Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather.
Hi Heather, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was raised by my grandparents in Branson, Missouri, where they owned a hotel. Growing up in a tourist town taught me the value of hard work and hospitality at an early age. By the time I was a teenager, I had a relentless work ethic—I spent summers juggling multiple jobs: lifeguarding at White Water during the day, stocking shelves at Hollister in the mornings, scooping ice cream at Maggie Moo’s in the evenings, and even picking up shifts at the local grocery store. Those experiences instilled in me both discipline and resilience, qualities that carried me through my medical training and career.
I went on to earn my medical degree through the accelerated six-year BA/MD program at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, followed by a six-year integrated plastic surgery residency at the University of South Florida. Choosing an integrated program allowed me to devote myself entirely to the specialty I was most passionate about.
After residency, I returned to Kansas to be closer to family and began practicing at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. After several rewarding years there, I felt called to transition into private practice—a decision that has been one of the most fulfilling of my career. Today, I am proud to practice with Ascentist Plastic Surgery, where my work focuses on aesthetic surgery and breast reconstruction. Every step of my journey—from helping my grandparents run their hotel to leading in the operating room—has shaped the way I serve my patients: with dedication, compassion, and a deep respect for the trust they place in me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As with all journeys, mine has not been without challenges. The biggest hurdle came at the end of medical school, when I did not initially match into a plastic surgery residency. I did not have a strong research background and was not coming from a nationally recognized program, so I relied heavily on letters of recommendation and away rotations to strengthen my application. Plastic surgery is one of the most competitive specialties, and for a brief moment, I was faced with uncertainty: should I dedicate a year to research, pursue a transitional surgery year, or change course entirely toward another specialty like general surgery or radiology?
Then, in what felt like fate, my top-choice residency program had an unfilled position. They reached out, expressing that they had enjoyed working with me and believed I would be a strong fit—an opportunity I immediately embraced.
While that experience ultimately opened the door to the program of my dreams, it left me with lingering imposter syndrome early in my career. Over time, however, I’ve learned to recognize and value my skills, my expertise, and the positive outcomes I achieve for my patients. What once felt like a setback has become a source of strength, reminding me to approach every challenge with persistence, humility, and confidence in the path I’ve earned.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Plastic surgery is no longer just for the elite—it’s for every woman who deserves to feel confident in her own skin. That belief drives me and my all-female team, whose mission is to create a welcoming, comfortable, and accessible experience from the very first inquiry to the last post-op visit.
My philosophy is simple: treat every patient with honesty and respect. “Do Unto Others” guides my work, whether that means advising a woman toward the right procedure—or letting her know when surgery is not the right choice. I understand the trust placed in my hands and promise to always put my patients first.
Innovation plays a key role in plastic surgery, and I make sure that I am up to date on new technologies. Some of my current favorites are Renuvion and Motiva’s SmoothSilk Implants. There has long been a gap for patients who have too much skin for liposuction alone, but not quite enough skin to warrant traditional skin excision procedures (think abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, arm skin, leg skin). Renuvion helps bridge this gap with it’s helium-based plasma that tightens the skin from the inside. Motiva’s line of implants seeks to address two common issues that have long-plagued plastic surgeons: Capsular contracture and implant visibility. Their micro-texturing results in less inflammation resulting in less scar tissue build-up around the implant. Unlike other implants, the shell and the gel filling are one cohesive unit which means less implant rippling. These tools allow us to deliver more refined, safer, and longer-lasting results.
People always ask me why I chose plastic surgery, to which I reply “Because it’s the coolest job in the world,” For me, plastic surgery isn’t just about transformation—it’s about empowerment and helping women reclaim confidence and celebrate the beauty they’ve had all along.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Podcasts have been a meaningful source of both inspiration and education for me. One of my favorites is the Goal Digger Podcast. While it isn’t related to plastic surgery, it speaks to life as a woman in business and entrepreneurship. I find that it helps me focus on the personal aspects of my life—reminding me that in order to show up fully for my patients, I also need to show up for myself.
Professionally, I enjoy following Dr. Chiddy on Instagram and listening to his podcast. His practice is similar to mine, and he consistently shares insights at the forefront of technology. Through his forums, I’ve been able to pick up practical tips and strategies that I’ve integrated into my own work.
Another favorite is the Giants in Plastic Surgery series on the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts podcast. Hearing world-renowned plastic surgeons reflect on their journeys and share advice for those earlier in their careers has been both inspirational and practical. It’s helped me refine my approach and reinforced my passion for this field
Pricing:
- Breast Augmentation: $8-9000
- Abdominoplasty: $10-12,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ascentistplasticsurgery.com/
- Instagram: @plasticsbypena_kc
