Mommy Makeover: Info, Photos, Rewiews, Q&A

Over 10 years in practice, Dr. Mesa has become internationally recognized as an innovator in the field of facial rejuvenation under local anesthesia. “If someone requires surgery from the clavicle up, 99.9% of the time, I do it safely and painlessly under local anesthesia,” says Dr. Mesa. He teaches his approach to performing facelifts and neck lifts under local anesthesia at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) annual meeting.

He also commonly performs breast implants, tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and other surgeries under general anesthesia. All of the facilities Dr. Mesa operates in are fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

Dr. Mesa received his MD at the Universidad de Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia. After residencies at Harvard University and Penn State University in general and plastic surgery, respectively, he completed fellowships at Harvard (plastic surgery research), the University of Michigan (craniofacial surgery), and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (aesthetic plastic surgery) before opening his practice.

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Mesa is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), ASPS and ISAPS. He has been published regularly in numerous academic journals and is a proud author of the new medical textbook Atlas of Operative Craniofacial Surgery.

RealSelf Q&A with Dr. John Mesa

RS: How would you describe your approach to plastic surgery?
JM: I treat patients like I’d treat my family. My passion is to make patients look their best.

RS: What sets your practice apart from others?
JM: Three things:
1) My entire team cares about each patient’s wants and needs. Throughout the whole process, from the consultation to the surgery to post-op care, we strive to make patients feel at ease and address all of their concerns.
2) People really like my results, and they say they set me apart from other surgeons, especially in buccal fat removal. They all say the change they see looks very natural, attractive, and youthful.
3) We’re not pushy or sales-oriented. My team and I are here to help people. My patients never feel pressured to have a procedure.

RS: What inspired you to be a surgeon?
JM: I wanted to be an architect, but I studied medicine because I liked biology and thought there would be more job opportunities. During medical school I chose plastic surgery because I realized that it’s like being an architect of the face and body.

RS: What’s a consultation with you like?
JS: One-on-one consultations range between 45 and 60 minutes. I explain everything about the procedure and show before-and-after photos. I don’t leave the room until all their questions are answered and concerns are addressed. I’m happy to meet with them again prior to surgery. I want to be sure they’re fully satisfied that their goals will be achieved.