Choosing a Seattle plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you can make when considering cosmetic or reconstructive procedures. Whether you are seeking facial rejuvenation, a more balanced profile, or a youthful glow, selecting the right expert will determine your results and your overall experience.
In a city like Seattle — home to highly sophisticated medical centers and discerning clientele — patients increasingly prioritize natural-looking plastic surgery over dramatic or artificial outcomes. If you’re searching for the best Seattle plastic surgeon who can deliver subtle, harmonious results that enhance your beauty while preserving your individuality, this guide is for you.
Let’s explore how to make the most informed choice when selecting your surgeon and why many patients trust the expertise of board-certified facial plastic surgeons like those at The Larrabee Center.
Understand the Importance of Specialization
One of the first steps in choosing the right Seattle facial plastic surgeon is understanding that not all surgeons are equally trained or experienced in delivering natural-looking results.
Look for a surgeon who specializes in the type of procedure you are considering. For example, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Wayne Larrabee focuses exclusively on surgeries of the face, head, and neck — rather than offering a broad mix of body and facial procedures. This concentrated expertise results in a deeper understanding of facial anatomy, aesthetic harmony, and surgical precision.
Verify Board Certification
Board certification is a critical credential. Always choose a board-certified Seattle plastic surgeon, as this designation reflects the highest standards of education, training, and ethics in the field.
Dr. Wayne Larrabee, founder of The Larrabee Center, is double board-certified and has been a leader in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery for decades. His colleague, Dr. Susan Kurian, also brings deep expertise and a passion for natural results.
Certification through organizations such as:
- American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS)
- American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
… ensures that your surgeon has completed rigorous examinations and maintains continuing education in the latest techniques.
Review Before-and-After Photos
A trusted Seattle cosmetic surgeon will be transparent about their results.
Reviewing an extensive gallery of before-and-after photos helps you gauge the surgeon’s aesthetic style. Pay attention to whether the results look natural — not over-pulled, exaggerated, or artificial.
At The Larrabee Center, Dr. Larrabee’s work is known for its elegant subtlety. Patients frequently remark on how refreshed, yet authentic, they look post-surgery.
Key things to assess in photos:
- Facial balance and symmetry
- Minimal visible scarring
- Maintenance of natural facial expressions
- Soft, youthful contours rather than an “overdone” appearance
Look for Advanced, Personalized Techniques
A hallmark of an excellent Seattle plastic surgery center is the use of advanced, customized techniques tailored to your anatomy and goals.
At The Larrabee Center, procedures such as the deep plane facelift, preservation rhinoplasty, and custom brow lifts are carefully adapted for each patient. Dr. Larrabee’s renowned textbook, The Art and Craft of Facial Rejuvenation, emphasizes the importance of personalized vector lifts and respecting the natural structures of the face.
Similarly, Dr. Kurian offers sophisticated techniques in ethnic rhinoplasty, liquid rhinoplasty, and deep laser resurfacing — always with an eye toward authenticity and balance.
Prioritize a Comprehensive Consultation
An in-depth consultation is your opportunity to evaluate the surgeon’s philosophy and communication style. During this meeting, you should expect:
- A thorough discussion of your goals
- A clear explanation of surgical and non-surgical options
- Honest feedback about what is realistic for your anatomy
- Education on risks, benefits, and recovery timelines
At The Larrabee Center, Dr. Larrabee and Dr. Kurian take the time to truly understand each patient’s desires and concerns, fostering trust and collaboration.
Evaluate Their Reputation and Recognition
A strong professional reputation matters. When seeking the best Seattle plastic surgeon, consider the following:
- Are they invited to lecture or teach other surgeons?
- Have they published peer-reviewed research?
- Are they recognized by professional societies or patient communities?
Dr. Wayne Larrabee, for instance, is internationally respected, with over 250 published articles and leadership roles in prestigious organizations like the AAFPRS and IFPS. His global humanitarian work through Global Surgical Outreach further highlights his integrity and dedication to advancing the field.
Check for a Full Spectrum of Offerings
An exceptional Seattle facial plastic surgeon offers a comprehensive range of treatments — from surgery to minimally invasive enhancements — all with an emphasis on natural-looking plastic surgery.
The Larrabee Center provides services such as:
- Facelift and mini facelift
- Rhinoplasty
- Brow lift
- Eyelid surgery
- Chin augmentation
- Non-surgical options: injectables, laser resurfacing, skin care
Offering both surgical and non-surgical options ensures that you receive the most appropriate treatment for your goals — not just a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
Prioritize Artistic Vision
Ultimately, plastic surgery is as much an art as a science. A talented Seattle plastic surgeon should have a refined aesthetic sensibility and a commitment to achieving harmony between your features.
Dr. Larrabee’s unique background as a photographer and poet informs his approach to facial aesthetics. His goal is to enhance your natural beauty, not to impose a generic look.
Similarly, Dr. Kurian’s artistry is evident in her passion for creating soft, balanced outcomes that reflect each patient’s individuality.
Look for Excellent Patient Care and Support
A Seattle plastic surgery center should provide exceptional care throughout your journey — from your first consultation to your recovery and follow-up visits.
At The Larrabee Center, the commitment to personalized attention is clear:
- A dedicated Aesthetic Center offers cutting-edge non-surgical treatments.
- Highly trained staff provide a supportive, welcoming environment.
- State-of-the-art surgical facilities ensure the highest standards of safety.
Patients consistently praise the compassion, professionalism, and warmth of the team, which makes the experience more comfortable and reassuring.
Conclusion: Trust Your Instincts and Choose Expertise
When it comes to achieving natural-looking plastic surgery results, expertise and artistry matter.
Choosing the best Seattle plastic surgeon requires careful research and a willingness to prioritize skill, experience, and a shared aesthetic vision over convenience or price.
At The Larrabee Center, Dr. Larrabee and Dr. Kurian offer unmatched credentials, advanced techniques, and an unwavering commitment to delivering subtle, authentic enhancements.
If you are ready to begin your journey with a Seattle facial plastic surgeon who will honor your natural beauty, we invite you to schedule a consultation at The Larrabee Center today.
Experience why so many patients trust us to help them look — and feel — like the best version of themselves.