Meridian Plastic Surgery

95% of all cosmetic procedures done in the US are performed by board certified plastic surgeons.  The other 5% are done by dermatologists and other doctors.  However, if you look at what board certified plastic surgeons do as a whole, only 30% of their work is cosmetic, 70% is reconstructive surgeries.

Meridian Plastic Surgery opened in October, 1998, offering services that had never been available in Meridian. They have stayed on top of new technology and procedures for over 20 years and still offer things not available other places in the Southeast.  MPS offers a full range of reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgeries.  This can range from birth defects in children, reconstructive cancer surgeries, surgeries to correct carpel tunnel, trigger finger and repair hand injuries.  They do a lot of eye lid surgery, and cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body.   Most people think of plastic surgery as only the cosmetic side such as breast implants, facelifts and so forth.  In fact, the amount of cancer surgery and reconstructive surgery after injuries and burns and those types of things is significant.  MPS does about 50% cosmetic and 50% reconstructive procedures.

The non-surgical side of the clinic offers treatments for skin and aging, fat reduction, laser procedures, cool sculpting that melts fat, facials of different types and chemical peels.  They offer products to help with the prevention of skin cancer and reduce signs of aging skin.

MPS’s slogan is, “You are more under the surface.”  Their clinic is not one where plastic surgery is promised as a panacea for all your problems.  They take a much more holistic approach and are trying to treat more of the whole patient and not just fix one little thing the patient sees as an imperfection.  They strive to be very approachable.  You can still drive up and walk in the door; you don’t have to be referred.

Dr. Lee Thornton says, “Having our business in Meridian, means we can enjoy the small town atmosphere, friendly people, and lack of lengthy commutes.  That’s made having a busy job and raising kids easier.  Dr. Elliott and I feel that Meridian has a lot to offer for a town this size.  And businesses, here, are still built and maintained on relationships.  Not only reputation and service; but also that comfort of knowing with whom you’re dealing makes a big difference.  Joining groups such as EMBDC, getting involved and connected in the community, and getting out to meet people goes a long way here.  There is so much we can learn from each other.  We need more diversity and young business people with new ideas joining our business organizations.  It is important to support and give back to the community that you live in.  After all, the community is supporting you. 

Dr. Thornton sums up, “The most rewarding thing about working as plastic surgeons is when a patient returns and says their lives have truly been changed after surgery.  We feel we have done our jobs.  When we look at the reconstructive work we do for people after disfiguring trauma or surgery and it’s difficult to tell what had happened to them, we feel we have done our best.”