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Q: Every plastic surgeon has a particular focus. What is yours?
My practice focus is on patient satisfaction optimizing safety and comfort as well as consistent, beautiful results. Perhaps that’s why I have such a strong referral practice and patients who return for additional procedures.
My clinical focus includes: reconstructive and cosmetic breast surgery, including breast augmentation, breast lift procedures and breast reduction; cosmetic body contouring, including tummy tucks, liposuction and contouring after massive weight loss; and surgical facial rejuvenation, including short-scar face lifts, eyelid rejuvenation and Asian/ethnic cosmetic surgery.
My staff and I also perform a wide range of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including Botox®, injectable fillers (Restylane®, Juvederm™, and fat grafts), chemical peels, laser hair removal, and skin treatments using the Obagi® System.
Q: What is most important to you during a consultation with a new patient?
My patients regularly comment that I spend much more time with them than most other cosmetic surgeons. An initial consultation with me is the opportunity for me to educate a patient about their options. I want them to be fully informed and get all their questions and concerns answered. Cosmetic surgery is an important step in anyone’s life. I want all my patients to have a comprehensive understanding of their options and to be confident about their choices.
Q: Where did you get your education and training?
A: I graduated Magna Cum Laude with High Honors from Princeton University and received my M.D. and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degrees from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Mass.
As for training, I completed my general surgery training at the George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and my training in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery at the prestigious Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine.
Q: You are an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Medical Association. Why does this matter to your patients?
A: I consider myself an advocate for patients and other dedicated physicians. There are issues on the table, like insurance coverage and access to care that require hands-on attention. As Director of the Center of Advanced Breast Restoration, I have witnessed first-hand insurance companies trying to deny patients access to even reconstructive procedures after breast cancer. Simply put – this is not OK! Being actively involved in advocating for my patients allows me to serve my community to help represent the voice of patients in this ever-evolving American health care system. Being in a leadership position gives me the opportunity to make a difference that is tangible to my patients.
Q: You often speak to your peers. Where have you been a presenter?
A: As an academic plastic surgeon with a commitment to scientific based outcomes, I have had the opportunity to share my clinical research and ideas at prominent medical organizations for plastic and reconstructive surgeons, including the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
Q: Safety is a major issue for you. How does this impact the work you do?
A: As board-certified plastic surgeons, we are physicians above all else and must do everything possible to ensure a patient’s good health. My medical research focuses on analyzing outcomes in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery - both clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. I know I say it a lot, but nothing matters more than patient safety.
Most recently, I served as editor of a special patient safety issue of Seminars of Plastic Surgery titled “Optimization of Patient Safety in Cosmetic Surgery.” I am also the principal investigator in a large multi-institutional study focused on outcomes in breast reconstruction and continue to explore and scientifically evaluate new methods to improve outcomes in cosmetic plastic surgery.
Q: You have achieved many honors from leading medical associations. What are they?
A: I’m very proud to have received honors from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, Association for Academic Surgery, and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. I was named one of Houston’s Top Doctors in 2007 and 2008 by H Texas Magazine and Houston’s Top doctors for Women in 2007.
It has been particularly gratifying to be one of the few plastic surgeons nationally to receive the 2008 American Medical Association Foundation Leadership in Medicine Award for my work in Houston and in Washington, DC advocating for patient rights.
Q: Why have you gone into private practice after years as an assistant professor in the plastic surgery division of the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine?
A: After serving as chief resident in plastic surgery, I was recruited by Baylor College of Medicine to help develop their first program in cosmetic plastic surgery through the new Center for Aesthetic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. After rapidly building a robust practice in the medical center and the suburbs of Houston, I developed Basu Plastic Surgery and The Center for Advanced Breast Restoration to provide more personalized, private care in a beautiful, relaxing environment of my own creation. In addition, I can now see and treat patients in convenient locations closer to home in addition to our Texas Medical Center location: The Woodlands, and NW Houston/Cypress areas.
Q: How do you choose members of your staff?
A: I look for people skills, first and foremost, because I insist that our patients be treated with the utmost care, respect and compassion. I can train staff members on our systems and methods but sensitivity, the ability to connect with people, integrity and loyalty cannot be taught.
Q: What advice do you have for someone contemplating plastic surgery?
A: I’d tell them to meet with more than one surgeon so they’re confident they’ve made the right choice. Look for board-certification, beautiful results in the before & after photos, and that indefinable connection and confidence that they should feel with their surgeon. Surgery is a process from pre-op to post-op and beyond. That’s why the relationship matters.
Call our Houston cosmetic surgery office today at (713) 799-2278 for more information or to schedule your free cosmetic consultation.
C. BOB BASU, MD, MPH, FACS · BASU PLASTIC SURGERY · 713-799-BASU (2278)
6400 FANNIN STREET · SUITE 2100 · HOUSTON, TX 77030
9200 PINECROFT DRIVE · SUITE 350 · THE WOODLANDS, TX 77380
11302 FALLBROOK DRIVE · #308 · HOUSTON, TX 77065
