Once you’ve decided to have cosmetic surgery, your next logical step is determining who are the best facial, breast, or body plastic surgeons in Des Moines, Ankeny, Ames, Davenport, and the surrounding area. Choosing a surgeon is the most important decision you will make and one that should be based on the surgeon’s training, experience, and reputation, as well as the level of comfort you have with them.

2023 DSM People's Choice Awards - Best Cosmetic Surgery Practice Silver Badge

As the author of 50 Questions (You MUST Ask) Before You Have Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brenton Koch understands that your decision-making process should include an informative consultation that goes beyond asking about the cost of the procedure. Your consultation is your opportunity to learn more about a surgeon’s approach, experience, and personality to make sure that doctor is the right fit for you.

Meet Our Providers

At Koch & Carlisle, we have assembled a team of three highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons—two for the face and one for the breast and body. The result: exceptional plastic surgery results from head to toe for the West Des Moines, IA, area.

What Are the Most Important Factors When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon?

There are a few factors you should keep in mind as you search for the best plastic surgeon in Des Moines, Iowa, or wherever you reside.

Credentials

Your facial plastic surgeon should be certified by either the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery or the American Board of Otolaryngology. Our facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Brenton Koch and Cody Koch, are certified by both boards.

Our breast and body specialist, Dr. Michael Carlisle, is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This board is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and is the gold standard of certification for plastic surgeons who specialize in areas other than the face.

Experience

It’s also important to ensure that the plastic surgeon you select is experienced in the specific procedure you want done and is familiar with all technical advances associated with that procedure. At Koch & Carlisle Plastic Surgery & Spa, our providers have more than 45 years of combined experience in performing various cosmetic procedures.

Before making a decision, you should view photos of the surgeon’s patients who have undergone the same procedure you will have performed. You can see examples of our real patient results in our before-and-after photo gallery.

Staff & Facility

Your surgeon should be highly qualified and experienced. When making your choice, though, you should also consider the personal demeanor of the surgeon and the staff, where the procedure will be performed, and whether it will include a board-certified anesthesiologist and an accredited surgical facility.

Costs

Cost can also be a factor in your decision, but it may not be a good idea to select the surgeon who offers the least expensive procedure. Quality and safety should be your top priorities.

What Should I Ask My Plastic Surgeon During My Consultation?

Here are some additional questions to ask before making your final decision:

  • Am I a good candidate for this procedure? Why or why not?
  • How long will the operation take?
  • What are the risks?
  • How long will my recovery take?
  • Will you be involved in my postoperative care?
  • What happens if there is a complication and I need additional surgery?

If you would like to meet with one of our doctors, request a consultation at Koch & Carlisle Plastic Surgery & Spa, or call our office at  (515) 277-5555 to schedule an appointment. Women and men come to our West Des Moines plastic surgery practice from Ankeny, Urbandale, Davenport, and throughout Iowa.

Plastic Surgery FAQs

Why should I choose a face specialist for my facial procedure?

Our facial plastic surgeons perform facial plastic surgery procedures exclusively. Although many plastic surgeons offer procedures for the face and other areas of the body, our surgeons feel it is preferable to focus more intensely on a single area of specialty. Our facial specialists, therefore, perform far more facial procedures in a given period than other plastic surgeons, so patients can count on their thorough experience. Conversely, people interested in breast and body procedures can be sure Dr. Carlisle’s focus is entirely on treating the breast and body.

What is it that makes our faces look older?

In a youthful face, the apples of the cheeks are full, the skin is supple and evenly colored, and the jawline and neck are well defined. Over the years, one or more of the following signs of aging develop on the face:

  • Flat cheeks and hollows around the eyes and temples
  • Wrinkles, lines, and folds on the face and neck
  • Lax, thinning skin
  • Sagging brow and eyelids
  • Uneven coloring, brown spots, and redness
  • Jowls, double chin, and thickened neck

When you choose our practice for facial rejuvenation, you have the choice of surgical procedures such as eyelid surgery, nonsurgical procedures such as BBL® for beautiful skin, or a combination of both.

How much does plastic surgery cost in Des Moines?

The cost of your plastic surgery at our Des Moines practice can vary greatly depending on many different factors. Which procedure you get, whether it includes any implants, and the extent of your operation will all come into play, as will anesthesia and operating room costs. Because most procedures are not covered by insurance, it’s understandable to have questions about financing. Our staff will work closely with you to create a cosmetic plan that fits both your aesthetic goals and your budget.

What’s an endoscopic brow lift?

A traditional brow lift involves making a single incision along the hairline from ear to ear. An endoscopic brow lift requires only small, well-hidden incisions placed within the hairline. Your surgeon then uses a lighted scope with a miniature camera as he carefully performs the procedure. Using an endoscope leads to less swelling and bruising, so you recover more quickly.

Will a rhinoplasty help me breathe more easily?

Rhinoplasty, also called a nose job, is a cosmetic procedure to improve the aesthetic appearance of your nose. Nasal obstructions that impede breathing, such as a deviated septum, can be corrected through septoplasty. While the procedures are different, you can have both done during a single operation, which is often called functional rhinoplasty.

If I have dark circles under my eyes, will eyelid surgery help?

Blepharoplasty, often called eyelid surgery, typically doesn’t significantly reduce the appearance of dark circles. Dark pigmentation of the eyelid skin is more appropriately treated with nonsurgical treatments, such as dermal fillers.

Can I have liposuction on my face?

Absolutely. Although most people think of liposuction only for removing excess fat from the abdomen, thighs, or other body areas, we can help improve your neck and jawline using facial liposuction. It’s often combined with chin augmentation or a facelift for complete facial rejuvenation.

Can I achieve similar results with nonsurgical procedures?

Many people with early signs of aging aren’t ready for cosmetic surgery. Med spa procedures are increasingly popular and can provide significant but temporary changes. We use BOTOX® Cosmetic to smooth the wrinkles caused by facial muscle contractions such as crow’s feet around the eyes. Injections of dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM® can help smooth lines and folds such as nasolabial folds that run from the nose to the mouth. JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC can restore fullness in cheeks that look flat or sunken. For comprehensive, nonsurgical facial rejuvenation, we can combine filler and BOTOX injections.

I have multiple breast and body procedures I would like to have done. Can you perform them at the same time?

Combining breast and body procedures is very common. Popular options include combining breast augmentation with a breast lift, a tummy tuck with liposuction, or multiple procedures in a mommy makeover. Dr. Carlisle will create a customized treatment plan for you to bring your goals as efficiently, safely, and effectively as possible.

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