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Naples Plastic Surgery

Paul M. Gardner, MD, FACS

Your Naples Plastic Surgeon

Naples Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul M. Gardner

Dr. Gardner is a renowned Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in advanced facial cosmetic surgery, as well as non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques. Over the course of his career, Dr. Gardner has received advanced training in sophisticated plastic surgery procedures and has received high praise and recognition from his peers and institutions of higher learning for excellence in plastic and cosmetic surgery.

Education

Dr. Gardner earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine, where he also completed his residency in general surgery. He received fellowship training in plastic surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham under the guidance of world renowned plastic surgeon Luis O. Vasconez, MD. Following the completion of his training, Dr. Gardner was offered a faculty position at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he practiced for a decade earning the rank of Associate Professor with tenure. There he had a busy clinical practice, was involved with numerous research projects, and participated in the training of plastic surgery residents.

Board Certification

  • American Board of Plastic Surgery, Diplomate

Continuing Education and Awards

As a result of his demonstrated surgical skill and record of success, Dr. Gardner was welcomed as a member of several prestigious surgical associations, including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the American College of Surgeons. He was selected by his peers to be in the Castle Connolly and Consumers Research Council of America Top Doctors lists. Dr. Gardner was also included in the prestigious Consumers Research Council of America publication Guide to America’s Top Physicians.
View Video Transcript – Get to Know Dr. Gardner

What’s most rewarding to me about plastic surgery is to see a patient come in with a particular problem or issue that they want to correct and then going through the process and then of course the process of healing but then seeing the end result and seeing the satisfaction that they have when they’ve met that goal of improving themselves. It was my third year of medical school when I decided I wanted to be a plastic surgeon. The very first surgery I saw was a cleft lip repair by a plastic surgeon and I knew at that moment that that’s what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Even though I spent the rest of medical school really enjoying all the different specialties, I was always drawn back to plastic surgery. In fact, I spent a year going on medical missions with Operation Smile to help repair cleft lips in kids.

Professional and Plastic Surgery Societies

  • Edward Woodward Surgical Society
  • American Society of Plastic Surgery
  • American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
  • American College of Surgeons

Mission Work

Dr. Gardner is also deeply committed to giving back to the community and to those in need. He regularly donates his time and expertise to Operation Smile. The organization was founded in 1982 and is well known for the work performed by volunteer surgeons like Dr. Gardner. These surgeries provide children with facial abnormalities like cleft palates to have access to a safe surgery with a fully trained plastic surgeon. Dr. Gardner has done missions in Asia, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Along with his charity work overseas, Dr. Gardner has also performed charitable surgeries for children in Naples and throughout Southwest Florida.

Hospital Associations

  • Attending Surgeon at the hospital at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (1995-2006).
  • Attending Surgeon at The Children’s Hospital of Alabama, Birmingham (1995-2006).
  • Attending Surgeon at the Birmingham Veteran’s Administration Medical Center (1995-2006).
  • Staff Surgeon at the Physician’s Regional Medical Center in Naples, Florida (2007 – 2017 ).
  • Staff Surgeon at the NCH Healthcare System in Naples, Florida (2008 – Present).

Dr. Gardner has earned a reputation as one of the top plastic surgeons in Naples for facelift. To schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Gardner and learn more about your cosmetic surgery options, contact Naples Plastic Surgery at (239) 566-2611.

Highlighted Patient Testimonial

My Neck Lift & Facial Fat Transfer Journey

I wanted my double chin and jowls gone, yet I wanted a refreshed look, not a different one. I spent a long time researching doctors. I knew Dr. Gardner wants to help you look younger, not different. Surgery prep was so easy. Nicole was wonderful, and I met Crystsl and Danielle, both of whom would be in surgery. Dr. Gardner came in and marked my face. He was as kind as ever. Vesna was my anesthetist and reviewed everything. And then… I woke up. When I came out of surgery, my head and chin were wrapped up, and I had drain tubes on either side of my neck. I opted to stay in their facility until the next morning. Eileen took care of me for the day and Beth took care of me overnight. Both were kind and attentive. I highly recommend taking advantage of that 24 hour care. It took stress off my husband. Of course, if you have a more comfortable recliner at home, and a husband willing to wait on you, take advantage of that, too.

Day 2 – going home

It feels like a steel collar wrapped around my neck. Pain is uncomfortable, but bearable. It definitely gets more sore after talking or chewing. Almost like my neck is yelling “shut up and let me rest.” Lovely bruising along my neck. I was warned that bruising will worsen before it gets better. Doc gave me arnica pills to be taken for next 7 days.

Neck Lift & Facial Fat Transfer Before Surgery
Neck Lift & Facial Fat Transfer Day of Surgery
Neck Lift & Facial Fat Transfer Day 2
Neck Lift & Facial Fat Transfer Day 2
Neck Lift & Facial Fat Transfer Day 4
Neck Lift & Facial Fat Transfer Day 5
Neck Lift & Facial Fat Transfer Day 5
Neck Lift & Facial Fat Transfer Day 6
Neck Lift & Facial Fat Transfer Day 6
Neck Lift & Facial Fat Transfer Day 7
Neck Lift & Facial Fat Transfer Day 12
Neck Lift & Facial Fat Transfer Week 2
Neck Lift & Facial Fat Transfer Week 3
Neck Lift & Facial Fat Transfer Week 4

Day 3 – couch potato

Okey, more like recliner potato. Muscle relaxers are my friend. They keep the neck muscles at rest. Don’t skip them; no matter how much you think you are relaxing on your own, your neck will constantly tighten and release… and eventually throbbing commences. The relaxers are a life saver. If I overdo it, I take a pain pill. Stay ahead of it. I’m a motor mouth. So I’m learning moderation. Or trying to.

