Orlando Plastic Surgeon James Matas, MD

Meet Dr. Matas

A board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. James Matas has a diverse background ranging from hospital chief of staff to Medical Director and owner of his own private practice, the Advanced Centre for Plastic Surgery.

Graduating from the University of Notre Dame with his degree in Mechanical Engineering, his first position was designing pacemakers. After a short time, he realized his true calling was to be a physician. He received his medical degree from the University of Miami Medical School, completed his residency training in general surgery at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and continued with plastic surgery training at Indiana University Medical Center. Before beginning private practice as a plastic surgeon, he performed his plastic surgery fellowship in his hometown of Miami, Florida under the direction of Drs. Baker and Gordon, world-recognized pioneers in plastic surgery.

• Dr Matas’ Curriculum Vitae/Resume
• Dr. Matas’ Message to Patients
• Q&A with Dr. Matas
• What is a Plastic Surgeon
• Importance of Board Certification
• How to Find the Best Plastic Surgeon
• Questions to Ask a Plastic Surgeon

He sets the tone for the way in which the practice operates with his honesty, ethical standards, caring demeanor and exceptional surgical skills. A nationally recognized leader in plastic surgery, he is the Past President of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons , and served as Vice President of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Thank you so much for once again taking such good care of me. At a time when I felt so vulnerable, it was comforting to know that my capable doctor and his staff were at the helm. As always, your generosity and miraculous ability to subtract the years is very much appreciated. You can be proud of the kind of practice you’ve developed – you and your staff have succeeded in making another satisfied patient feel comfortable, confident and thrilled with her results!

Dr. Matas’ Message to Patients

As a plastic surgeon, I will combine surgical training with developed skill, my clinical judgement and 37 years of experience performing plastic surgery procedures to assist you in achieving your goals. These goals may involve a change of appearance, the removal of a threatening cancer, the correction of a birth defect or any number of problems you may desire to correct about your face, breast or body.

As a patient, your responsibility is to communicate, as fully and as accurately as you can, about your area(s) of interest, your specific goals and the solutions you desire for a satisfactory outcome. The more information we can discuss regarding your desires and expectations, the better I will be able to treat your problem and deliver the results you are hoping for.

As a practice, we will listen to you, interpret your needs and honestly discuss the solutions that we think are best for you and those that fit your budget. We will convey both the pros and cons of the treatments or procedures being considered, as well as the possible complications and the recovery you could expect. We will help you to be as prepared mentally, physically and logistically as possible. We know from past experience that the best prepared patients also make the happiest patients.

Throughout our relationship together, whether weeks, months or years, we must strive to communicate openly where diagnosis and treatment are concerned. If this occurs, you will gain satisfaction from achieving your goals and I will gain satisfaction from having provided you this happiness.

Q&A with Dr. Matas

Q: What was your inspiration for becoming a plastic surgeon?

My inspiration to become a plastic surgeon occurred in several steps. I studied and completed my Mechanical Engineering degree at University of Notre Dame where I met another engineering graduate who was attending Medical School at Northwestern University and eventually became a neurosurgeon. I decided to go to Medical School as well. I attended University of Miami and then did a General Surgery Residency at University of Cincinnati. There I met a plastic surgeon, Dr. Henry Neal, who was trying to get a teaching program approved—I assisted in doing plastic surgery in order to make that happen. When I had completed my General Surgery Residency and the program was not ready to begin training plastic surgeons yet, I went off to Indiana University where I completed my plastic surgery training.

Q: What do you love most about being a plastic surgeon?

A: What I love about plastic surgery is the detail oriented nature of the procedures that we do and the creativity that this specialty offers.

Q: What sets you apart from other plastic surgeons?

I believe that by combining my engineering training with my general and plastic surgery training, I am better prepared to analyze a plastic surgical problem and solve it. This ability sets me apart from other plastic surgeons.

Q: Are there certain accomplishments or patient cases you are particularly proud of?

A: There have been many accomplishments in my plastic surgery career. The majority are successes in patient care; I’ll mention one:

As a brand new plastic surgeon in Orlando, I took care of a 9-year-old boy that was injured on a riding lawnmower. His foot went through the floor of the mower, his foot was essentially amputated, and he was left without any padding along the bottom portion of his leg. I attached his leg to a flap originating on his buttock, and after three months I divided the flap and contoured the bottom of his leg. These procedures allowed him to be fitted with a prosthetic shoe, keeping the leg full length.

Q: Do you have a favorite plastic surgery procedure?

A: I enjoy doing all the procedures that I do and do not have any favorite procedure.

Q: What are you most excited about in regard to the future of plastic surgery?

Among the most exciting aspects of plastic surgery are the constant improvements in the procedures that we perform, which result in better outcomes for our patients.

What is a Plastic Surgeon?

