Patient Testimonials

Dr. Allen Gabriel and Dr. Brinda Thimmappa and their compassionate, highly trained staff have helped many patients realize their cosmetic and reconstructive goals.

Patient testimonials are one of the key components of making an educated decision about plastic surgery. See below for some of our patients' comments about our team. These testimonials demonstrate our commitment to excellence in everything we do.

Please contact our office at 360-514-1010 with any questions or comments you may have. We'd love to hear from you!

In Our Patient's Words

Dear Dr. Thimmappa, Wow! From the moment I walked in your office door I was treated with kindness and respect. I felt immediate comfort with everything from making appointments to taking photos, and finally with surgery and recovery. I had a post surgical problem on a Saturday and with absolutely no hesitation you met me in your office and did a repair procedure. Since then I've done very well.

I wanted to take a few moments and tell you and your staff "thank you" for all you have done for me. You have taken a 62 year old woman and transformed not only my body, but you have given my self esteem a huge boost too. Thank you just doesn't seem to cover how I feel.

-Rae J.

Brynn Cain has three kids ages 8, 5 and 3. Added to an already active life which includes work and an intensive workout regime, Brynn Cain wanted a body that would support her lifestyle and help her feel great. When she decided to have a breast augmentation, she chose Dr. Allen Gabriel of PeaceHealth Medical Group Plastic Surgery. "Dr. Gabriel is easy to talk to, smart and reassuring. He educated me more than any of the other others doctors were able to, and he made me feel at ease," she said.

Brynn's April surgery was about two hours at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, and she went home the same day. She received high profile silicon implants, which increased her breast size from a 32C to a 32DD/DDD. During the surgery itself, Dr. Gabriel slips several pairs of implants under the skin, sits the patient up and has the team come to full agreement on the look and proportion of the implants.

She was pleased by the short recovery time and minimal discomfort able she experienced. She was worried she would have to be "down" at least a week and do no exercising for six. However, she said, "I was able to walk the second week and run the third." In August, she completed Oregon’s famed 200-mile Hood-to-Coast relay.

Brynn says her new body helps her stay and feel in shape. "I love the results for my body type, which is petite. I had nothing and now I feel awesome," she said. "I fill out shirts, and I look good in suits. It takes the pressure off me to keep up my physique."

-Brynn C.

When Teresa Decker learned she was genetically predisposed to cancer, she was quick to act -- especially since her chances of getting breast or ovarian cancer were 80 percent. She had a complete hysterectomy and planned for a breast tissue removal and reconstruction, which is a single operation in the hands of Dr. Toni Storm-Dickerson, breast cancer specialist, and plastic surgeon Dr. Allen Gabriel. 

An MRI of her breasts found no cancer. During the surgery, however, her doctors discovered a very early form of cancer in her right breast. Teresa's worst fears came to bear, as well as her highest hopes. The cancer was completely removed and her breasts were constructed beyond her expectations. Today, she is focused on her bright future: "My doctors saved my life. I didn't have to have chemotherapy or radiation," she said, adding even better news, "and I can't get breast cancer."

-Teresa D.

See Teresa D's interview with KPTV Fox. 

"Like every patient, I had many concerns and personal anxieties when considering surgery. At the initial consultation, Dr. Thimmappa was gracious and understanding to hear my story, and responded with sensitivity and easy-to-understand explanations of the procedure and healing process. What impressed me most was her personal sincerity about her work; she really listened to my feedback, and it was so apparent that she is genuinely passionate about helping people. I truly find Dr. Thimmappa and her whole staff delightful and I never thought a plastic surgery experience could be so wonderful! Thank you Dr. T!"

- Katherine K.

"I have been a professional model in Los Angeles, CA since I was 14. My success in modeling depends on how I look. After having two children and breastfeeding, I was concerned about how well the clothes would look on me. I went to see Dr. Allen Gabriel to consult with him about breast augmentation. After talking to him, I felt extremely comfortable with my decision to proceed. He was very professional, knowledgeable and caring. He answered all of my questions. After the surgery, I looked even better than I had anticipated. Thank you Dr. Gabriel for the confidence I now have in the way I look and feel about myself again!"

- Katelyn G.

"My consult appointment for an abdominoplasty with Dr. Allen Gabriel was only the beginning of a great experience. His knowledge, experience, and excitement to help patients in this field made me feel confident in my decision right from the start. As a Registered Nurse, I appreciate Dr. Gabriel's medical knowledge, surgical skills, and passion for perfection. After that initial consult, there was no doubt in my mind that he would be performing my surgery. My questions were all answered in detail and in confidence. My trust in Dr. Gabriel was evident by my complete ease the day of my surgery. My results far exceeded my expectations - my new physical appearance is exactly what I have always wanted, and I love it! More importantly, my self-confidence has improved greatly."

- Berna L.

I wish to thank Dr. Thimmappa and the staff at PeaceHealth Medical Group Plastic Surgery for the wonderful care I received. An incident in February 2009 left a large, highly visible scar down my forehead. Treatment started with analysis and therapy to prepare the tissue and ensure the best result. During this time, I was kept fully informed and made comfortable by Dr Thimmappa’s  professionalism and genuine concern for my well-being.  Under her guidance, I was always provided the opportunity to make decisions regarding my treatment and encouraged to ask questions regarding any concerns about the procedure. When it came time for the restorative surgery, the doctor and staff went above and beyond to ease my apprehensions and keep me informed at each stage.  The healing process went well and the results have exceeded my expectations.  Co-workers, friends and family have marveled at the improvement in my appearance and I no longer attract the glances or questions in public places that were part of my daily experiences previously. The treatment I received went a long way in erasing the physical trauma to my face but most importantly, left me feeling healed emotionally and confident  to resume my social interactions.  Instead of being reminded of the trauma each time I look in a mirror or people’s faces, I continue to feel the gratitude and good fortune of being a patient of Dr. Thimmappa.

