About Our Tummy Tuck Surgeons and Team
Whether you are interested in body contouring or a different type of surgery, our team at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery is here to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Our highly sought-after plastic surgeons, Dr. Neil J. Zemmel and Dr. Karishma Reddy, along with our knowledgeable physician assistant, Megan J. Goff, and family nurse practitioner, Alicia Walker, strive to provide the highest quality of care throughout your plastic surgery journey.
From the moment you enter our practice to your post-operative follow-up visits, you will be cared for by a team of friendly, experienced professionals—all of whom are committed to your safety, satisfaction, and overall wellbeing. To learn about our team’s background and credentials, please read their details below. If you have any questions or are ready to schedule your consultation with our team, please feel free to give us a call!
- Neil J. Zemmel, MD, FACS
- Karishma Reddy, MD
- Megan J. Goff, PA-C
- Lucy Smith, NP-C, MSN
- Finding the Best Tummy Tuck Surgeon
- Questions to Ask Your Tummy Tuck Surgeon
Dr. Zemmel and staff were so welcoming and helpful from the time I first walked in the door. They listened to me and understood exactly what I wanted and answered all my questions (without making me feel dumb for asking!) Great throughout the entire process. I never had to wait and they made me feel like I was their only patient. I would recommend Richmond Aesthetic Surgery to anyone considering cosmetic surgery for a world class experience and more importantly world class results!
Stacey H
April 07, 2013
Neil J. Zemmel, MD, FACS
Dr. Zemmel is a board-certified plastic surgeon who opened Richmond Aesthetic Surgery in 2007. As the practice’s Medical Director, he is considered an authority on a wide range of surgical procedures—from facial rejuvenation to breast enhancement to body contouring. Dr. Zemmel completed his undergraduate education from the College of William and Mary and then continued to the University of Virginia School of Medicine. After earning his medical degree, Dr. Zemmel completed a residency at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, during which he was Chief Resident of Plastic Surgery in his final year.
In his mission to be the best plastic surgeon possible, Dr. Zemmel strives to continuously hone his surgical skills to offer his patients a superior level of care. As part of this goal, he was selected by Allergan for an exclusive preceptorship in 2016 under the direction of Dr. Charles Randquist. Dr. Zemmel was one of only five plastic surgeons to be invited to this training in Stockholm, Sweden to learn the cosmetic breast surgery techniques for which Dr. Randquist has become internationally known.
Dr. Zemmel’s advanced expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery has led to him being recognized by multiple media outlets. This includes receiving the “Top Doctor” award by Richmond Magazine, “Best of Richmond – Reader’s Choice” by Style Weekly, and “Top Ten Doctor” and Patients’ Choice Award by Vitals. In addition, Dr. Zemmel was also awarded “Compassionate Doctor” by Vitals, which is only awarded to 3% of active physicians and is voted on by patients.
To stay involved within the medical community, Dr. Zemmel holds positions in multiple organizations. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Zemmel is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the Medical Society of Virginia.
Karishma Reddy, MD
Dr. Karishma Reddy is a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in the full range of cosmetic plastic surgery at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, but she focuses on aesthetic breast and body procedures. She is also proud to help breast cancer patients through innovative breast reconstruction techniques. Dr. Reddy strives to give her patients a boost in their self-confidence, helping them feel beautiful by enhancing their natural appearance. As a mom to a young son, Dr. Reddy understands the changes that can occur after pregnancy, and she takes pride in helping women rejuvenate their body through tummy tuck, breast lift, and other surgeries.
Originally from the Atlanta area, Dr. Reddy transitioned to Florida where she attended the University of Miami on the Dean’s Scholarship. After graduating with honors, she continued to the Medical College of Georgia, where she was inducted into the Gold Humanism honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha medical society, and Phi Kappa Phi honor society. Dr. Reddy graduated from medical school in the top 5% of her class.
Upon receiving her medical degree, Dr. Reddy trained in a six-year integrated plastic surgery residency at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Throughout her time in this highly sought-after program, she completed over 2000 plastic and reconstructive surgeries, and she was given many honors, including the Keith Amos Clinical Excellence in Breast Surgery Award. Dr. Reddy has also authored several peer-reviewed articles in breast surgery, as well as presented her research at conferences throughout the country.
When not helping patients, Dr. Reddy enjoys spending her free time with her husband and young son, Kian. She can be found on the golf course with her husband, in the kitchen making delicious South Asian-based cuisine, or staying busy with her son.
Megan J. Goff, PA-C
Megan is the board-certified physician assistant who is now the full time injection specialist at the Dermlounge. She is a friendly, compassionate part of our team, caring for patients at every step of the procedural process. From educating patients to assisting in after treatment recovery, Megan enjoys helping patients achieve their desired outcome while ensuring they remain comfortable and confident throughout their visits. As a testament to her focus on patients’ wellbeing, Megan was awarded “Best Bedside Manner of Physician Assistants” by Our Health Richmond, and she was also recognized by the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants for her collaboration with Dr. Zemmel.
Megan obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from James Madison University, after which she entered Shenandoah University’s prestigious physician assistant program and earned her master’s degree. In addition to providing injections treatments at the Dermlounge, she has a special interest in breast cancer patients. In fact, outside of Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, Megan acts as an educator for Susan G. Komen, helping raise awareness on breast health. In her free time, she can be found enjoying activities like boating and traveling internationally with her husband, Matt.
Lucy Smith, NP-C, MSN
Lucy is a board-certified nurse practitioner with our team. She is passionate about the field of aesthetics and helping patients boost their self-confidence through our many state-of-the-art treatment options. For her professional education and training, Lucy attended Old Dominion University, where she earned her Bachelor of Nursing, and continued to Virginia Commonwealth University for her master’s degree. Prior to specializing in aesthetic care, she spent 8 years working with patients suffering from cardiac conditions as an inpatient cardiology nurse. Lucy also acted as an intensive care nurse.
When not at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, Lucy likes to spend time with her husband, Matt, and two children, Eva Mae and Jax. She is also a major advocate of living a healthy lifestyle and staying active.
How to Find the Best Tummy Tuck Surgeon for You
As you look for the right tummy tuck surgeon for your needs, there are specific criteria you should seek. Perhaps the most important credential you should look for is that your plastic surgeon is board certified or board eligible by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
It can help to meet with multiple surgeons to compare which professional you feel more comfortable with. During the consultation process, you should ask questions and request to see before and after photos of past tummy tuck results they have helped patients achieve. The best tummy tuck surgeon for your procedure will help you feel at-ease and confident in their skills, as well as be transparent with you about the pros and cons of your surgery.
Questions to Ask Your Tummy Tuck Surgeon
During your tummy tuck consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have. To guide you through this appointment, and help ensure you get a thorough understanding of what to expect from your tummy tuck surgeon, make sure to ask questions similar to the following:
- How long have you been performing tummy tuck surgery?
- Do you think I’m a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
- What can I realistically expect in my results?
- Are there any special precautions I need to take before or after tummy tuck surgery?
- Do you perform tummy tuck surgery at a hospital or accredited facility?
- What are the risks of tummy tuck surgery?
- How long will it take until I can see my final tummy tuck results?
- How will my tummy tuck results change over time?
- Do you have before and after photos of previous tummy tuck patients?
If you are ready to get started on your tummy tuck journey, please contact us to schedule your consultation.