A plastic surgeon performs cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures with the aim of improving the appearance, form, and function of the breasts, body, face, and skin. After becoming a medical doctor, a plastic surgeon goes on to undergo surgical training in a two- to three-year general surgery residency, followed by another two- to three-year plastic surgery residency. He or she may also complete a fellowship, which provides the opportunity to receive advanced training and focused experience in a specific area of plastic and reconstructive surgery (i.e. aesthetic plastic surgery, hand surgery, craniofacial surgery etc.).

Why Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?

Any plastic surgeon you consider for treatment should be board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This important credential confirms that a plastic surgeon has met all education and training requirements dictated by the ABPS and passed the rigorous oral and written exams administered by The Board.

Choosing to undergo plastic surgery is a big decision that deserves thoughtful consideration; however, the most crucial choice is selecting the right plastic surgeon. By ensuring your plastic surgeon is board-certified, you can be assured that he or she has met a high threshold of knowledge and excellence in their field. Be aware that while there are other types of surgeons who are legally allowed to perform plastic surgery, this does not mean that they have been board certified by the ABPS.

How to Find the Best Plastic Surgeon for Your Aesthetic Needs

In addition to finding a plastic surgeon who is board-certified, there are many other indicators, characteristics, and factors to consider that can guide you to the best plastic surgeon for your cosmetic goals:

• Look at Before-and-After Photos – See real life examples of a plastic surgeon’s work by exploring before-and-after photos of actual patients. Images may be displayed in online galleries and/or in-office photo books. Make sure to look at examples of patients who have undergone the procedures you are considering.
• Referrals and Recommendations – Ask friends, family members, or other doctors you trust to recommend a plastic surgeon they have had experience with. You may consider asking them what they like about the surgeon or the types of results they have seen.
• Education, Credentials, & Awards – Typically, evaluating the biography page of a plastic surgeon’s website can reveal information about schooling, residencies, fellowships, licensing, board certification, work history, awards, and professional recognitions.
• Notable Professional Associations and Memberships – Find out if he or she is involved in any professional organizations dedicated to the field of plastic surgery. Active membership in certain professional associations, such as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), can indicate a verified level of credibility and expertise. For ASAPS membership, a plastic surgeon must be board-certified by the ABPS, have aesthetic plastic surgery privileges at an accredited surgical facility, demonstrate experience in a broad range of aesthetic procedures, abide by a strict code of ethics, and meet continuing education requirements.
• Online Ratings and Reviews – Patient-generated ratings and reviews posted to top-tier social platforms can provide considerable insight into the experiences of real patients. Plastic surgeons with a high average rating across the board often work hard to ensure patient satisfaction at every stage of treatment. Reading specific reviews written by verified patients can illuminate the surgeon’s strengths, the feel of the practice, the quality of results, and more.
• Meet in Person for a Consultation – While online research is helpful, there is no substitute for a personal consultation with a plastic surgeon. Meeting face-to-face provides you with an opportunity to get a sense of a surgeon’s personality and unique approach. This is also a great time to ask all of the questions you have so that you can make the most informed decision about the surgeon that is right for you. The surgeon/patient relationship is one built on trust and comfort, and you should feel confident about moving forward with the surgeon you ultimately choose.

Questions to Ask a Plastic Surgeon

Evaluating a plastic surgeon’s qualifications, experience, and approach is a critical step in the process of finding the right surgeon for you. When you meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss cosmetic enhancements or reconstructive procedures, it is helpful to have a list of questions handy to make sure you get all of the answers you need to make the most informed decision about your care. To assist you, we have provided some important questions below that you may want to consider asking:

• Are you board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• What kind of training have you completed?
• How much experience do you have performing this particular procedure/treatment?
• Do you regularly perform this type of procedure/treatment?
• Can I see before-and-after photos of patients who have also undergone this procedure/treatment?
• What side-effects or risks should I be aware of?
• What kind of anesthesia will I require?
• Where will this procedure/treatment be performed?
• How much will this procedure/treatment cost? Does that price estimate include all anticipated fees and costs?
• How long can I expect my recovery to take? Will I need to take time off from work?
• How frequently do patients experience complications from this procedure/treatment?
• What do I do if I have a problem following my procedure/treatment?
• Will I see you at all of my follow-up appointments? Will you be monitoring my progress personally?
• Will this procedure result in visible scarring?
• What happens if I am not satisfied with the final outcome?
• How will my results change as I continue to age?

There is no reason to withhold any questions while attending your consultation with Dr. Matas. Open, honest communication is the key to developing the best treatment plan and relationship possible with your plastic surgeon. If you have initial questions before scheduling your appointment, we welcome you to call or email our practice.

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Matas, or if you want to schedule your personal consultation, we encourage you to contact the Advanced Centre for Plastic Surgery.