Although she survives the accident, the woman sustains facial injuries that severely alter her appearance and makes her the object of intense public scrutiny.

Her primary physician refers her to the Danville (Calif.) Ambulatory Surgery Center, where one of the center's surgeons, Timothy Leung, MD, specializes in cosmetic surgery for trauma patients.

At the center, the patient meets with Deborah Price, RN, who carefully explains the cosmetic surgery that will restore both the woman's appearance and self-esteem.

Helping patients rebuild their lives is one of the rewards of being a cosmetic surgery nurse. Although the media often portrays cosmetic surgery as a frivolous form of medical care embraced primarily by celebrities, the reality of working in the field is far different.

"Very few of our patients are driven by vanity," said Price, who has worked in the field for the past 16 years. "The majority of our patients are seeking a simple cosmetic fix that can improve their appearance and make their lives better."

Procedures range from noninvasive techniques such as microdermabrasion and glycolic peels, to surgical procedures such as liposuction and face-lifts.

"We definitely practice a happy form of medicine," Price said. "Our patients all opt to have surgery voluntarily and they all leave with a positive outcome."

Cosmetic surgery is a field that is evolving. Price has seen many new procedures introduced during the past 16 years, and has worked on the cutting edge of some of those technologies.

"Our medical director, Dr. Edward Knowlton, founded Thermage and is the inventor of the technology behind the Thermacool TC system. Thermoplasty is a noninvasive technique that uses radiofrequency to tighten a patient's skin," Price said.

She and the center's other nurses received training in the use of Thermage, and have mastered laser procedures and the art of microdermabrasion.

The center operates a full skin care center, where nurses can recommend a variety of procedures and skin care products to patients who want to slow the aging process or combat common skin conditions, such as adult acne and rosacea.

"My job allows me to practice nursing to the fullest," Price said. "I receive a lot of respect from physicians and colleagues and my input is very much valued."

A new nursing path

In Napa, Calif., Deb Covington, RN, left a 35-year career as an operating room nurse and made the transition into cosmetic surgery nursing. She works as the practice manager for Napa Valley Plastic Surgery Associates.

"I enjoyed working in surgery, but now I have more involvement with patients, which I absolutely love," Covington said.

In her job, Covington conducts patient education, serves as the patient's advocate during surgery and follows up with clients during their recovery.

Some of Covington's most rewarding experiences have been working with breast cancer patients.

"We see women who have been through mastectomies or chemotherapy and have lost so much to cancer," Covington said. "To be able to help them regain a part of their lives through reconstructive surgery is very gratifying."

Despite tabloid reports of celebrities undergoing extensive cosmetic surgeries, Covington said that most of her patients are regular people seeking a little rejuvenation.

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