Day 4 – semi channel surfing

It’s hard to relax this long. I’m forcing myself because I know overdoing it will exacerbate swelling. Despite sitting and resting, swelling is increasing. The lines in my face are disappearing. Which normally we women would celebrate, but I’m kind of getting a very fluffy look about the face… and the body! No one told me I’d be retaining water (all over!) while my body goes into repair mode.

Day 5 – multicolored

Ah the bruising! The color yellow is flattering to a select few people. I am not one of them. I’m also seeing more blue/purple showing up on my face. My neck is looking less purple and more yellow. Marionette lines are showing more bruising. Also a couple spots on my chin. I’ve accepted it’s going to get worse before better. I’m following instructions, but I’m still looking like a puffer fish. On the plus side, while my neck still feels tight, it’s not painful. Muscle relaxers and pain pills are no longer needed. Yay me!

Update: I took a muscle relaxer. Note to self: no chewy foods yet. Ow.

Day 6

My son stopped by and was surprised I didn’t look worse. The feeling of tightness and swollen ears apparently isn’t as visible to others as it feels like to me. My neck is a brighter yellow. And my cheek looks like it’s trying hard to bruise, so the next few days will tell. Pain is minimal; just the ears randomly smarting which Tylenol helps.

Updated on 27 Aug 2024:

Onto day 7 now. Feeling better! I’ll add another picture later. I’m posting this lengthy review because when I was researching what to expect, I couldn’t find detailed information on daily recovery. Hence, my wordiness. And my recovery is ongoing, so updates will continue as I progress.

Updated on 27 Aug 2024:

I think from here on out, I will post every two or three days. No pain, swelling and bruising not to bad right now. Amazing to me that surgery was last Wednesday, and here it is Tuesday, not even a full week and I’m feeling so good! Staples coming out in a couple hours. I’m even having company for dinner. Nope, I’m not cooking (they are bringing it in!) since I’m still taking it easy.

Updated on 3 Sep 2024:

Whew, nice feeling. I had regular sutures because my body doesn’t do dissolvable stitches. Still some swelling. But feeling like I can go out of the house now without stitches hanging under my chin. Lisa is Dr. Gardeners assistant and she is wonderful!

Updated on 4 Sep 2024:

Feeling so good! And so pleased with look of things even though I still have some swelling. (I’m posting again my before photo to see the change in my neck, chin and jowls in just two weeks post-op.)) Can’t recommend Dr. Gardener enough! I had to wait 5 1/2 months for an opening with Dr. Gardener, and I’m so glad I was patient and waited. Worth the wait and worth the cost. I’ll keep updating as I finish healing.

Note: Kudos to Zoey at the front desk. Always a happy and friendly presence each time I’m at Naples Plastic Surgery!

Updated on 11 Sep 2024:

Feeling so good! Most swelling is gone; just a bit of puffiness randomly. I found a couple of stitches inside the edge of my ear. Lisa did tell me when she removed my stitches that she would take out whatever ones were ready. I have my 3-week post-op appointment tomorrow so will get the last couple out. Wow, I know they say that it takes six months for your final look, but I’m tickled at three weeks. Not sure yet how the fat transfer will finalize since some cells die, but the “lines” of fat have dissipated and it’s looking very natural.

Updated on 18 Sep 2024:

I am feeling so good! My picture is a little blurry, (I am bad at selfies). No bruises, no swelling other than a bit under my chin. Doing massages now to work it out. I still feel a little tightness on the sides of my face. In the beginning, that feeling of a collar around my neck was very distracting. The slight tightness now doesn’t even phase me as I go about my days. I am 60 years old (as my silver hair loudly announces) and what thrills me the most is seeing pictures of me holding my granddaughter, and none of them have hanging cheeks and wrinkled up multi-chins. I know 6 months is the “real” final outcome, but so happy even now. If I haven’t said it enough, Dr. Gardner is amazing.

More Testimonials for Dr. Gardner

Naples Plastic Surgery is Proud to Serve Patients from Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and All Over the Country!

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ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED PLASTIC SURGEON IN NAPLES, FLORIDA?

Whether you are looking for a major surgical alteration or merely a minor touch-up, you can find expert advice with two of the top plastic surgeons in Naples, FL. For more than 20 years, Naples Plastic Surgery has been providing high-end cosmetic surgical services to many of Florida’s finest men and women.

Dr. Gardner, Dr. Baccaro, Dr. Walsh, Dr. Bonett, and their expert staff have worked with almost every type of medical history and body type, and they are eager to provide you with the same beautiful, natural-looking enhancements that they have given to so many others. To schedule a consultation, please contact us here.

Naples Plastic Surgery,
1250 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 101C, Naples, Florida 34108
239-566-2611