Oahu Plastic Surgeon in Honolulu, Hawaii
Dr. Michael Anthony Pasquale D.O.

Dr. Michael Pasquale is one of Hawaii's top cosmetic plastic surgeons in Hawaii and the world. His unique combination of education and experience give him special qualifications and insight into cosmetic plastic surgery.

Of special note, Dr. Pasquale is one of the few plastic surgeons in the world who has not only completed a full residency in plastic surgery but has also earned a 2-year training certificate specifically in the subspecialty of cosmetic surgery. He earned this certificate in Manhattan N.Y., at NYU Downtown Hospital, under some of New York’s leading cosmetic and plastic surgeons. In addition to his training in plastic surgery, Dr. Pasquale is an osteopathic physician and surgeon (D.O.), which means he has had additional training in manual medicine techniques and alternate medicine. This holistic medical education has given him a deeper understanding of medicine and knowledge about newer concepts of health.

"Plastic Surgery is a specialty of art, creation, psychology and true considerate human understanding."

First and foremost as a surgeon, I am required to apply my rational surgical skills using sound science, good technique, and meticulous attention to detail to every case. As a plastic surgeon, I have developed the understanding to seek creative solutions to extremely complex problems, such as a paralyzed face or limb, with science. As an Osteopathic Surgeon I seek to understand the mind-body relationship of an individual patient and the psychology that is at work. As a cosmetic surgeon I always seek to treat with an artistic appreciation of form, beauty and attractiveness. As for my patients, I strive to never forget that it is an honor and privilege to gain their trust and do all that I can to keep that trust sacred.

Hawaii Plastic Surgeons are a significant group of Plastic Surgeons in the world of plastic surgery.

Plastic Surgeons in Hawaii

Overall, Hawaii plastic surgeons are very well trained, experienced and what one would say are above the average of plastic surgeons as a group. The newer plastic surgeons in Hawaii although may not have the experience or board certifications, appear still to be quite capable. One likely reason for this is that Honolulu Hawaii is a very competitive market with upwards of 25 plastic surgeons in the community for a population of about 1 million. Competition does indeed bring out the best. That is a good thing for the people of Hawaii and for those who travel here for treatment with a Hawaii Plastic Surgeon. Simply put you get some of the world’s best plastic surgeons.

Hawaii is still part of the USA which means physicians are strictly regulated and the standard of care is very high. Those who travel say to Mexico for cheaper prices may not know what quality is there and many of the places are regulated very little. A patient would have no recourse if a problem resulted in underdeveloped country even though the price may be cheap. Hawaii Plastic Surgeons are closely scrutinized for quality and safety of their practice.

Now one must consider what makes a person a Hawaii Plastic Surgeon. Well obviously to be a Hawaii Plastic Surgeon one should practice in Hawaii. Another consideration is that one must be a plastic surgeon. This leads to the question of what is a plastic surgeon. Well the best answer is a person must have completed an approved training program in plastic surgery and practice plastic surgery. Board certification in Plastic Surgery is usually a great indicator, rather than another specialty like emergency medicine or neurology may make the doctor a better physician, but make him or her plastic surgeon.

Doctors in general can practice cosmetic surgery and in Hawaii there are places which advertise as Plastic Surgery Centers or clinics and there is no plastic surgeon there so beware! Cosmetic Surgery does not require a special license or special board at this time to practice and its not illegal nor dishonest as the law governing cosmetic surgery is fairly broad.

The fact is legally any doctor, even your family
doctor can practice cosmetic surgery.

Yet for one to call them selves a plastic surgeon the
criteria that is generally accepted is as follows:

1. Must have completed a Plastic Surgery residency meaning that they must have trained in a program of at least two years duration in Plastic Surgery that is approved.

2. They must have completed the prerequisite training in SURGERY before entering plastic surgery training (#1 above) which ranges from 3 years of general surgery to up to 5 years of general surgery or another approved SURGICAL specialty before one can enter a plastic surgery training program. One cannot by any means call themselves a plastic surgeon after a month course or fellowship but must have approved training of two years duration or more on top of the prerequisite surgical training.

3. There are two approval bodies for plastic surgery training, one under the MD certification pathway and one is under the D.O. or osteopathic pathway. Both are considered equal by the state and federal government as well as Hospitals such as Queens medical Center, the military, Medicare and the like. And both are very similar in terms of years of training required. The differences are more philosophical than in years or types of training.

4. There is also a Cosmetic Surgery Board which is not similar in its training requirements. This board does not require approved plastic surgery residency as a prerequisite to their certification. This board is for physicians who may be board certified in another specialty but wish to practice some aspect of cosmetic surgery. Neither there are several experienced cosmetic surgeons in Hawaii who have very good reputation who do very good work but they are not Plastic Surgeons nor would they tell you that they are.

677 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 404 • Honolulu Hawaii 96813 • Phone: 808-737-0205 • Privacy Notice
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