Dr. Theo Gerstle Calls for More Thoughtful Healthcare Decisions Through Listening First
Dr. Theodore “Theo” Gerstle, a plastic surgeon at Lexington Plastic Surgery, is encouraging patients and healthcare professionals alike to place greater value on honest conversations, realistic expectations, and informed decision-making as cosmetic medicine continues to grow in popularity.
Drawing on his experiences as a West Point graduate, Harvard-trained plastic surgeon, and physician who has been in private practice since 2014, Dr. Gerstle believes one of the most important healthcare skills is often overlooked: listening.
“Every patient is unique,” said Dr. Gerstle. “You have to listen first. If you don’t understand what matters to that person, you can’t really help them.”
His message comes as cosmetic procedures continue to become more common across the United States. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 25 million cosmetic minimally invasive and surgical procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2023. At the same time, surveys continue to show that patients increasingly value physician communication, transparency, and shared decision-making when choosing healthcare providers.
Dr. Gerstle believes those trends highlight an opportunity for patients to become stronger advocates for themselves.
“The consultation is one of the most important parts of the process,” he said. “Patients need honest conversations. They need realistic expectations.”
Research also supports the importance of patient engagement:
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Studies have found that patients who actively participate in medical decisions often report higher satisfaction with their care.
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Effective physician-patient communication has been associated with better treatment adherence and improved health outcomes.
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Millions of Americans search online each year for information about cosmetic procedures, making access to accurate, evidence-based information increasingly important.
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Migraine disease affects an estimated 39 million Americans, underscoring the importance of discussing all available treatment options with qualified medical professionals.
For Dr. Gerstle, these numbers reinforce a simple principle that has guided his career from military service through medical school and surgical training.
“West Point teaches accountability,” he said. “You learn quickly that details matter because people are counting on you.”
That same philosophy now shapes every consultation.
Rather than encouraging patients to chase changing beauty trends, Dr. Gerstle encourages people to focus on their own goals and long-term well-being.
“A lot of people want to look refreshed, not different,” he said. “The goal is to help patients feel confident while still looking like themselves.”
He also believes informed decisions begin long before someone walks into a doctor’s office.
What Individuals Can Do Today
Dr. Gerstle encourages anyone considering a medical or cosmetic procedure to:
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Write down their personal goals before a consultation.
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Prepare a list of questions ahead of every appointment.
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Learn about both surgical and non-surgical options.
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Research physician credentials and training.
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Take time before making major healthcare decisions.
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Seek realistic expectations instead of comparing themselves to social media images.
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Bring a trusted family member or friend to important consultations if helpful.
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Prioritize overall health, sleep, exercise, and stress management as part of long-term wellness.
“At the end of the day, this work is about people,” Dr. Gerstle said. “You never want to lose sight of that.”
He hopes these simple actions will help people become more confident participants in their own healthcare, regardless of the type of treatment they are considering.
Call to Action
Dr. Gerstle encourages individuals to start one conversation this week about informed healthcare decisions. Share the questions that helped you better understand a medical recommendation, encourage a friend or family member to prepare for their next appointment, and remember that good healthcare begins with honest communication, thoughtful questions, and realistic expectations.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Dr. Theodore “Theo” Gerstle
Dr. Theodore “Theo” Gerstle is a Lexington, Kentucky-based plastic surgeon who has been in private practice at Lexington Plastic Surgery since 2014. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, the University of Louisville School of Medicine, and the Harvard Combined Plastic Surgery Residency Program, he specializes in facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and migraine treatment. His approach emphasizes patient education, personalized consultations, and natural-looking results built on trust and open communication.
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