paired with surgeons who specialize in the procedures they need, maximizing outcomes and minimizing risks.
Life-Changing Transformations
While some dismiss cosmetic surgery as vanity, the duo emphasizes its emotional impact. From young women finally confident after breast reductions to clients correcting previous botched procedures, the LA Beauty Connect experience often restores self-esteem and confidence.
Obst described a client whose body was “like an accordion” after a previous surgery. Through their guidance, he achieved results that changed his life and allowed him to enjoy simple pleasures like going to the beach confidently.
Pricing and Philosophy
Their services are premium, starting at $750 for a consultation and typically costing around $10,000 for a three-month concierge cycle. Yet, the founders insist the investment is worth it. “Elective surgery is expensive. This is not where you should be cutting corners,” Ungvari said.
For Obst and Ungvari, the true reward is the gratitude of clients whose experiences they transform. “To have people say, ‘I couldn’t have done this without you two, you changed my life, you guys are fairies,’ is incredibly gratifying,” Ungvari said.
In the world of cosmetic procedures, where every detail matters and emotions run high, LA Beauty Connect offers not just expertise, but peace of mind—a VIP experience in the operating room.
