Meet Lauren Patty, MD | Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Patty, MD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Patty, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted the freedom to create the practice I desired without the limitations or restrictions that are common when joining an established practice or group. I wanted to design every aspect of the office space and curate an experience for patients from the moment they schedule their first appointment. My goal was to create a high-end office with all of the newest technologies to offer patients while maintaining an environment that feels comfortable and welcoming. I also value work-life balance, so creating my own business meant I was solely responsible for setting my work hours, which has enabled me to block out time for myself and for the people in my life. After 10 years of medical and surgical training during which protected personal time is never completely guaranteed and missing out on important family/friend events is commonplace, I decided it was time to prioritize myself and my life alongside my career aspirations.

What should our readers know about your business?
My practice is truly patient centered – I focus on really listening to patients’ concerns and trying to understand the motivations behind their surgical goals. Only then can I formulate an appropriate plan with the patient and have an honest conversation to set realistic expectations around the surgical process and expected outcome. My practice is unique in that I am involved in every step of patient care – patients see me every visit and do not get passed off to nurse practitioners or physician assistants at any point. What I’m excited most about is the ability to help women in my community – As a woman, I can appreciate the specific needs of women and love connecting with patients on a relatable level.

This was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. I do not have a business background, so starting my business immediately after residency and going into practice alone was incredibly daunting. There was a steep learning curve! From finding office space to seeing patients, purchasing medical and office supplies, billing patients and insurance companies, marketing myself, hiring employees, all while trying to stay within a budget required more self-learning and patience than I could ever have imagined. My husband told me from day one, “keep your nose to the ground and grind like you did in training, there’s no way you will fail if you maintain that level of work ethic”. And he was right. There were many moments of frustration, self-doubt, and financial concerns, but taking the leap at the right time in order to grow has proven to be the right path to success for me!

I’ve learned that no two patients are ever the exact same, even if their complaints are similar. Every person’s unique anatomy and distinct goals means no surgery will ever be the exact same as the person’s before them. I’ve realized the importance of adaptability – having a solid game plan, a back-up plan, and being able to think creativity in the moment to adapt a procedure to unexpected challenges.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to Shady Canyon Golf Club for a round of golf with spectacular canyon views and a sunset dinner out on the terrace of the Talon Bar Restaurant to watch the sun setting over the golf course while sipping on specialty cocktails.
For a relaxing day by the pool, we would hangout in a cabana at the Pendry, followed by sushi and steaks at Set for dinner, then would head over to the Elwood Club for cocktails and live music in the cabaret.

The next day I would treat them to a facial at my office by one of my fabulous estheticians, then lunch and a full afternoon of shopping at Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza. For dinner, we’d head to Ocean 48 for some amazing seafood and a taste of that Newport Beach vibe.

We’d recover from our day of shopping by driving down the coast to Laguna Beach, grab food at Urth Café and take a walk down by the water. We’d head up to check out some of the waves in Huntington Beach, then grab dinner with a unique speakeasy feel at LSXO – a hidden restaurant for those in the know.

For our last day, we’d take the Pacific Surfliner Train down to San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente to walk around the towns and check out the Mission at San Juan Capistrano. Then we’d head back to my house for a glass of wine and some homemade lasagna.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve had some very helpful guidance from mentors in my field, but the greatest contributors to my success are my incredible husband and family. Their constant support, belief in my abilities, and guidance through the hard times have undoubtedly enabled me to be the successful physician and entrepreneur I am today. There were plenty of times I wanted to take the easier paths along the way, but they reminded me that I am made of tougher stuff and am truly capable of anything I set my heart to achieving. As a Plastic Surgeon in practice 4 years before me, my husband has been a special mentor of sorts; he has pushed me to grow surgically and professionally through sharing his experiences, while also keeping an open mind and entertaining my ideas and input on surgical cases. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better partner for life!

Website: https://laurenpattymd.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenpattymd/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lauren-patty-md-newport-beach