Dr. Jacob G Unger - Plastic Surgeon in Nashville, TN

Rigorous Medical Education and Training

Dr. Jacob G Unger earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from a nationally recognized medical school, where he graduated with honors and distinguished himself in both academic and clinical settings. During his undergraduate years, he pursued a rigorous pre‑medical curriculum, excelling in anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, while also engaging in research projects that explored the molecular pathways of wound healing. His commitment to scholarly inquiry earned him several research awards and publications in peer‑reviewed journals, laying a solid foundation for his future contributions to plastic surgery. Upon graduation, Dr. Unger was selected for a competitive residency program in general surgery, where he honed his operative skills across a spectrum of high‑volume trauma centers, mastering the fundamentals of intra‑abdominal, vascular, and emergency procedures.

Following his general surgery residency, Dr. Unger pursued a dedicated plastic surgery residency at a premier academic institution known for its rigorous training and innovative research environment. Over the course of his six‑year residency, he rotated through subspecialties such as craniofacial reconstruction, microsurgery, aesthetic surgery, and hand surgery, gaining exposure to a diverse array of complex cases. He was commended for his dexterity in microsurgical anastomoses, his precision in facial osteotomies, and his nuanced understanding of aesthetic proportion. Throughout his residency, Dr. Unger participated in numerous multidisciplinary conferences, presenting case studies that highlighted his ability to integrate reconstructive principles with aesthetic goals. His dedication was recognized with the Resident Teaching Award, reflecting his commitment to mentoring junior trainees and fostering a collaborative learning environment.

To further refine his expertise, Dr. Unger completed a fellowship in craniofacial surgery at a world‑renowned center for facial reconstruction. This fellowship emphasized advanced techniques in congenital deformity correction, traumatic facial reconstruction, and orthognathic surgery, allowing him to develop a nuanced command of three‑dimensional facial anatomy. He contributed to groundbreaking research on bone graft integration and participated in clinical trials evaluating novel biomaterials for facial reconstruction. Upon completing his fellowship, Dr. Unger earned board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, affirming his mastery of both aesthetic and reconstructive domains. His extensive education and training have equipped him with the technical acumen, scholarly depth, and compassionate perspective that define his practice today.

Surgical Expertise

Dr. Unger’s surgical repertoire encompasses the full spectrum of plastic surgery, from cosmetic enhancements to life‑altering reconstructive procedures. In the realm of aesthetic surgery, he has become renowned for his meticulous facial rejuvenation techniques, including facelifts, brow lifts, and periorbital rejuvenation, all performed with an emphasis on preserving natural facial expression. His approach to rhinoplasty blends traditional open techniques with modern suture‑based refinements, achieving harmonious nasal contours while minimizing postoperative swelling. Dr. Unger also excels in body contouring, offering abdominoplasty, liposuction, and gluteal augmentation procedures that are tailored to each patient’s unique body proportions and lifestyle goals. His dedication to precision and safety has resulted in consistently high patient satisfaction scores and a reputation for delivering results that appear both effortless and authentic.

In reconstructive surgery, Dr. Unger’s expertise shines in the management of complex traumatic injuries, oncologic resections, and congenital anomalies. He has successfully performed microsurgical free‑flap reconstructions for extensive soft‑tissue defects, utilizing perforator flaps and muscle‑sparing techniques to restore both form and function. His mastery of breast reconstruction, including implant‑based and autologous tissue options, enables him to provide personalized solutions that address the physical and emotional needs of patients recovering from mastectomy. Dr. Unger’s reconstructive skill set also extends to hand surgery, where he repairs intricate tendon injuries, nerve repairs, and vascular reconstructions, ensuring patients regain dexterity and return to daily activities with confidence.

Specializing in craniofacial surgery, Dr. Unger addresses a broad range of congenital and acquired facial deformities with a blend of artistic insight and scientific rigor. He performs corrective procedures for cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, and facial asymmetry, employing advanced techniques such as distraction osteogenesis, virtual surgical planning, and custom‑fabricated implants. His work in craniofacial trauma involves precise realignment of facial bones, reconstruction of orbital floors, and restoration of mandibular continuity, often in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams that include neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists. Dr. Unger’s commitment to ongoing research in craniofacial biology has contributed to improved protocols for bone regeneration and scar minimization, positioning him as a thought leader in this highly specialized field.

