Dr. Theo Gerstle on Why Listening Matters More Than Technique in Plastic Surgery

• Dr. Theo Gerstle is a plastic surgeon at Lexington Plastic Surgery in Lexington, Kentucky.

What do most patients want when they come to you?

Kentucky, USA, Sep 02, 2026, ZEX PR WIRE — Most of my patients want to look refreshed, not different. The goal is to help patients feel more confident, while still looking like themselves. People are not looking for a dramatic transformation. They want to feel better about what they see in the mirror without losing who they are.

That starts with a conversation. Every patient is unique. You have to listen first. If you don’t understand what matters to that person, you can’t really help them. A good consultation means understanding goals, concerns, and expectations before talking about procedures.

How does your military background influence your work?

West Point teaches accountability. You learn quickly that details matter and that people are counting on you. That mindset carries into surgery. You have one chance to get it right, and patients trust you with something deeply personal.

The Boy Scouts taught me responsibility early. It taught me that leadership is really about service. Medicine was a natural next step after the Army. I realized medicine was the best way for me to continue helping people.

What procedures do you perform most often?

I perform facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, body contouring, and reconstructive surgery. I also specialize in migraine headache treatment, which includes nerve blocks, Botox, and surgical options. Emergency laceration repair is another part of the practice.

The approach is the same across all procedures. We start with the least invasive option that will achieve the result. Not every patient needs surgery. Sometimes a smaller intervention is the right answer.

How do you build trust with patients?

Trust starts with honest communication. Patients need to know what is realistic, what the recovery will look like, and what the risks are. If I do not think a procedure is right for someone, I say so.

Transparency matters. Patients appreciate when you take time to explain options and respect their decision-making process. This is their body and their choice. My job is to provide the information and the skill, not to push anyone in a direction they are not comfortable with.

What is the biggest mistake people make when considering plastic surgery?

They do not ask enough questions. People sometimes come in with a picture or an idea but have not thought through what the result will look like on their own body or face. Surgery is not one size fits all.

Another mistake is choosing a surgeon based only on price or convenience. This is not a haircut. It is a medical procedure with permanent results. Do your research. Meet with your surgeon. Make sure you feel heard and understood.

What do you wish more people knew about plastic surgery?

That good plastic surgery should not be obvious. If someone looks like they had work done, something went wrong. The goal is natural results that make people feel like a better version of themselves.

Also, plastic surgery is not just cosmetic. Reconstructive surgery helps people after trauma, cancer, or congenital issues. Migraine surgery can change lives for people who have struggled for years. The field is much broader than what you see on television.

If you do nothing else

1. Ask yourself what you really want before scheduling a consultation. Be specific about your goals.

2. Research your surgeon’s training, certifications, and experience. Board certification matters.

3. Schedule a consultation and come prepared with questions. Write them down ahead of time.

4. Be honest about your medical history and expectations. Withholding information puts you at risk.

5. Ask to see before-and-after photos of real patients, not stock images.

6. Make sure you understand the recovery process and have support in place before surgery.

7. Trust your instincts. If something feels off or rushed, find another surgeon.

If you found this helpful, share it with someone who is considering plastic surgery or struggling with migraines. They deserve to know what questions to ask.

About Dr. Theo Gerstle

Dr. Theo Gerstle is a plastic surgeon and founder of Lexington Plastic Surgery in Lexington, Kentucky. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in the Army before earning his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine, where he was elected class president each year and inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He completed his plastic surgery residency in the Harvard Combined Plastic Surgery Residency program in Boston. Dr. Gerstle established his private practice in 2014 and specializes in facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and migraine treatment.