Orange County Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Gregory Evans is a surgeon best known for performing cancer reconstruction procedures, including free tissue transfer for breast, head and neck. However, he also specializes in the full spectrum of plastic surgery, with a focus on cosmetic surgery such as face, eyes, abdomen, breasts and body contouring.
Dr. Evans was recently ranked among the top one percent of plastic surgeons.
“Solving complex reconstruction issues has made me a better general plastic surgeon.”
Dr. Evans likes doing a variety of operations in a given week, working on every part of the body. He says it allows him to use a combination of innovation and artistry to create beautiful, individualized results. He says there are not a lot of operations he hasn’t done. This breadth of knowledge and observation serves him well whether for reconstruction or general plastic surgery.
“I deal with quality of life issues. It’s both a privilege and a responsibility.”
Every patient in Dr. Evans’ practice is looking for something unique to that person. At his consultations, he stays open and observant – answering questions and trying to understand motivation. In the case of reconstruction after cancer, the goal is always to restore form and function. Aesthetics are primary, of course, but so too is a person’s ease of movement and ability to enjoy life.
“I prefer an educated patient – one who has done some homework before we meet.”
Dr. Evans says that patients are a lot more savvy today – they know what they want and how they want it done. It’s a great advantage when someone has done the research because it means they are going to take responsibility for their own care before and after the procedure. Of course there is a downside because there’s lots of hype and misinformation on the internet, in articles etc. Dr. Evans says “It’s my job to try to clear up the myths and make sure each patient is clear about the benefits and risks.”
“I recommend what I think is best. I’m open, honest and really want to partner with my patients.”
Most of Dr. Evans patients come from word-of-mouth referrals. He builds a relationship with each one and through written questionnaires, notes from referring physicians and a candid conversation with each patient, he then determines if he can recommend proceeding. He says, “It is said in his field that the reason the medical education program is so long is to learn who NOT to operate on.”
“I have a lot of interests outside of my work.”
Although Dr. Evans spends 70 to 80 hours a week in his practice, he also spends a good deal of his free time with his wife of 29 years and their two boys who are now both graduates of USC. He is a runner, mountain biker, snow skier and says he “dabbles in golf.” Traveling extensively for both work and pleasure is important to him because he loves to integrate himself into the culture, learn about international trends that he can apply to his practice, and discover new ways to solve surgical problems.
Current Position
Dr. Gregory Evans is Professor of Plastic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering and Chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Evans is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and American Board of Surgery, is the former director of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and immediate past President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Education
Dr. Evans is a medical graduate of the University of Southern California and completed his plastic surgery residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.