U.Va. Health opens new clinic in Pantops to expand patient access to plastic surgery – The Cavalier Daily
U.Va. Health has officially launched a new plastic surgery clinic in Pantops, Albemarle County, marking a strategic shift in how the health system delivers aesthetic procedures. Opened in early May, the facility relocates services previously housed within the West Complex of the University Hospital to a setting designed specifically to be more accessible for patients seeking elective care.
Michael Grant, the clinic’s medical director and the Milton Edgerton Endowed professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the School of Medicine, emphasizes that this move is not a new line of service. Instead, it is a deliberate effort to separate aesthetic care from the intense environment of a large university hospital, which is primary optimized for acutely ill patients and complex surgeries.
Redefining the Patient Experience
The transition to the Pantops location aims to demystify the process of seeking plastic surgery. According to Grant, the complexity inherent in a major hospital footprint can act as a barrier for patients pursuing elective aesthetic procedures. By moving to a slower-paced environment, the clinic seeks to simplify the pathway for individuals looking for both minimally invasive and surgical options.
The clinic offers a broad spectrum of services, including laser skin treatments, fillers, and Botox. More invasive options such as facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, breast lifts, liposuction, and body contouring are also available. All surgeons practicing at the clinic are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Future Expansion and Clinical Focus
The clinic is poised for growth in the coming months. U.Va. Health has hired a surgeon who completed her residency at Duke University and an aesthetic surgery fellowship in the Harvard University system. The department hopes to add a second, board-eligible surgeon with advanced aesthetic training next year.
As these new surgeons join the team, they are expected to split their time between providing aesthetic care at the Pantops clinic and performing reconstructive work at the University Hospital. Reconstructive procedures, which are medically necessary to restore body function and appearance, will remain at the University Hospital, ensuring that the new clinic maintains its focus on its core aesthetic mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the new plastic surgery clinic?
The clinic is located in Pantops, Albemarle County, having moved from the West Complex of the University Hospital.
Are reconstructive surgeries still performed at the University Hospital?
Yes, reconstructive plastic surgery procedures that are medically necessary to restore body function and appearance will continue to be offered at the University Hospital.
How can patients schedule an appointment?
Appointments can be scheduled by visiting the clinic’s website or by calling (434) 924 5078.
How do you feel about the shift toward moving elective medical services out of traditional hospital settings and into more community-focused clinics?