Dr. Van Pelt
Dr. Van Pelt joined Partners in Plastic Surgery of West Michigan after eleven years of medical education and advanced plastic surgery training in some of the nation's most prestigious institutions. She specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery of the face, breast and body. Dr. Van Pelt enjoys the privilege of making a positive impact on peoples' lives, helping them feel good about themselves with improved confidence and a fresh outlook on life.
Originally from Texas, Dr. Van Pelt earned her medical degree from top-ranked Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. She received honors in surgery and was accepted into the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency program at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. During residency, Dr. Van Pelt devoted a year of research to the study of 3-dimensional face and head shapes through the Craniofacial Imaging Laboratory at Washington University and in collaboration with researchers at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.
Although eligible to begin her career after completing training at Washington University, Dr. Van Pelt elected to gain additional technical training in aesthetic surgery. She was awarded a highly competitive cosmetic surgery and laser fellowship with internationally recognized plastic surgeon, Dr. W. Grant Stevens in Marina Del Rey, CA. Dr. Van Pelt's areas of interest include facelift, necklift, browlift and blepharoplasty (eyelids), rhinoplasty (nose), otoplasty (ears) chin augmentation, breast lift, breast augmentation, male and female breast reduction, breast reconstruction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), mommy makeovers, liposuction and body reshaping. Dr. Van Pelt also performs facial rejuvenation with botox and injectable fillers. She stresses natural-looking results that enhance a person's appearance and self-esteem.
Dr. Van Pelt has been a guest on WGVU radio and WWMT Channel 3, and has lectured to a number of public groups and organizations. She has authored scientific publications and presented her research to hundreds of physicians at global conferences including the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, and American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association meetings in Denver and Philadelphia. She is a co-author of the "Mastopexy and Mastopexy-Augmentation" chapter in the upcoming 7th edition of Grabb & Smith's Plastic Surgery, the world renowned go-to textbook for plastic surgeons in training.
Dr. Van Pelt balances life outside her busy plastic surgery practice with a number of activities and interests. She and her husband enjoy traveling, hiking, exploring Michigan, and cooking and eating gourmet food. Dr. Van Pelt also likes to channel her artistic talents through painting.
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