Plastic Surgery-Not Just Another Pretty Face

Dr David Low

Professor of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Background:

David Low thought about becoming an architect. When he was a student years later in medical school he was influenced by a mentor to study plastic surgery. He is now using his interests and talent in art and building as a plastic surgeon who specializes in re-constructive surgery, which is the process of restoring appearance and functioning to a person who has lost such appearance and ability through  an accident, illness, infection, congenital abnormalities, or tumors.

Graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, with additional training in general surgery and plastic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. Attending Surgeon at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia since 1989

Overview:

Consumers rarely get a glimpse ” behind the scenes” of what goes on in a surgeon’s mind and how they approach surgical challenges. Dr Low discusses why he made the decision to become a plastic surgeon and has the rare ability to blend delightful self disclosure about career choice with how he approaches his daily work as a plastic surgeon for those who need it the most.

3 Key Points:

1. Plastic Reconstructive surgery is utilized to restore functional use of a body part and to look normal.
2. Reconstructive plastic surgery carries a <5% risk and  there can be complications.
3. Regrouping and working through the issues between surgeon and patient is critical in achieving a positive outcome.