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Dr. Amy Ortega: Aesthetic Specialists of Atlanta

by Sue Bell

Dr. Amy Ortega is a board-certified, double-fellowship trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon with a unique combination of sub-specialized expertise in cosmetic surgery, aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery, and oculoplastic surgery.

Simon received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 1997. Following medical school, she completed a five-year residency program at Michigan State University that combined general surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery. She also completed a fellowship in Michigan in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery where she gained experience in the SPAIR vertical/short-scar breast surgery procedures and an additional fellowship in cosmetic and oculoplastic surgery with an Emory-affiliated practice in Atlanta. Ortega received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University in College Station in 1992.

Born in Pittsburg, Ortega considers Houston her home town. She came to Atlanta in 2003 and opened her practice, Aesthetic Specialists of Atlanta, later that same year. She is single and active in professional and social activities in Atlanta.

Simon first became interested in plastic and reconstructive surgery during medical school. Her active academic interest has included clinical research in the areas of ultrasonic liposuction, reconstructive and cosmetic facial burn surgery, reconstructive breast surgery for women with breast cancer, breast reduction surgery, and breast lift surgery. Over the years, she has developed special expertise in breast and cosmetic surgery. Obviously a person who takes great pride in her work, Ortega says, "It's just such a pleasure to help people feel better about themselves. I'm lucky to have this job. It's fun and people enjoy my work. Who could ask for anything more?"

Simon founded her practice because she wanted the challenge of building something remarkable and ethical. "I wanted to be sure that everything that has my name stamped on it is as perfect as it can be and that ethics are not even remotely in question. I want my practice to be known as very solid and respectable, and my work recognized as being well above par," she says.

Inspired by her patients, Ortega says that they are appreciative of her work and the difference that improved physical appearance makes in the quality of their lives. Her mentors also inspire her. Several outstanding surgeons, whose respect she values, have set excellent examples that inspire her and provide goals that she constantly strives to achieve.

While she practices all types of plastic surgery, Ortega is especially well known for the excellence of her breast surgery. She is responsible for introducing SPAIR vertical/short- scar breast surgery to this part of the country and is currently the only surgeon in the area who is fellowship trained in this technique. "The SPAIR method produces a much shorter scar than traditional techniques and is best," she says "for a breast reduction, a breast lift, an augmentation with a lift, and a breast reconstruction for a breast cancer patient.

When I am able to work with a breast cancer patient early on and plan her surgery before the mastectomy, the results are just outstanding. It is so wonderful when a patient feels that she has not lost her breast, but really gained an improvement."

Simon sees the reintroduction of silicone gel implants as an important breakthrough in breast surgery. "These implants are an important option for all breast surgery patients and especially for reconstruction patients because they produce a soft, natural breast," she says.

Changing attitudes about plastic surgery also are having a very positive impact on the field. "In past times a patient often did not want her best friend or her mom to know that she was having a face lift," she says. "Now, it's not a matter of 'if' but 'when are you having yours done.' This new attitude is good for the field of plastic surgery and good for patients, who feel more comfortable with their decisions."

Simon's parents, who always have been supportive and encouraging, have had the greatest influence on her personal life. She credits the surgeon with whom she did fellowship training, Dr. Dennis Hammond, who developed the SPAIR approach at the Center for Breast and Body Contouring in Grand Rapids, Mich., as being the biggest influence on her professional life. She says, "He is not only the most remarkable surgeon I've ever met but his heart is also in the right place, and he really cares about what he does."

For more information visit Dr. Ortega's website at www.ASAbeautiful.com or call (404) 751-2500. Aesthetic Specialists of Atlanta is located at 3390 Peachtree Road Atlanta, Suite 425, Atlanta, GA 30342. She also works out of BlueMed Spa in Midtown.