About Dr. Hicks
Beginning a new professional position can be quite an exciting but challenging experience. However, I consider myself extremely lucky to have teamed up with such an experienced, friendly, and selfless professional like Dr. Sheldon Kabaker. I wanted to take this time to introduce myself to you, and tell you more about my training and professional interests.
My Pre-Surgical Life. The path to my current profession was not exactly straight, but it included several interesting and life-building experiences. I grew up in Connecticut, and attended Harvard College where I majored in Biology. During the summers in college, I ran a small business, and this fostered enough of an interest in business that after graduation in 1989 I decided to work in the finance industry in New York City. I soon realized, though, that this tedious and sedentary work were not for me, so I decided to re-examine my other career interest: surgery. I moved to San Francisco in 1993, to be close to several friends and relatives, and took a job at the California Pacific Medical Center as a operating room technician. I was much happier at this job than I ever had been in finance, and became convinced that a career in surgery was right for me. In my free time, I played bass guitar and guitar with YellowWood Junction, an original rock band based in the city. We recorded two CD’s and toured often throughout the Western U.S. I never expected music to be a true profession for me, but I greatly enjoyed my time with the band, and I value the personal growth I achieved during those years.
The Long Training Road. I moved back to New York in 1996 to start my medical education at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. I graduated in 2000, and moved back to California to start a six-year residency program at the University of California – San Diego, to specialize in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery. This field, known to many patients as “ENT”, involves treating all medical and surgical conditions of the face and neck. But, most interesting to me, it emphasizes the basics of facial plastic surgery. I had been interested in this subspecialty since junior high school, likely because it appealed to my attention to detail, the need to work with my hands, and the satisfaction I felt with improving aesthetics. So, during residency I performed hundreds of rhinoplasties, facelifts, eyelid procedures, and cancer reconstructions, and treated a great many victims of severe penetrating and blunt trauma to the face and neck. This residency exposed me to the complete anatomy, physiology, function, pathology, and treatment options for the face and neck, without diluting attention by trying to master surgery of the rest of the body. I feel that this thorough background is indispensable for any surgeon providing cosmetic services for the face and neck.
 After the residency, I committed to one more year of highly specialized training in facial plastic surgery at the Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills, and USC in Los Angeles. My mentor was Dr. Frank Kamer, one of the most respected and famous facial surgeons in the field. Dr. Kamer developed many of the most effective facelift techniques used today, primarily the deep plane procedure. He also performed more than 10,000 rhinoplasties during his career, and offered an assortment of other facial procedures. His teaching enabled me to build considerably on my experience from residency, and I am happy to be able to bring his expertise to the Bay Area. In addition, simply working in Beverly Hills was a great learning experience. Patients there are very savvy about plastic surgery, and expect a very high level of care. A large proportion of Dr. Kamer’s patients were among the most famous celebrities in the world, and working with them was an excellent confidence-building experience for me.
My Current Practice. My practice in Oakland will focus on several treatments. First, I will emphasize rhinoplasties, considered by many to be the most challenging of facial cosmetic surgeries. The rhinoplasty experience of my residency and fellowship provides an excellent foundation on which to base my practice at the Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery Medical Clinic. Second, I will focus on facial rejuvenation. I participated in all types of facelifts, eyelid surgery, and brow lifts during fellowship, which will benefit current patients who desire a younger, more refreshed look. Third, I will grow my practice of non-invasive treatments, including Botox and filler injections. Having a surgeon as an injector, patients will have the advantage of getting a complete perspective on facial improvement. Lastly, I will work with Dr. Kabaker to master the complexities of hair restoration and scalp reconstruction.
I appreciate patients who are well educated on the treatments they receive, and to assure this I will provide thorough counseling on each procedure, including all risks, benefits, and alternatives. I want to establish good rapport with all patients, giving everyone the time needed to help each feel completely comfortable with his or her treatment. Additionally, I believe that every result should be natural. No patient wants to project a “fixed” look, and I avoid treatments that risk creating this appearance.
I hope that you will take the opportunity to come in and talk with me about your facial cosmetic concerns!
David L. Hicks, M.D.
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