Plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures have become more common than ever. A report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found Americans spent more than $16 billion on cosmetic plastic surgeries and minimally invasive procedures in 2016, the most the U.S. has ever spent on such operations.
It seems like the trend shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With so many options available on the market and the industry leaning toward more affordable procedures, consumers have a lot to consider. Because there can be confusion about the industry, Buckeye Lifestyle wants to shed light and educate our readers. All doctors featured are board certified and local, so if considering a nip or tuck, do your homework!
When did you start practicing medicine?
I began practicing medicine in 2009.
How did you get started? What interested you in plastic surgery?
My surgical career began in college where I worked early mornings and late evenings mopping the operating room floors in a small hospital. Here, I was introduced to the amazing power of surgery and its ability to heal and transform. In medical school, I quickly fell in love with the detail and intricacy of plastic and reconstructive surgery. The variety of surgeries that plastic surgery encompasses and the opportunity to heal and make whole again drove me to this field.
What makes you unique?
The combination of cutting edge technology combined with sound surgical technique allows me to deliver outstanding results to my patients in this new era of medicine.
Specialty, expertise, favorite procedure?
I perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries of the face, breast and body. I have a particular interest in body contouring for the athletic body type, as well as for those who have recently experienced a weight loss. In addition, I direct the hair restoration center to help those who are experiencing hair thinning or loss.
If you could tell patients considering plastic surgery something, what would it be?
Whether a patient is undergoing a reconstructive surgery after cancer or an aesthetic surgery to help enhance their natural beauty and build self-esteem, plastic surgery is a very personal and individual decision. No two patients and surgeries are alike and should therefore be treated with an individual approach. Your surgeon should listen and work with you to create a specific treatment plan designed just for you.
Tyler M. Angelos, MD, FACS
Columbus Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery
5005 Arlington Centre Blvd, Upper Arlington, Oh 43220
4030 Easton Station, Suite 260, Columbus Oh 43219
www.ColumbusPlasticSurgery.com
What year was your practice established?
I have been in practice for 23 years, beginning in 1995.
How did you get started? What interested you in plastic surgery? Fun facts?
Plastic surgery is a very broad field and covers both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. My first memory of being interested in plastic surgery was when I saw pictures of cleft lip surgeries on infants and how it transformed them. After that, all the rest was even more interesting, and creative. I was hooked. In plastic surgery we get to be artists, and this creative aspect is something I have come to enjoy more and more as the years have passed. In addition, in this type of surgery, I can have a long-term relationship with my patients, and that is an added bonus.
Specialty, expertise, favorite procedure?
I do all the cosmetic procedures, but I would say my favorites are breast surgery and facelifts.
If you could tell patients considering plastic surgery something, what would it be?
Patients should do their homework and select a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in the procedure they are considering. We all have our special niches and the patient should not be shy about asking.
Anne Taylor, MD
Aesthetica Surgery and Spa
7227 N. High St.
Worthington OH 43085
www.drannetaylor.com
Robert T. Heck, MD, FACS
Diplomat American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member – ASAPS – American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Member – ASPS – American Society of Plastic Surgeons
When did you start practicing medicine?
I started practicing medicine in 1995.
How did you get started? What interested you in plastic surgery? Fun facts?
From the time I was young, I always knew that I wanted to be a physician. I have always been fascinated with the human body and had an affinity for architecture. I felt plastic surgery was the best place for me to use my talent and compassion for helping others while still being able to utilize my creative side.
What makes you unique?
My education and credentials make me unique. I am fellowship trained in aesthetic surgery by one of the most prominent plastic surgeons in America. The skills, experiences and talents that he has equipped me with make up the foundation of who I am as a surgeon, along with my attention to detail.
Specialty, expertise, favorite procedure?
My specialty and expertise is aesthetic surgery of the breast, body and face. My favorite procedures to perform are breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck and liposuction.
If you could tell patients considering plastic surgery something, what would it be?
Be true to yourself. When choosing a procedure, make sure it is one that will make you happy. When choosing a plastic surgeon, look for signs of excellence: top doctor awards, fellowship training and experience. Most of all, choose a doctor you feel will individualize your experience and make you feel comfortable.
Robert T. Heck, MD, FACS
Columbus Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery
5005 Arlington Centre Blvd, Upper Arlington, Oh 43220
4030 Easton Station, Suite 260, Columbus Oh 43219
www.ColumbusPlasticSurgery.com
When did you begin practicing medicine?
I graduated from medical school in 1982 and first practiced as a general and trauma surgeon in the Air Force in 1987.
How did you get started? What interested youin plastic surgery?
I was fortunate to observe surgery as a 14-yearold. My father, an anesthesiologist, allowed me to accompany him while he was on call. While I was there, I observed a young man who had been in a car accident. The young man needed facial reconstruction from a plastic surgeon. That is when I knew what I wanted to do. Art layered on science!
