4 minute read
Dr. Joseph Zakhary From Elite Plastic Surgery & Restorative Breast Center
Compete Magazine was pleased to have an opportunity to interview Dr. Joseph Zakhary of Elite Plastic Surgery & Restorative Breast Center in Phoenix, Arizona. We wanted to learn more about him, his practice, his community involvement and how he helps others improve.
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Compete: Dr. Zakhary, please tell us a little about you and your training as a plastic surgeon. Dr. Zakhary: I completed a six-year general surgery training at Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2015 and then went on to hone my plastic surgery skills over the next three years at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). The UAB is known to be a premier regional health center in the South and one of the largest hospital systems in the country. During my time in Birmingham I learned from some of the best in cosmetic surgery and had extensive training in all manners of breast reconstruction. I actually attribute my well-rounded knowledge and comfort in the operating room to the opportunities LSU and UAB provided in tackling some of the most complex cases during my training. C: What drew you to a career in plastic surgery? Dr. Z: I believe in reconstruction after people have suffered severe trauma to the body whether it be from surgical means or other. I was passionate about doing what I could to give them back what was taken from them.
C: What procedures do you offer, Dr. Zakhary? Dr. Z: After nine years of post-medical school training, I now specialize in microsurgery, breast reconstruction, complex hand surgery, facial and body rejuvenation, postsurgical reconstruction and plastics traumatology. C: Athletes have special needs, like breaking a nose during a game or match. Do you have experience working with athletes?
Dr. Z: I specialize in facial trauma and take facial trauma calls at several different hospitals as well as hand traumas. C: Many members of the LGBTQ+ community are uncomfortable discussing their cosmetic surgery questions with a doctor. What do you do to make the initial visit more comfortable?
Dr. Z: Whether it is a physician, patient or people we meet in everyday life, we are all very self-conscious. I understand that as humans, we are all trying to be the best versions of ourselves. Because I can relate to that feeling, I let my patients know that they aren’t alone. C: How much time should a new patient plan on for their initial consultation and are payment options explained at this time? Dr. Z: A patient should plan 15 minutes for paperwork, 30 minutes with the physician and 30 minutes of leeway (one-hour total). For cosmetic consultation we always do a price breakdown that includes the facility fee, anesthesia fee, physician fee and potential implant fees. For insurance procedures we have to submit it through the patient’s insurance, a complex process that is completed by our office staff. C: Is it alright to bring a partner, friend or relative to the initial consultation for support? Dr. Z: I encourage patients to bring a partner, friend or relative with them as they are the best support the patient can have. They serve as an extra set of ears and can formulate their own questions they can later discuss with the patient. They can also be a great advocate for the patient during the consultation as they are able to recall more of the interaction between me and the patient. C: Is someone from your office available to speak to LGBTQ+ groups about your services at an LGBTQ+ center, sports team event or other gathering? Dr. Z: Absolutely. We have plenty of staff members who are available throughout the week to provide information to those who are interested.
C: Besides supporting the Pride Run Guide, what else does Elite Plastic Surgery & Restorative Breast Center do to give back to the Phoenix/Scottsdale community that include both straight and LGBTQ+ individuals? Dr. Z: We work closely with Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation and recently held an event with a charity auction to raise money for breast cancer patients. We have worked with Charity Benefits Unlimited on two separate occasions.
C: Dr. Zakhary, what else would you like new patients to know?
Dr. Z: I treat my patients like my own family. I will not offer a treatment to a patient that I would not offer to a family member. I will only do things I believe will truly benefit the patient. C: Thank you so much for your time, Dr. Zakhary. How do interested individuals contact you? Dr. Z: Dr. Joseph Zakhary at the Elite Plastic Surgery & Restorative Breast Center, 10910 North Tatum Blvd Suite B100 Phoenix, AZ 85028 or by telephone at 480-291-6895.
