ABOUT THE EXPERT

Dr. Tom Gallaher | Gallaher Plastic Surgery & Spa MD

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tom Gallaher opened Gallaher Plastic Surgery & Spa MD to provide patients with exceptional care through a combination of education, expertise, and experience. This premier practice provides surgical, non-surgical, and medical spa services that help meet the cosmetic goals of its patients.

Listening to his grandmother’s stories and following the footsteps of his doctor grandfather, Gallaher was inspired from an early age to consider medicine as a profession. When it came time to pick a specialty, Gallaher chose plastic surgery, recalling the impact a reconstructive surgery had on him when he was five. 

A family man at heart and firm community supporter, Gallaher cares deeply about his work. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

What procedures seem to have the most impact on patients?

I enjoy all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery. I particularly enjoy restorative surgery after weight loss, pregnancy and to reverse the effects of aging. People are living longer and healthier lives than ever before and want to look the way they feel.

What would you say to someone considering plastic surgery, but reluctant?

I would tell them that doing something for yourself is not selfish, as the most common reluctance I hear voiced is that the patient feels guilty for having “cosmetic surgery.”

How has the pandemic shifted how plastic surgery is handled?

The pandemic has been a monumental challenge to our patients and our society. From the beginning, we have adapted to provide the safest environment possible with protocols for safe delivery of care. We have exceeded the requirements of the local, state and CDC guidelines and will continue many of these protocols well after the pandemic has passed. Telemedicine in particular is something we will continue as part of core options for patients. 

How do you stay updated on the developments and advancements in your profession?

Staying up to date is so much more efficient than ever before because of access to technology that rapidly disseminates knowledge. I also listen to my patients carefully and never forget that what is important to them drives my hunger for knowledge to fulfill their needs in the safest and most effective way. 

What is one of the latest advancements in plastic surgery that you are performing at the practice?

While the core surgical procedures of plastic surgery have remained essentially the same for many years, evolving technology has provided us with an ever-increasing ability to treat patient concerns with minimally and noninvasive technologies. I have always felt it important to offer as many of these technologies as possible to our patients once they have proven their efficacy and safety. These technologies include various types of lasers, radiofrequency devices, “cold technology” to reduce adipose tissue (fatty tissue), skin care products, fillers, and neurotoxins.