Julie Obst and Alana Ungvari. PHOTO BY JOSH A. KATZ
Julie Obst and Alana Ungvari founded LA Beauty Connect to empower clients to navigate the overwhelming world of cosmetic surgery and beauty procedures. Obst’s passion for beauty began early, inspired by her mother, a makeup artist at Dior and Chanel. This early exposure naturally transitioned into a 20-year public relations career focusing on beauty and lifestyle products, positioning her to expertly evaluate new beauty trends and procedures.
Obst’s personal experience sparked the idea for LA Beauty Connect after struggling to find a trusted surgeon for herself. Feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice and limited trustworthy sources, she recognized the need for reliable, hands-on guidance.
“Because LA Beauty Connect does not have a financial relationship with any doctor, we provide neutral feedback. We work for the client,” explains Ungvari, who, along with being a freelance makeup artist, has worked in high-pressure fields including private equity, hospitality and private aviation. The founders meticulously vet surgeons, observe consultations and surgeries and are continuously updating their recommendations based on real-time results and outcomes.
Each LA Beauty Connect meeting begins with a detailed initial consultation, either by call, Zoom or in-person, to understand each client’s lifestyle, health history, aesthetic goals, budget expectations and schedule constraints. “Matching personalities is vital for a successful relationship,” Ungvari explains. The duo then select three doctors tailored specifically to the client’s preferences and concerns. They handle all administrative details, from scheduling consultations to managing paperwork. During consultations, they meticulously document interactions, noting details clients might overlook in the moment.
"Because LA Beauty Connect does not have a financial relationship with any doctor, we provide neutral feedback. We work for the client”–ALANA UNGVARI
Post-consultation, Obst and Ungvari discuss each surgeon’s pros, cons, techniques and client comfort levels to help clients make informed decisions. They coordinate all necessary preparations and aftercare plans, including nutritional guidance, post-operative facilities, and healing therapies such as hyperbaric chambers or lymphatic massages. “Our main goal is to make the entire process as stress-free as possible,” Ungvari says. “We work alongside doctors to ensure everything is approved and seamless for the client.”
Obst affectionately describes their role as “plastic surgery doulas,” highlighting their commitment to holding clients’ hands throughout the entire journey and making informed decisions accessible to everyone. Ungvari agrees, underscoring the importance of expert support. “This is one of the most important decisions you will ever make for yourself,” she says. “Why wouldn’t you have support?”
Photography by: Josh A. Katz
