In the past, plastic surgery has been thought of as taboo, risky and even vain by some. However, through the years, some of the best researchers and surgeons in the field have changed the way we view plastic surgery.
Dr. John W. Tyrone is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Gainesville who specializes in all aspects of facial rejuvenation and body contouring procedures. As a Florida native, Dr. Tyrone grew up in a region where health, beauty and wellness were a key priority for many individuals — especially women.
“I had a very limited exposure to plastic surgery but knew even in high school that I was working to get to medical school and pursue a surgical career,” Dr. Tyrone said.
A best-in-class, award-winning surgeon, Dr. Tyrone was the chief resident in surgical training and studied wound healing at Northwestern University in Chicago. His practice is of great benefit to Gainesville residents and the many patients who come from all over the state to
see him.
Recently relocated to Gainesville, resident Mary Reichardt chose Tyrone based on the recommendation of a close friend who works as a charge nurse at UF Health Shands Hospital.
“I saw surgeons in Boca Raton but didn’t get the feeling that they really cared for me or even communicated with me fully on what the procedure and process would entail,” she said. “But, when I came to Gainesville and heard that my friend, who was a nurse as well as a mom, had achieved great results with Dr. Tyrone, I knew I had to start to do some research on him.”
In speaking with several other friends who are also moms and familiar with the physical challenges Reichardt faced after having three children, she recognized a common thread.
“All the moms I knew who were like me — not wanting to look like a teenager by any means but certainly wanting to lose the extra skin and feel good working out, staying active with my kids and wearing the right-fitting clothes again — had seen the same person: Dr. Tyrone,” she said. “I had to go see him.”
Through the consultation process, Reichardt was introduced to many of the nurses who work in pre- and post-surgery as well as patient care. Robbie Manning, a former neonatal intensive care unit nurse and Dr. Tyrone’s patient coordinator, was there to walk her through every part of the process. She was available via phone, email and even text message so that Reichardt, and all the patients at North Florida Plastic Surgery, could receive the highest level of patient care.
“I love being a part of our patients’ journey, seeing their transformations,” Manning said. “There is a very real metamorphosis that takes place when someone comes to see Dr. Tyrone: from their trepidation leading up to surgery, to their absolute joy upon seeing themselves the first time after surgery, to their renewed sense of confidence at their final follow-up visit. It’s an emotional and touching process, and I constantly feel blessed to be a part of it.”
Reichardt was surprised that after her procedure, she saw Dr. Tyrone for every single follow-up visit — no matter how small or quick. He was always present to do the exams first-hand.
“I had assumed that months out, I would simply see a nurse, but Dr. Tyrone always comes in to check on how I’m doing, advise me on my wound care and skin hydration regimen and make sure I’m on track to where we said we wanted to be from the beginning,” she said.
Dr. Tyrone explained that seeing every patient can be challenging and certainly keeps him moving quickly through a busy schedule. But, by closely following every patient’s progress, he can make small tweaks in post-operative care that can maximize results. It’s this level of care and perfectionism that inspire his patients to share their results with their friends and family who are interested in pursuing cosmetic treatment.
Results like these from plastic surgery have been shown to lead not only to improved physical appearance but also to increased mental and emotional health. Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that one’s perceptions of personal appearance have a direct correlation to level of happiness.
“After my 10-pound babies were born, I was left with a severely separated abdominal wall that caused me to look perpetually pregnant, lots of extra skin and an umbilical hernia,” Reichardt said. “I felt like a mess, and while I was proud of the work I did to bring my children into the world, I also wanted to feel good about myself. I didn’t need to look perfect, but I did need to feel like me again. I have learned that looking and feeling my best makes me a better mom, wife and person to those around me who need me every day. You should never feel guilty about investing in yourself.”
Dr. Tyrone encourages everyone to do their research in seeking out a board-certified plastic surgeon who has a stellar reputation for surgical excellence and a team of caring professionals who go above and beyond in patient care.
Dr. Tyrone explained, “I take great pride in the work that I do and care about achieving the absolute best, most natural-looking results for my patients. But, what I love most, which you don’t get in general surgery, is that every patient is different. There’s a real creative process involved in plastic surgery, and I appreciate the problems my patients are facing that other people may trivialize. Each surgery, each challenge, is unique, and it’s important to me to help each individual reach their goals and move forward looking and feeling excellent. I strive to be the best so that they can be their best every single day.”