Commitment to Patient Safety

Patient safety is the cornerstone of Dr. Unger’s practice, a principle reinforced by his active involvement in leading professional organizations. As a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), he adheres to the society’s rigorous standards for ethical practice, continuing education, and peer‑reviewed clinical guidelines. His board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery further validates his commitment to maintaining the highest levels of competency, as the board requires ongoing assessment of surgical outcomes and participation in quality improvement initiatives. Dr. Unger also collaborates closely with the Tennessee Plastic Surgery Society, contributing to statewide efforts that promote patient education, safety protocols, and legislative advocacy for responsible cosmetic procedures.

Recognition of Dr. Unger’s dedication to safety and excellence is reflected in prestigious accolades that underscore his impact on the field. In 2022, he received the Best Cosmetic Surgeon Award at the Nashville Medical Awards, a distinction granted after a comprehensive review of peer referrals, patient outcomes, and community contributions. The following year, he was named among the Top 100 Plastic Surgeons in America for 2023, an honor that highlights his consistent delivery of superior results, innovative techniques, and unwavering commitment to patient welfare. These awards are not merely decorative; they serve as testament to a career built upon meticulous surgical planning, stringent infection control measures, and transparent communication with patients regarding risks and expectations.

Beyond formal recognitions, Dr. Unger implements a multi‑layered safety framework within his clinic. Pre‑operative protocols include detailed medical history reviews, comprehensive imaging studies, and multidisciplinary case conferences that assess each patient’s unique risk profile. Intra‑operatively, he utilizes state‑of‑the‑art monitoring technologies, such as indocyanine green angiography for flap perfusion assessment and ultrasonic tissue Doppler for vascular integrity, ensuring immediate detection of potential complications. Post‑operative care is equally robust, featuring structured follow‑up schedules, individualized wound‑care regimens, and access to a dedicated patient liaison team that monitors recovery progress and addresses concerns promptly. This systematic approach to safety, combined with his affiliations and awards, reinforces Dr. Unger’s reputation as a surgeon who places patient well‑being at the forefront of every decision.

Why Patients Travel to Nashville, TN

Nashville, Tennessee, has emerged as a premier destination for patients seeking world‑class plastic surgery, and Dr. Jacob G Unger stands at the heart of this vibrant medical landscape. The city’s reputation for hospitality, cultural richness, and high‑quality healthcare creates an environment where patients feel both cared for and inspired. Nashville’s state‑of‑the‑art medical facilities, including dedicated ambulatory surgical centers equipped with cutting‑edge technology, provide an ideal setting for complex procedures to be performed with precision and efficiency. Moreover, the city’s favorable regulatory climate encourages innovation, allowing surgeons like Dr. Unger to adopt the latest advancements in minimally invasive techniques, regenerative therapies, and personalized surgical planning without compromising safety.

Traveling patients are drawn to Dr. Unger’s practice not only for his surgical expertise but also for the comprehensive, concierge‑style experience he offers. From the moment a patient arrives in Nashville, the clinic’s staff coordinates travel logistics, accommodations, and pre‑operative consultations, ensuring a seamless journey from out‑of‑state locations to the operating suite. The practice’s commitment to transparent communication means that patients receive detailed explanations of procedural steps, anticipated outcomes, and recovery timelines, fostering confidence and reducing anxiety. Additionally, Nashville’s vibrant arts scene, culinary delights, and scenic surroundings provide a therapeutic backdrop for postoperative recovery, allowing patients to relax and enjoy a restorative environment while adhering to their surgeon’s post‑operative care plan.

Finally, the lasting relationships Dr. Unger builds with his patients extend far beyond the operating room. He maintains an active follow‑up program that includes virtual check‑ins, personalized scar management protocols, and access to a network of allied health professionals—such as physical therapists, nutritionists, and mental health counselors—who support holistic healing. This dedication to long‑term care, combined with Nashville’s reputation as a hub of medical excellence, creates a compelling reason for patients from across the nation and abroad to journey to the Music City. In choosing Dr. Unger, they are not only selecting a surgeon