Dr. Carmen M. Kavali & Dr. Teri N. Moak

Dr. Kavali: I didn’t know I wanted to do plastic surgery at all until I saw a TRAM flap during my general surgery residency and I was blown away by the brilliance and elegance of that procedure, which uses abdominal tissue to rebuild a breast after breast cancer

Dr. Moak: My primary goal when I meet a patient is to help that person first recognize their inherent unique beauty. The majority of my consultations are spent listening to a patient’s desires and goals and working to help them understand all of their options in full. I focus a great deal on educating my patients, arming them with knowledge that they can use to make empowered decisions. Once a patient and I enter into a partnership of their surgical care, my focus is centered on delivering the best care possible to that patient. We have subsequent meetings to finalize and review the surgical plan that will best achieve the patient’s goals. I spend time ensuring the patient understands the road to recovery following surgery. My motto is simple: Be available. I call every patient the night following surgery. They are given my personal number for emergencies. I see every patient the day following surgery to ensure all is going well and all questions are answered as they enter the healing phase of their journey, and I see them frequently through their postoperative journey. I want that patient to know that I am truly invested in all aspects of their care.

Dr. Kavali: I love that we are known as the “surgeons’ surgeon”— we operate from head to toe and aren’t confined to a specific body area

Dr. Kavali: I’m amazed that many people still don’t understand that a board-certified plastic surgeon is not the same as a “cosmetic” surgeon

Dr. Kavali: Until you give up the idea that happiness is somewhere else, it will never be where you are

Dr. Kavali: It will all work out—always. Dr. Moak: Work hard, choose a good attitude, and be kind. Live your life in such a way that you leave others touched, moved, and inspired.

Dr. Kavali: I think we’re going to see an increase in the use of fat transfer for recontouring faces and bodies

Dr. Kavali: There has been a definite shift toward more minimally invasive and nonsurgical options for facial and body rejuvenation

Dr. Moak: I am active in our American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, serving on committees, educating younger plastic surgeons, and participating in research. I am also active on a global stage with the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Kavali: We have a full range of options for our clients, for both nonsurgical and surgical treatments

Dr. Kavali: The first step is understanding what endpoint my patients expect. I always ask, “Six months later, what do you need to see in the mirror to believe it was all worth it?” That answer tells me all I need to know. We can then have a discussion about whether those are realistic goals and either look in the mirror together, or use my Vectra 3D imaging software, to see where we’re starting and discuss any potential limitations. Dr. Moak: Patient expectations, I feel, are best managed with adequate education. I try to thoroughly educate patients in any way that resonates with them – whether it’s using cartoon drawings, analogies, before-and-after photos for demonstration, anything. I will even go so far as to delay surgery if I feel a patient does not yet have a true understanding of a likely result from their treatment. It is of utmost importance to me that my patients are making the best decisions for themselves and that they feel empowered and confident in their decision to have surgery. Education is a critical component of that process.

Dr. Moak: My motto is simple: Be available. I call every patient the night following surgery. They are given my personal number for emergencies. I see every patient the day following surgery to ensure all is going well and all questions are answered as they enter the healing phase of their journey, and I see them frequently through their postoperative journey. I want that patient to know that I am truly invested in all aspects of their care.

Dr. Kavali: Breast augmentations, tummy tucks, Mommy Makeovers, liposuction, facelifts and injectables

Dr. Kavali: I’ve been placing more implants above the muscle versus over the muscle—recovery time is shorter and we can avoid animation deformity

Dr. Moak: Recently, there has been more of a trend toward natural-appearing enhancements. I hope this becomes not only more popular but the norm. I believe every patient is beautiful. Whenever I am offering surgery to someone, I try to respect their natural beauty, providing enhancements that are unique to that patient. Plastic Surgery isn’t about looking like someone else or achieving a fabricated version of beautiful. It’s about feeling confident in your skin, walking a little taller, and being proud of what you already are.

Dr. Kavali: I don’t like to pigeonhole myself as my practice continues to evolve with my patients over time, but I’m best known for my Mommy Makeovers. As my “moms” have gotten older— I’ve been in practice for more than 16 years—I’m now also doing a lot of facelifts and injectable treatments like Botox Cosmetic and dermal filler

Dr. Kavali: Our practice is about the whole body, from head to toe. It’s about the whole person, from the inside out. We care about who you are as an individual and we strive to make your outside match how you feel on the inside. It’s not about just the face, breast or body; it’s about bringing it all together

Dr. Kavali: Hearing that a new patient was sent to me by a former one is the best praise

Dr. Kavali: Train, Adele and Chris Tomlin