Dr. Oppenheimer’s Story

I feel lucky every single day—lucky that I work with such an amazing group of women, lucky that I get to help moms get their bodies back, and lucky to have been exposed to plastic surgery as a kid, both as a patient (read on!) and as a young student of my uncle and grandfather. Being a third-generation plastic surgeon is a blessing that I embrace daily.

Sharing the Gift of Healing

My calling to become a plastic surgeon was inspired at the tender age of five when my grandfather saved my tongue. All I remember is being very scared right after the accident, looking down at the blood on my t-shirt, and thinking as my mom dragged me up by my elbow, “Who on earth will we call for help in my time of greatest need?” (Spoiler alert: Did I mention my grandfather?)

Why I Became a Doctor

When I was five years old, I got my first bike without training wheels. Sticking my tongue out to concentrate (a habit I still can't shake, but fortunately, I wear a mask!), I wobbled, desperately trying to steady myself.

As I got around my first curve, the wheels skidded out, and I fell—chin first—on the pavement. I bit my tongue almost through and through. It was hanging on "by a thread."

Dr. Oppenheimer as a child on his grandfather's lap

Stitches Across Time

My gramps and my uncle, who was in his plastic surgery residency at the time, sewed me up on my kitchen table. (If you think about it, good overhead lighting and a flat working surface make an incredibly effective makeshift operating theater.) It was an unconventional introduction to the world of plastic surgery but one that cemented my interest in the intricate craft of surgical artistry and, more importantly, the power of human compassion.

Fast-forward about 30 years, and my tongue works just fine. All I have is the scar and the story. This is actually remarkable, given that five different cranial nerves innervate the tongue: the hypoglossal (for movement), the trigeminal and glossopharyngeal (for touch), and the facial and vagus nerves (for taste). Absolutely remarkable! Five different nerves that all found their way back on course.

Don't forget to thank your doctor. :)

Following My Role Model in the Field of Plastic Surgery

Needless to say, I grew to idolize my grandfather. I worked with him and my uncle, sterilizing instruments and painting water-stained ceiling tiles in the office at first, then progressing to the operating room. I was 16 when I started scrubbing into surgeries with my grandfather. I vividly remember him guiding my hand for the initial incision. It's a true story that I nearly fainted the first time I did a case with my Gramp, but I promise I've been rock-solid on my feet since then.

As you'd expect with any family tradition, I owe a great deal of respect to the work they've done. It is my life's greatest honor to be a third-generation plastic surgeon, and I'm committed to helping the world, both locally and globally. I find myself looking towards the future. My goals? To change the dialogue about the meaning of plastic surgery and, in so doing, to make exceptional plastic surgery available to all.

My Gentle Approach

From the moment you meet me, you’ll sense a genuine care for you and your individual goals. I promise to create an environment where you’ll feel instantly comfortable. Many patients have remarked on my uniquely warm, gentle, and caring bedside manner, a quality I hold dear. (Apparently, I have a voice for radio, which doesn’t hurt, so tune into my podcast to learn more about plastic surgery or drift off to sleep. It is up to you.)

Transparency is the key to my approach. I make it a point to share everything up front (follow my Instagram for daily updates), posting things like pricing, scarring, and recovery videos. This commitment to open and honest communication ensures you have a clear understanding of every aspect of your journey with me and my team.

My vision is to normalize plastic surgery through transparency and trust. I want to make the entire process of having plastic surgery a normal thing, with clear expectations, simple guidelines, exceptional care, and genuine kindness. Each and every woman should feel comfortable, understood, and empowered throughout their surgical journey. It is an honor to join you as you take this courageous step in your life to take back your body. I’ll be here when you need me.

Achieving YOUR goals one day at a time.

Advanced Plastic Surgeon but a Pediatrician at Heart

Growing up, my favorite movie was Dumbo, and to this day, it holds a special place in my heart. Beyond the enchanting tale of a lovable elephant with oversized ears, Dumbo’s journey resonated with me on a profound level. It wasn’t just about a cute character; it was a story of resilience, triumph over adversity, and self-love. A story of courage, grit, and good, old-fashioned “guts.”

As a plastic surgeon with the heart of a pediatrician (my fellowship was in pediatric plastic surgery), I found a deeper connection with Dumbo’s narrative and the unique social and emotional challenges faced by children with congenital differences like cleft lip and palate. Dumbo’s courage in facing his fears (and besting his bullies!) left an indelible mark on me.

My passion for helping children has led me on humanitarian missions to Colombia, Thailand, and China, collaborating with Operation Smile and Healing the Children. During these missions, I repaired cleft lip and palate deformities and reconstructed burn injuries in children. The need to share simple human kindness remains the wellspring that informs my need to support and empower the lives of others.