Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Allen.
Hi Amber, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Even though I trained as a general surgeon for many years in both large and small surgical practices after completing a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery, I realized long term there was more I could offer especially with a background in Fine Arts. Therefore, I sought out a cosmetic surgery fellowship where I could learn the skills and techniques required to be able to offer these sort of procedures with the best outcomes possible. My fellowship was completed under the guidance of Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown and other physicians at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. After a year in which I assisted and performed my own surgical cases, I had completed over 900 cases (300 cases is the basic requirement in order for a successful completion of the fellowship). Since my general surgery residency was in Chapel Hill and I had worked in the surrounding areas, my initial plan was to join another physician who had already had an established med-spa. My husband’s own work was based out of Raleigh giving me more reason to come back to the area. However, life had other plans for me and I ultimately decided to open my own practice. I lucked upon finding an already existing medical building and with the help from a small business loan, got things started in 2018 with only one other employee and myself. Opening a cosmetic surgery practice isn’t as easy as ” I am open” and the phone get flooded with calls….it takes work and time. I had to supplement with taking call at a hospital and work part time at other facilities for extra income until things became steady. My practice began to grow with clients and staff. However, practice is still considered small with only 3 of us usually in the office most days. We work as a small family and also treat our clients as we wish our own family to be treated. I personally contact my surgical clients after their procedures and always provide my cell so that they can reach out at any time. I like to spend quite a bit of time with my potential clients to ensure that I am truly hearing what their goal is and whether or not I feel I can achieve that for them. My consults range from 30 minutes up to an hour in which I detail the procedure and what to expect as well as share photos of previous clients’ results so that the person can have an example of what his/her result. Each person I see brings something unique and I want to ensure that they are heard – even the clients for injections ; sometimes I will open more time chatting about pets or family than the actual treatment 🙂
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been struggles with growing a business as well as running one. Starting a new surgical practice takes time and finding a good marketing scheme is fraught with loss of money and time unfortunately. Surgical residency does not offer ANY training in the business side of being a physician. I did receive some in fellowship but nothing really prepares you for all the struggles and hardships of owning your own business. No one tells you how to negotiate a price on some equipment and that most representatives are only there to sell you a machine which may not deliver what was promised. Also it is a rude awakening to realize how much overhead actually costs vs any profit that gets to be taken home. It is a never ending learning curve and even after soon to be 8 years, I am still trying to learn ways to try to make my life a little easier as a small business owner.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Allen Aesthetic Surgery?
My cosmetic surgery practice offers both face and body procedures as well as injections, microneedling, chemical peels, etc. The most common procedure is a tummy tuck with liposuction as well a mommy makeover where typically the breasts and tummy are addressed. My approach to all clients is to educate them in what is realistically possible so that they meet their goals without disappointment . I differ in that I never make promises that I know cannot be fulfilled and don’t try to just sell a procedure simply for the revenue. I treat clients as more than they are “just a procedure” or “surgical case #3”. Taking the time to educate and review both benefits as well as risks and alternatives with clients is also another area in which I think I differ. Most other surgeons only spend about 15 minutes with potential clients whereas I usually spend a minimum of 30 minutes with each person (often longer). I never rush with my cases and take the time required to ensure the best outcome possible.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is the memory of riding horses with my sister and brother on our farm in East Tennessee. My older sisters had cars; the youngest 3 each got a horse which is almost every young girls dream! 🙂 We would ride for hours and sometimes just simply go out and get on bare back… nothing beats the smell of a horse in my opinion (except maybe doggie kisses and kitty purrs)
Pricing:
- Mommy Makeover : starting at $18000
- Tummy tuck: starting $11,599
- Breast lift: $10,800
- Liposuction : starting $5200
- Labiaplasty : starting $5500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://allenaestheticsurgery.com/
- Instagram: @dramberallen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allenaestheticsurgery
- Twitter: @AAestheticSurg
