REBEKAH KELLER

Dr. James Matas

James Matas, MD, is working to give plastic surgery a face-lift. He is an experienced cosmetic surgeon, but his patients aren't the only ones he's transforming. Matas is also committed to upholding high ethical standards throughout the field of plastic surgery.

Born and raised in Miami, Matas attended the University of Notre Dame in 1971 and majored in mechanical engineering. He enrolled in medical school at the University of Miami, steering away from engineering to a field that worked more often with people while still allowing him to use his hands. Surgery was an easy decision, and eventually he decided to pursue plastic surgery. After finishing his residency, Matas moved home to Miami and completed a three-year cosmetic surgery fellowship under world-renowned plastic surgeons Thomas Baker and Howard Gordon.

"When you first start out, you do everything; trauma, cleft lip and palette, and burn victims," Matas reflected.

After 10 years of practicing, Matas wanted to focus on cosmetic surgery, but the grueling schedules of staying up all night in the ER with trauma patients and then getting up early for cosmetic surgeries was taking a toll on him.

"I wasn't getting enough sleep to really give my all to both, so I decided to dedicate myself to cosmetic surgery."

Matas has now been in Orlando for 27 years at his own private practice, the Advanced Centre for Plastic Surgery. He still does skin cancer and reconstructive work, but mainly focuses on facial, breast, and body contouring. Through specializing in all cosmetic procedures, Matas has developed a community reputation for performing successful breast surgeries, including routine augmentations, previous augmentations with capsular contracture, and implant and scar tissue removal.

One might question the satisfaction level a doctor gets from only helping patients' outer appearances, but Matas insists he accomplishes more than that.

"It's amazing how much plastic surgery can boost self-confidence," Matas said. "Of course, we never advertise our service like that, but when patients come back for check-ups it's amazing to see the difference. I'm thrilled that we get more than physical results. I see it time and time again."

Matas isn't only concerned with enhancing his patients; he is also dedicated to improving his field. As an officer of two organizations that oversee the ethical practices of plastic surgeons, Matas is devoted to keeping those standards high.

"I feel like plastic surgery has been good to me and I needed to give something back to the specialty," said Matas.

Recently elected as treasurer for the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Matas has developed many impressive projects, such as compiling standard forms and checklists for physicians and patients alike, plus creating a complimentary video safety course for staff that teaches what medical problems to look for and then tests them afterwards. As president-elect of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons, Matas organizes educational speakers and is involved with legislative issues regarding plastic surgery. By implementing educational practices and regulatory ordinances, Matas hopes to maintain responsible members who practice in accredited facilities, while also ensuring the rights of plastic surgeons are protected.

Additionally through ASAPS, Matas is striving to make the public aware of the importance of seeing a board-certified physician. Because of the commercialized view of cosmetic services, many are not aware of the training and qualifications required of a plastic surgeon. Botox and filler companies are required by law to sell to any physician requesting the products, so the burden falls on consumers to research practitioners to find someone qualified.

"If the patient trusts the practitioner to administer Botox, the patient might trust them to perform other cosmetic procedures and they could get shortchanged," Matas worried.

Likewise, this matter encompasses the trend of seeking doctors overseas to perform procedures. Matas endeavors to make known the risks of such dealings, as well as highlighting the benefits of United States surgeons, who offer experience, results, and safety. Because of these advantages that are lacking in other countries, Matas is working on strategies to ethically market American plastic surgeons internationally while ensuring that foreign doctors are doing the same legally in our country.

Although busy with additional responsibilities, Matas finds ways to offer predictable results at his own practice, which he runs with his wife, Lisa, who serves as office manager. Recently, they have added a spa to enhance the services they offer, including massage therapy and laser treatment.

"We're pushing forward as a recognized specialty," Matas said. "But our practice is family-oriented and we personalize our care accordingly."