Dr. Mary Ann Contogiannis, a distinguished plastic surgeon serving Greensboro and the surrounding areas, embodies a practice philosophy centered on the fusion of artistry and medical precision. With an unwavering commitment to enhancing the natural beauty of her patients, Dr. Contogiannis employs a personalized approach that prioritizes open communication and a thorough understanding of each individual’s unique aesthetic goals. Her practice thrives on the principles of empathy, integrity, and the latest advancements in cosmetic surgery, ensuring that every procedure is meticulously tailored to achieve optimal, harmonious results. Driven by a passion for continuous learning and innovation, she combines her extensive medical expertise with an artistic sensibility to provide transformative experiences for her patients, empowering them to embrace their best selves with confidence and grace.
Education and Experience
Dr. Contogiannis earned her bachelor’s degree from Duke University and subsequently obtained her medical degree from East Carolina University. Her journey continued with specialized training in general surgery at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine and East Carolina University. She then completed her plastic surgery residency at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, MO, where she also undertook a hand surgery fellowship.
Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to medical education, Dr. Contogiannis has been a prominent national representative for resident training issues at meetings of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Her leadership roles have included serving as Secretary-Treasurer and Vice President of the American Medical Association’s Education and Research Foundation. She also served as president of the American Medical Association’s Physician’s Health Foundation, where she effectively raised awareness about wellness issues physicians face in both their professional and personal capacities.
Dr. Contogiannis is recognized for her significant contributions to her field, having been awarded the prestigious 1997 American Medical Association/Glaxo-Wellcome Achievement Award. She has also been recognized as one of America’s Top Plastic Surgeons by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. Dr. Contogiannis is committed to remaining a leader and innovator within her field, and she is an active member of numerous distinguished professional organizations and committees.
Born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Dr. Contogiannis was raised in Greensboro and is a proud alumna of Grimsley High School. Currently, she resides in Greensboro with her husband, Ralph Huey, Jr., and step-daughter, Ivey Huey.
Certifications, Professional Memberships, and Awards
- Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- Member of the American Medical Association (AMA)
- Resident Member of the AMA’s Board of Trustees
- Alternate Delegate to the AMA from North Carolina
- Former President of the AMA’s Physician’s Health Foundation
- Former Vice President of the AMA’S Education and Research Foundation
- Recipient of the AMA/Glaxo-Wellcome Achievement Award
- Named one of America’s Top Plastic Surgeons by the Consumers’ Research Council of America
- Member of the North Carolina Medical Society
- Member of the Greater Greensboro Society of Medicine
- Member of the Association of Women’s Surgeons
- Chairman of the North Carolina Medical Society’s Resident Physicians Sections
- Member of the ASPS Young Plastic Surgeon’s Committee
- Chairman of the Young Physician’s Section of the North Carolina Medical Society
Dr. Contogiannis is also affiliated with several hospitals and healthcare systems, including the Moses Cone Health Systems Hospitals, the HealthSouth Greensboro Specialty Surgical Center, and HealthSouth Surgical Center of Greensboro.
What Is a Plastic Surgeon?
Plastic surgeons specialize in combining their advanced anatomical knowledge, superior surgical skills, and refined artistic sensibilities in order to help patients enhance or restore the function and/or appearance of the face, breasts, body, and skin. While many doctors can legally perform cosmetic surgery, plastic surgeons undergo years of additional training focused specifically on aesthetic and reconstructive techniques. This often gives them unique insight into the complex relationships between the different types of soft tissues, skin, and bones. Whether you are looking to repair damaged structures, correct birth abnormalities, or enhance the appearance of one or more parts of the body, a plastic surgeon can provide the exceptional, personalized care you deserve.
Importance of Board Certification for Plastic Surgeons
The decision to have cosmetic surgery is a major one, and it is important to choose a plastic surgeon who is fully committed to your safety, comfort, and satisfaction. Certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) indicates that a plastic surgeon has demonstrated a high level of competence in their field, undergone at least six years of advanced training beyond the basic requirements of their medical specialty, and passed rigorous examinations demonstrating their skill and knowledge. Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you feel confident that your provider has the experience and training necessary to deliver superior care and optimal aesthetic outcomes.
How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon for You
Choosing a qualified and highly skilled plastic surgeon who can help you achieve the results you desire is one of the most important steps of your cosmetic enhancement journey. However, many patients find this process daunting. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled some suggestions to assist you in finding the best plastic surgeon for your unique needs.
- Check their credentials. A surgeon’s training, experience, and expertise can all play a major role in optimizing your results. When conducting your search, it is important to make sure that you find someone who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). You can also review their other professional memberships and surgical specialties in order to get an idea of whether they are well-suited to perform the procedure you are interested in.
- Explore their patient gallery. Most reputable plastic surgeons are happy to showcase before-and-after photos of their work either on their website or in-office during a consultation. Reviewing their portfolio can give you a realistic idea of what to expect from your own procedure while also helping you ascertain whether your aesthetic interests are compatible with a surgeon’s past work.
- Read reviews. Patient reviews are often a great way of learning what to expect from your experience with a plastic surgeon. It can also be a good way to gain insight into their care philosophies and whether they are able to consistently deliver a high level of patient satisfaction
- Schedule a consultation. Once you have narrowed down your options, meeting with the surgeon directly can allow you to determine how comfortable you are with them. A consultation gives you the opportunity to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have while also getting a feel for the surgeon’s communication style, office environment, and approach to treatment. Remember: a consultation is not a firm commitment. Your plastic surgeon should attentively answer your questions without pressuring you into anything.
To learn more about Dr. Contogiannis, we invite you to contact us today. A friendly and knowledgeable member of our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have or help you schedule a consultation.