Meet Dr. Sharline Aboutanos, Richmond Plastic Surgeon (and Artist!)

Many of you know Dr. Aboutanos as a kind, knowledgeable, and skilled plastic surgeon. But did you also know that she has a passion for watercolor painting or that she might’ve tried her hand at fashion design had she not pursued a medical degree?

We recently sat down with her to learn more about her life, in and out of the operating room. Here’s what she had to say.

What drew you to the field of medicine?

My interest in medicine began as a young child. I knew at a young age that I wanted to help people feel better. As I got older, I realized that I truly enjoyed the challenges of science (such as biology, chemistry, and physics) and medicine. I also felt a calling to help others in their times of need and illness.

What inspired you to pursue the plastic surgery path?

My inspiration to pursue plastics occurred during my surgical intern year. I was invited to go on a mission trip to Guatemala to help the plastics team as a Spanish-speaking translator! I had no idea that plastic surgery could be so life-changing for the patient. It was on that trip that I realized I wanted to be a plastic surgeon.

What do you love most about your work?

The thing I love most about my work is meeting people from all walks of life, babies to adults. I have the opportunity to listen to their stories and help them improve their lives by restoring function to an area of their bodies or improving their appearance so that they feel whole again. It’s an incredible position to hold—and I am honored daily by the trust they give me.

What do you think sets you apart as a surgeon?

I have a woman’s touch and an eye for detail. I see everything from the patient’s perspective and keep that as the main focus of the treatment. As a woman and mother, I can understand the emotions and concerns of a large number of my patients who are hoping to improve their appearance and confidence after childbirth and aging. Plastic surgery can be an incredibly emotional experience, and I believe having a surgeon who can empathize is so important.

What is your primary goal with your patients?

My primary goal with my patients is to help them achieve the results they are looking for in a safe and professional manner. My hope is that every patient who walks in feels welcome, comfortable, and well-cared for throughout their entire experience. Choosing to have cosmetic or reconstructive surgery can make you feel quite vulnerable and overwhelmed; my job as a surgeon is to not only safely provide great results, but also to make sure you feel confident in your decision to work with me.

Why is it important for patients to maintain a relationship with their plastic surgeon?

Maintaining a relationship with your plastic surgeon is important because your plastic surgeon can help maintain (or improve) your look periodically over time, often with subtle enhancements. It is also important to know a reliable plastic surgeon for possible future reconstructive needs.

Can you recall a patient experience that touched you? Something that made you feel you made a life-changing impact.

A memorable patient experience was performing a cleft lip repair on a two-year-old child in Honduras. I could see the impact it had on both the child and her parents. This surgery not only changed the patient’s life, but my life as well. Typically, this type of surgery is performed at 3 months of age in the United States, and here was a child who was unable to have her lip repaired for 2 years. We are so blessed!

I have also seen an incredible change in women after having completed their breast surgery, either for augmentation, reconstruction, or reduction. Their self-esteem changes, and they feel more confident in their lives.

Are there any new or upcoming technologies or treatments that you’re excited about?

I am excited about the future of fat grafting. I think that fat grafting has changed the way plastic surgeons handle many different types of defects, from cosmetic to reconstructive. I believe that we will continue to see many benefits from this form of volume restoration.

If you weren’t a plastic surgeon, what would you do for a career?

I would be an artist. Or a fashion designer. I love painting with watercolor, and I am involved on the board of ART 180, a non-profit in Richmond that helps facilitate change in young people’s lives through art. Art plays a large role in my life—even in my plastic surgery practice.