About Dr. Tarak Patel

Dr. Tarak Patel’s medical career began in the military after he graduated from West Point and was commissioned into the United States Army. He then attended the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences with the goal of becoming a surgeon. Once he completed his residency in general surgery, Dr. Patel was deployed to Iraq. Here, he saw the need for reconstructive procedures that would benefit trauma and cancer patients. After returning to the US, Dr. Patel began his plastic surgery residency.

Following another tour in Iraq, 15 additional years as an Army surgeon, and many awards and citations, Dr. Patel retired from the military in 2018. He is proud of his 25 years of service and credits it with helping him build the skills and empathy that make him a great cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon.

With a double-board certification in Plastic and General Surgery, Dr. Patel specializes in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. He is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. His awards include being voted “Best Cosmetic Surgeon” in the “Best of South Sound” contest in 2019, 2020, and 2022. For two consecutive years (2019 and 2020), the American Cancer Society presented Dr. Patel with the “Real Men Wear Pink” award for being a top fundraiser and helping raise breast cancer awareness.

When it comes to patient communication, Dr. Patel has set a very high standard. He is known for quickly addressing patients’ questions, even giving them his direct cell phone number so they can reach out with any concerns.

Dr. Patel is very family-oriented and loves spending time with his three grown children. He enjoys athletic activities, including running, skiing, and paddleboarding, as well as boating on the Sound.

Aesthetics

After his military retirement, Dr. Patel joined a dermatology and ophthalmology group and started their plastic surgery division. For a time, his patients were primarily seeking reconstructive surgeries; however, as his satisfied patients started spreading the word about his skills, Dr. Patel’s practice quickly began treating more cosmetic patients.

Patients are the main focus of Dr. Patel’s practice. He emphasizes that patients should choose a surgeon they trust, are comfortable with, and feel they can be honest with as they prepare for surgery. He believes you should have such strong trust and communication with your surgeon that you can bring anything to them, even if your concerns include being unhappy with surgical results.

While some surgeons prefer the operating room to time in the office, Dr. Patel enjoys getting to know his patients at consultation appointments. He recognizes that it’s difficult to share what makes you feel insecure about your appearance, which is why he emphasizes the importance of “breaking the ice.” He’ll likely crack a joke or two to help you relax and incorporate laughter into a potentially anxious and vulnerable conversation. Dr. Patel’s personable and friendly demeanor will leave you feeling more confident and comfortable—and even excited—as you plan your surgery.

Whether patients seek his expertise for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes, Dr. Patel focuses on helping every individual feel confident in their bodies again. Hearing patients tell him what a difference he’s made in their lives is a very rewarding experience, and that’s the reason he enjoys working as a plastic surgeon.

Medical Procedures

Dr. Patel performs a variety of procedures, some of the most popular being Mommy Makeovers, body contouring after bariatric surgery and weight loss, and breast surgeries, including augmentation, breast lift with implants, and implant removal surgery.

To help patients choose the best implant size, Dr. Patel uses the Mentor Sizing System, a collection of teardrop-shaped sizers that help patients get a realistic idea of what their implants will look like. Spending a little extra time using this method during his consultations allows Dr. Patel to guide his patients toward an implant size that will help them regain confidence in their appearance.

One of Dr. Patel’s specialties is a procedure known as the Direct Necklift with liposuction, Renuvion (a radiofrequency skin tightening procedure), and direct neck contouring. During this minimally invasive surgery, he will make a small incision under the chin and remove fat cells with liposuction, directly contouring the tissue of the neck and jawline, and using RF technology to tighten the skin. This procedure completely recontours and defines the jawline through minimally invasive steps, likely leading to a shorter recovery time and quicker results.

Dr. Patel goes above and beyond to prioritize patient comfort and create satisfying cosmetic enhancements. There’s a reason so many patients find their experiences and results so satisfying that they continue to refer friends and family members. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel today to discover why!

With more than 20 years of experience in cosmetic surgery, Dr. Patel brings a unique and highly-refined skillset to Northwest Face & Body. He specializes in body contouring after bariatric procedures and significant weight loss, helping patients refine their figures. Breast procedures are also Dr. Patel’s specialty, including surgeries such as breast augmentations, lifts, and implant removals. His signature procedure is a minimally invasive Direct Necklift, which allows him to recontour the jawline and neck to create a beautifully defined, youthful profile.