Choosing a new doctor can be overwhelming. When you add in a cancer diagnosis, multiple tests, and endless questions, it can begin to feel impossible. That is the situation Maggie Coffey was in when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in October of 2024. She was grateful when she felt like Dr. Garza was a good fit from the first phone call.
Dr. Garza Plastic Surgery opened in February 2023. It is owned and operated by board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ramon Garza III. The practice primarily focuses on Breast and Body Aesthetic Surgery, Breast Reconstruction, and Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics. The detailed nature of plastic surgery is what first interested Dr. Garza in this type of medicine.
Dr. Garza is most well-known for the DIEP flap breast reconstruction. During this procedure, the patient’s abdominal tissue is used to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy. Many patients prefer this procedure because it feels more natural and lasts forever, unlike a silicone implant which would eventually need to be replaced, requiring another surgery.
Maggie was referred to Dr. Garza by her breast surgeon, but she could tell right away that she did not need to look further. Dr. Garza’s staff was patient and kind with her from their first conversation, when they phoned her with a last-minute opening for her initial consultation. Maggie is a teacher, so she had to leave work that day on short notice- a tough task for any educator. Feeling overwhelmed, Maggie said the staff put her at ease and were very understanding about her circumstances. That was when Maggie knew Dr. Garza Plastic Surgery was the right fit for her.
When someone first comes to see Dr. Garza, he wants them to know “I am there to be their advocate.” He likes to approach the appointment as an educator as well as a physician. Dr. Garza spends that time explaining all their options thoroughly in a way that is easy for the patient to understand. His top priority is for the patient to feel informed so they can make the decision that is best for themselves.
Maggie certainly picked up on that during her visits with Dr. Garza. She felt that he understood her needs and that his expertise helped guide her through her reconstructive journey. Maggie found Dr. Garza to be incredibly skilled, compassionate, and dedicated, which she says made all the difference in her recovery and confidence.
Dr. Garza’s favorite part of the job is when he gets to see his patients’ post-operative results. He loves the excitement in their voices and the smiles on their faces when they get to see their before and after photos and take in the changes. Making a difference in a person’s life is important to him, whether that’s helping a breast cancer patient regain their sense of self through breast reconstruction or giving a mother a boost of confidence with an aesthetic surgery.
He admits that when he first started his career in 2016, he always thought that performing surgery would be the hardest part of his job. But after 10 years of building his skill set as a plastic surgeon, he has learned that being a business owner of his own medical practice means he cannot do it alone. Dr. Garza credits his office staff for keeping the practice running smoothly.
There are seven integral employees who make up the team at Dr. Garza Plastic Surgery including Practice Manager Heather Waggoner, Receptionist Emilee Garcia, Patient Liaison Nicole White, and Social Media & Marketing Manager Emily Puente. Rebecca Rodriguez PA-C assists in complex breast reconstructive surgeries and runs the Beauty by Becca MedSpa. Mackaya Pardo RN is Dr. Garza’s nurse and Francesca Monita is Dr. Garza’s first assistant in surgery.
Dr. Garza values and relies on each one of them tremendously to make each day a success, and that was evident to Maggie as a patient. She described the staff at Dr. Garza Plastic Surgery as top notch. “They are very professional but also so kind. I never felt like just another number. The staff treated me like a person, always taking the time to listen and make me feel valued and cared for throughout my entire experience.” Since her diagnosis, there were times that felt vulnerable and full of the unknown. Maggie credits the staff for helping make this part of her breast cancer journey easier.
It can be a challenge to find the right doctor for you. Maggie hopes that everyone, especially those undergoing reconstruction, can find a doctor that they trust and feel comfortable with, as she has with Dr. Garza. Whether it’s aesthetic or reconstructive procedures, Dr. Garza Plastic Surgery works with passion and precision to transform lives. Just as importantly, they restore hope and renew confidence for their patients, one surgery at a time.
They are very professional but also so kind. I never felt like just another number. The staff treated me like a person, always taking the time to listen and make me feel valued and cared for throughout my entire experience.