Photo Credit: Dr. Algie LaBrascaRaised in DuBois, PA, Algie LaBrasca, D.O., earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Mare Island, Vallejo, California. Dr. LaBrasca is currently a member of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, American Osteopathic Association, Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association, and Michigan Osteopathic Association. Dr. LaBrascawas appointed to the clinical faculty of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan in 2009.
What is your greatest achievement?
My greatest accomplishment is becoming a plastic surgeon. I'm from a small rural town in Pennsylvania and grew up with very few medical people within my family. Everything I've accomplished in my field I have made on my own. I credit my hard work, dedication, and determination to work through college, medical school, and then to become a plastic surgeon.
What is the future of your field?
The surgical future looks like more natural-appearing results. For example, many years ago breast surgeries were done with the idea that bigger is better. The future looks like a more natural-appearing result will become the norm versus those appearances that look "made up" or unnatural.
The aesthesis field is evolving through new technology that will allow for better results with less downtime from work.
What is the biggest misconception about your field?
The biggest misconception is that Plastic Surgeons just do cosmetic surgeries. For example, I have done surgery on newborn babies for various reasons or I also do several hundred Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel surgeries. Plastic surgeons do hand transplants or face transplants. We also get called in to help with closing wounds for general surgeons or will do trauma surgery when called upon. We also do skin cancer or breast reconstruction.
What are your most requested procedures?
My most requested procedures are Tummy Tucks, Liposuction, and breast surgery, including augmentation, lift, and reduction.
What surgical advancements are you most excited about?
I will likely adopt some of the newer radio frequency technology for skin tightening.
What are you best known for?
I'm best known for being ME. My personality and the fun I have at work and in my personal life are what I'm best known for. I feel people seek me out because of my passion for my work and for the love of my patients. I wake up every morning excited about my work, to help people, and to do good for my patients.
What is your most memorable patient reaction?
I recall a patient who was very self-conscious of weight. I recall her crying when she had to show me her belly prior to surgery after she had lost a lot of weight. She came in between two and three months after surgery and she was no longer uncomfortable and proud of her appearance. I looked at her and asked if she felt better now. Her reaction was that she started balling and said I can't explain enough how you changed my life and how much you will always mean to me.
What sets your practice apart?
My practice is a little different from others due to our relaxed, fun atmosphere. We love our patients and the staff are all friends with each other so it makes for an enjoyable, drama-free environment.
What do you love most about your profession?
I literally love everything about my profession. I have a diversity of things I can do and no day is the same as the previous day. I also enjoy working with other specialists and assisting them with patients that they need assistance with.
