Every week or two, an extremely well-meaning patient or person who has seen me for a consultation enquires about a procedure that I am trained to do (like rhinoplasty surgery – the most common such surgical procedure, or “minimally invasive” procedures like injectables, lasers, and office-based peels) but which I don’t perform. They are often perplexed that I tell them that I just don’t perform that procedure. I thought it might be interesting to put my thoughts to paper on this topic:

Have you wondered why some surgeons, like myself, Dr. Alton Ingram of Nashville, Tennessee, opt for a minimalist approach like this, even though it means we make way less money? The answer for me lies in my belief in delivering unparalleled quality and value.

The Value of Specialization

The Journey to Mastery: Every master in their field has one thing in common: dedication to a specific craft. For me, that craft is cosmetic surgery. I’ve spent years honing my skills, received post-plastic surgery residency fellowship training on three continents, lectured internationally on surgical techniques and patient safety, and I believe in offering only those procedures that I would perform on my own loved ones and I am a true expert.

Quality over Quantity: It’s a simple truth; being an expert in ten procedures offers more value than being average in one hundred (and plastic surgery is such a broad field that all plastic surgeons are trained in more than one hundred specific and frequently complex procedures). This is not just a belief, but a commitment to my patients.

The Significance of Focused Training Years of Expertise: My focus has always been to be the best at what I do. I’ve devoted eight years of postgraduate training to ensure that every procedure I offer is executed with precision.

The Risks of Being a Jack of All Trades: A broader service range often dilutes one’s expertise. By narrowing my scope, I guarantee excellence in every surgery that I perform.

Commitment to Patient Satisfaction: The decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is significant. Thus, I offer surgeries that bring about dramatic and transformative changes with high patient satisfaction.

Reducing Complications and Revisions: Focused expertise means fewer mistakes. It’s a fact. This translates to lower complication and revision rates for my patients.

The Power of Concentration: By concentrating only on surgeries, I ensure that every procedure I perform is to the best of my ability. It’s like becoming a maestro in a symphony, mastering every note.

 

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The Benefits of a Boutique Plastic Surgery Practice

Personal Time and Resource Allocation: Every patient deserves undivided attention. By not crowding my office with minor procedures, I ensure every patient gets ample time and the best of my practice’s resources.

A Rare Business Model: While many talented doctors offer injectables, lasers, and peels, our model differs. We believe in depth, not breadth. It’s not about high volume but high value. Nashville has some of the best plastic surgeons in the United States, but I only know one other surgeon in Nashville who limits his practice in the manner that I do.

Embracing Our Unique Path: My path isn’t for everyone, not even for most cosmetic surgeons, but it’s the one that my staff and I have chosen with pride and dedication. We believe in doing fewer things but doing them exceptionally well.