- Kevin T

"I was devastated, overwhelmed and in a state of despair to learn I had breast cancer at just 26 years old. After a double mastectomy, Dr. Gabriel performed reconstructive surgery, giving me back my youthful confidence that cancer stole from me. His work is genuine, sincere and he cares about his patients. His staff is amazing! They make me feel like family when I walk through the door—even remembering stories about my personal life. To show that level of interest makes me feel like I'm more than just a random name on a sheet of paper!

- Theresa B.

See Theresa B's interview with CBS KOIN Studio 6.
See Thereas B's interview with ABC KATU.

"I have never met a doctor who is as caring, dedicated and professional as Dr Gabriel. His experience and passion for what he does made me feel confident to trust my face in his hands. I was a radiant bride because of Dr Gabriel. I would trust no other plastic surgeon but him."

- Sherri R.

To express my feelings of thankfulness would take a whole ream of paper. My health has always been a struggle, making me a pinball being bounced from doctor to doctor. After having two difficult pregnancies and a hysterectomy at the age of 26, feeling like a women was practically impossible. My self-assurance about my body was shot. To add to the struggle, a second breast lump appeared at age 30—the first one was at the age of 20. I had lost all hope. My daily struggle with self-esteem was affecting my relationships with the ones I love. Then I met Dr. Gabriel and my hope was immediately renewed. From the first moment we met until now, Dr. Gabriel made me feel like a special person, not just another patient chart in a hospital gown. The thought of going through such invasive surgeries made me more nervous than I have ever felt. All of Dr. Gabriel’s reassurance helped me breathe with the greatest of ease. His knowledge of modern methods made the mastectomy practically painless. After all was done, and even throughout, I feel I can look in the mirror and actually feel like a women again. My self-esteem has been renewed, making relationships with my loved ones renewed. I thank Dr. Gabriel and his team for their kindness and compassion. Their patience and understanding is truly a gift from God.

To all those women out there with reservations and fears about your womanly bodies, your fears can be calmed. Bringing back the woman you know in your heart you can be. Dr. Gabriel, Rachel and Shelby have the knowledge and compassion to bring that woman from your heart to the surface. Thank you again Dr. Gabriel, Rachel and Shelby, you will always have a special place in my life and in my heart.

- Temmy K.

"My very first consultation for a body lift with Dr. Gabriel was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life. I had just lost 240 pounds and needed reconstructive surgery to remove the loose skin. After talking with him, I knew I was in good hands and he was the right person for me. Dr. Gabriel’s level of knowledge and excitement about the weight I had lost and what I was about to do was amazing. What I liked most was that he was very confident and I could tell he was going to get me looking my absolute best. He answered every question and concern I had. And, after the surgery I stayed in Southwest’s Firstenburg Tower and it was incredible! It was the most comfortable and relaxing place to recover after a major surgery.
 
The results from my body lift were nothing short of jaw dropping. It turned out better than I ever imagined. I feel like a new person and I look like one too. I have complete trust in Dr Gabriel. After the body lift I had two more surgeries: one on my upper chest and the other on my back. I look and feel amazing. At each of my follow up appointments, I am always well taken care of and put at ease by his staff — Rachel and Shelby.  They always make me feel at home and go above and beyond for me. Dr Gabriel helped me get my life back. I have a new found confidence in my life and in my appearance! Thank you!"

- Hunter H.

Shana Chose doesn’t have breast cancer – and she never has. But she was determined to dramatically decrease her chances of succumbing to the disease that killed her own mother in 2007. This year, at age 42, she had both of her breasts removed and reconstructed – and she couldn’t be happier. Moving forward with a prophylactic double mastectomy is an extremely difficult decision. A trusted friend had had the same procedure and subsequent reconstructive surgery. She shared her experiences and her results with Shana – best of all, she recommended both of her doctors—Dr. Toni Storm-Dickerson and Dr. Allen Gabriel. After undergoing the double mastectomy, Dr. Gabriel reconstructed Shana’s breasts. She was very specific with him – and he heard her. Like her mother, who was a triathlete, Shana is a committed runner and wanted breasts that would not impede her active lifestyle but still be natural and beautiful. “I feel very proportional and happy with what he did,” she said. “He never questioned me for what I wanted. I think a lot of him and his office.” Now Shana is making the most of her cancer-free future. Ironically, there is only one drawback to closing this chapter of her life – no more doctors’ appointments. “When I was done,” she said of her trusted physicians, “I was kind of sad not to see them again.”

- Shana C.

Both my husband and I want to convey our appreciation for the outstanding treatment I received during my stay following surgery with Dr. Gabriel. Throughout my three-day stay on the eighth floor, I was treated with the utmost respect and was provided the ultimate in professional care. The staff went beyond necessary measures to ensure my stay there was as comfortable as possible. My caregivers nearly rendered the "call" button obsolete by anticipating my every need. Prompt reponse to all reqeusts was the norm for me and my visitors. If it is possible for a stay in the hospital to be pleasurable, it would be accomplished on the eighth floor of the Firstenburg Tower.

- Marsha K.

Richard and I would like to thank Dr. Thimmappa for helping with Richard's recovery. The dedication she shows to her patients is wonderful. She took a very bad situation and helped Richard return to a normal life. He still walks with a limp, but over time we are confident he will make a full recovery. Again, thank you Dr. Thimmappa!

- Richard and Ka