Rising Stars: Meet Lauren Umstattd

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Umstattd.

Hi Lauren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in the greater Kansas City area. After high school, I moved to Columbia, MO where I attended undergraduate and medical school at the University of Missouri. After medical school, I stayed an additional five years to complete a surgical residency in Head and Neck Surgery. Following residency, I spent some time in Memphis, TN honing my surgical skills while working alongside a Facial Plastic surgeon.

After completing medical school and six years of surgical training, I decided to open my own practice in the Kansas City area.

I specialize in Facial Plastic Surgery because I love both the patients and the procedures. Helping individuals look and feel their best is very rewarding. Whether it’s a small tweak or a larger transformation, my aim is always to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals and keep them looking natural.

Construction of my office is currently underway and we’re hoping to open in the next couple months. The office includes a clinic and fully licensed, accredited surgery center. Housing our own private surgery center will provide patients with improved comfortability and privacy. The most common surgeries I perform include facelifts, rhinoplasties, upper and lower eyelid surgeries, and brow lifts.

FACE Leawood is located at 4950 W. 135th St. Leawood, KS 66224.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Opening my own practice, as a surgeon, wife, and mother, has been nothing short of a challenge. During my medical and surgical training, I was solely dedicated to accruing medical knowledge and sharpening my surgical skills. Very little time was dedicated to the business of medicine.

But like anything in life, if you want something bad enough, you’ll figure out a way to make it work. And that is exactly what I’ve done with the business aspects of the practice. There are so many great business resources available. Pair that with helpful colleagues and great community support and I believe I’ve got a winning hand.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a female, I’m one of only a handful of women who specialize in Facial Plastic Surgery within the midwest. Discussing one’s insecurities and cosmetic goals can be intimidating and uncomfortable. I think for some patients, it can be easier to connect with and communicate with another female.

I also think my astute attention to detail, particularly when working on areas as visible as the face, sets me apart from some practitioners. I am proud of my surgical training and I’m very excited to bring my level of expertise to the community.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Mentorship is key in every industry, particularly in the world of surgery and entrepreneurship. My advice to others when searching for a mentor is to have several. No mentor will serve every role. Identify those you look up to, those who are willing to lend a hand, and those that really believe in your vision. Then identify each of their strengths. Each and every mentor will serve you in different capacities.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: faceleawood.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_umstattd_md/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FACE-Leawood-104286791905986