Why We're Different

We're Here for You

Our professional, compassionate medical staff is dedicated to addressing your individual needs and goals. We will be there to answer questions you may have—from medical and procedural to financing, as well as provide support and guidance. We understand that your decision to undergo aesthetic treatment is private and we pledge to always honor that privacy. Our goal is to ensure your experience is the absolute best.

Meet Our Support Team

We are here for one reason—you. Everyone on our team plays an important role in your patient experience and we take that responsibility seriously. Whether you have questions, need to schedule an appointment or procedure, or just need some advice, we're ready to help. We're just as dedicated to supporting our surgical staff as we are to supporting you throughout your aesthetic surgery journey. Feel free to call on any of us.

Personalized Care

Because plastic surgery is such a personal experience, we feel strongly about supporting you with the same team from our office to operating room to recovery. For example, Rachel Sobota is the nurse you will see for your pre-operative appointments and she's who you will see in the operating room and as you recover in the hospital. Our patients often tell us that this unique service made their experience even better than they had hoped for. By knowing not only what to expect, but who to expect, patients are able to relax more, which can lead to faster recovery times.

Recover in Spa-like Rooms

All of our surgery patients will recover in the spa-like patient rooms on the eighth floor of the award-winning Firstenburg Tower at Southwest Washington Medical Center. Each room has expansive windows to let healing light in and take advantage of the restorative views of local mountains and the verdant terrain of southwest Washington and northern Oregon. The thoughtfully designed rooms feature modern amenities such as bedside entertainment consoles and space for overnight guests.

Take a Tour With Julie

Seeing the facilities and meeting the people who will be in charge of your care can help you feel more comfortable with your decision to choose cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. We invite you to contact Julie Kirk, our clinical nurse manager, and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it of the patient floor at the award-winning Firstenburg Tower. Julie is happy to schedule a tour at a time that is convenient for you. You can also This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it any questions you have regarding your stay, and she will get back to you within 2-3 days. Be sure to include your name and the best way to reach you along with your questions or request for a tour.

In Our Patient's Words

"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 Southwest 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 bes 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 devestated, 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.

"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 Kay