| Dr. Austin's practice drew the attention of the media in December of 1981 when an article was published in the Washington Post about his work ("A Day in the Life of a Plastic Surgeon"). He joined multiple surgeons in authoring a book about cosmetic surgery and used the book, Better Than Ever , to more effectively inform patients about various procedures. By 1983, five years after it began, his practice was among the largest and most prestigious plastic surgery practices in the Washington area. Because of his notoriety and consistent referral base, it became apparent that the practice would have to expand. Dr. Austin and his staff of five moved to occupy the adjacent free-standing building, thus becoming the first practice in the Washington area to have a majority of a building dedicated exclusively to plastic surgery.
THE EARLY YEARS In 1986, Dr. George Weston joined the practice as an associate and after attaining board certification in plastic surgery, became a partner with Dr. Austin. The two physicians and their growing staff of professionals began to develop innovative concepts for the practice that would take them well into the future. Dr. Austin and Dr. Weston became the first surgeons in the area to begin showing before and after photographs of other patients to demonstrate what a potential patient might reasonably expect from surgery. Complimentary consultations were another Dr. Austin and Dr. Weston first. Together they implemented the concept of the Cosmetic Surgical Consultant, a comfortable and well-informed person whose job is to answer preliminary questions and to provide as much information as possible to patients so they are able to make an informed decision regarding plastic surgery. To this day, the patient consultant functions as a constant liaison between doctor and patient and provides individual support for the patient
The plastic surgery center at the Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery became among the first certified by The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Plastic Surgery Facilities (AAAAPSF).
EARLY PRACTICE INNOVATIONS: THE AGING MOUTH In addition to being experienced in all areas of plastic surgery, the Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery has become known for developing popularized techniques for correction of the aging mouth. They have published multiple articles and book chapters related to the aging mouth. Dr. Austin and Dr. Weston have appeared in numerous magazine and newspaper articles, including People Magazine , Allure Magazine, and national and local television programs including the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Phil Donahue Show. They have been invited to appear on the Geraldo and Jerry Springe r television shows.
As the practice began to flourish, Dr. Austin and Dr. Weston selected Dr. Robert Sigal to join the Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery . Trained at Harvard College and the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Sigal had already received his board certification in general surgery. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Sigal took and passed his Boards in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, having the distinction of becoming Double Board Certified. Dr. Sigal brought innovative endoscopic surgical techniques to the practice, and is responsible for the introduction of the laser and the very popular Botox procedure. In addition to his demanding duties as surgeon, Dr. Sigal serves as the center's medical and marketing director. THE MIDDLE YEARS Because of the overwhelming demand for plastic surgery, two new operating rooms were added and the practice staff expanded to twenty. Recognizing the importance of patient education, the surgeons at the Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery wrote and published 17 columns about cosmetic surgery in the lay press. They were published as advertisements and have been praised for their candor and informational value. Says Dr. Weston, "Our advertisements do not extol our particular practice. Rather their content supports all practices and all patients by informing the public what cosmetic surgery can and cannot accomplish. Informed patients choose wisely." Dr. Austin passed the mantle of the presidency to Dr. Weston in 1995, continuing his surgical duties, but passing the larger responsibility to his trusted partner. In 1998 a fourth plastic surgeon, Dr. Byron Poindexter, joined the Austin-Weston team, forming one of the largest cosmetic surgery practices in the country. PHI Beta Kappa in college and "AOA" in medical school, Dr. Poindexter's talents have been instrumental in creating a state of the art surgical center with comparable internal systems. His surgical interests have greatly expanded the practice's use of the endoscope and of Botox, and his presentation of liposuction with tummy tucks has made him a sought after legal authority. One often-overlooked aspect of a successful practice is how the partners and associates work and respect one another for their character and deep sense of commitment to the high standards and principles that have been the cornerstone of the practice. Such attributes have also been sought when they hire a new staff member. As a result each new member of the team is self-motivated and works with little need for supervision. THE PRESENT AND FUTURE By the end of 1999, it became clear that the physical space could no longer accommodate the practice with its four physicians and staff of 25. After a long search, the surgeons at the Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery selected a desirable site in Reston, Virginia. The two-acre site is adjacent to the Dulles International Airport Access Route and contains a ten thousand foot building. This building has been transformed into a state of the art facility with six outpatient surgical procedure rooms and extensive aftercare and esthetician services. |