What makes you unique?
I’m a science nerd with an artist’s perspective.
Specialty, expertise, favorite procedure?
I love doing facial rejuvenation surgeries, especially facelifts and rhinoplastys.
If you could tell patients considering plastic surgery something, what would it be?
Be sure to choose a surgeon who is board certified in plastic surgery and is attentive enough to look you in the eyes and understand you compassionately and honestly. People are all so different in their goals, it is important to understand the person in order to be able to best advise the change.
Timothy A. Treece, MD, FACS
Columbus Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery
5005 Arlington Centre Blvd
Upper Arlington, OH 43220
4030 Easton Station, Suite 260
Columbus Oh 43219
www.ColumbusPlasticSurgery.com
When did you start practicing medicine?
I started practicing medicine in 1992.
How did you get started? What interested you in plastic surgery? Fun facts?
After surgical residencies at The Ohio State University, I joined practice with Dr. Ronald Berggren. After his retirement five years later, Dr. Timothy Treece and I formed Columbus Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery. I was attracted to plastic surgery because of its creativity and the ability to have a positive impact on patients’ lives. Even after 25 years, I still go to work thinking I have the best job in the world! Fun fact – one of my hobbies is needlepoint, which makes sense for a surgeon.
What makes you unique?
I have a background in engineering, which is a great science for problem solving and also design. I approach surgery from a standpoint of form and function. There is a balance of aesthetics with an understanding of how the body works and the patient’s needs in terms of activities of life, their work, their exercise habits and their hobbies.
Specialty, expertise, favorite procedure?
My specialty is general plastic surgery with a mix of aesthetic surgery and reconstruction, although good reconstructive surgery is also aesthetic surgery.
My favorite operation is an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) because the results can often be dramatic, and I can see the positive changes in contour while still in the operating room.
If you could tell patients considering plastic surgery something, what would it be?
My advice is to choose a board certified plastic surgeon. Ask plenty of questions and do your research. Be as healthy as you can to prepare for surgery by stopping smoking, enjoying a healthy diet and getting some exercise.
Understand the recovery process including how much time to be off work, what activity restrictions there will be and how long it will be before you achieve your final results.
Susan D. Vasko, MD, FACS
Columbus Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery
5005 Arlington Centre Blvd, Upper Arlington, OH 43220
4030 Easton Station, Suite 260, Columbus OH 43219
www.ColumbusPlasticSurgery.com
When did you start practicing medicine?
I am currently in my 14th year of practice with Columbus Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery. I can truly say that I explored practice opportunities all over the country, and I found that CAPS was the perfect fit for me.
How did you get started? What interested you in plastic surgery? Fun facts?
I was fortunate enough to have a friend suggest going into plastic surgery when I was in medical school. At the time, I honestly had no idea what plastic surgeons actually did. After doing some exploration, I realized that the field offered me an opportunity to encompass all of the aspects of medicine that I loved. Every day I have a chance to do unique problem solving, actually address those problems and see the results of my efforts. I also need to really get to know my patients so that I can understand where they are coming from and help guide them through the entire process. I’m really lucky to be able to meet so many terrific people. I tell people all the time that I have the best job in the world.
What makes you unique?
I’m very passionate about making sure that I really try to understand what patients are hoping to accomplish at their first meeting with me. Once I understand, I can take this knowledge and use it to inform my customized treatment plan, and also to educate the patient so that he or she knows what to expect through the treatment process. My meticulous attention to detail along each step of the way and a great team working alongside me help to ensure that the whole experience is very patient-centered and delivers the desired results.
Specialty, expertise, favorite procedure?
One of the best parts of my job is the diversity of what I do. I see patients from all walks of life and under various circumstances for both reconstructive and cosmetic reasons — and frequently for a combination of both. People ask me all of the time what my favorite procedure is, and I honestly don’t have one. I even enjoy the non-surgical aspects of my practice like fillers and Botox. At the end of the day, I went into plastic surgery not because I would learn particular procedures, but because it would teach me skills to solve a myriad of problems in unique ways that would continue to evolve over my career.
If you could tell patients considering plastic surgery something, what would it be?
Obviously, the first thing you need to know is that whoever is doing your surgery or procedure is well trained in what he or she is doing for you. Board certification is a great first step to confirm this, but I believe that finding the right plastic surgeon requires a lot more. When you meet your surgeon, you want to walk away knowing that this person listened to you about your goals and any concerns you have about the procedure — that this person and their team are there for you throughout the entire process you are considering. You want to go into the process feeling confident that you have the best team working with you.
John K. Wakelin, MD, FACS
Columbus Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery
5005 Arlington Centre Blvd, Upper Arlington, Oh 43220
4030 Easton Station, Suite 260, Columbus Oh 43219
www.ColumbusPlasticSurgery.com