Dr. Ruth M. Owens - Plastic Surgeon in Metairie, LA

Rigorous Medical Education and Training

Dr. Owens’s academic journey began at the prestigious Tulane University School of Medicine, where she graduated summa cum laude, earning a dual degree in Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. During her undergraduate years, she conducted groundbreaking research on cellular scaffolding, publishing her findings in the Journal of Tissue Engineering, a study that later informed the development of bio‑resorbable implants used in reconstructive surgery. Her commitment to academic excellence was further demonstrated by her role as a teaching assistant for anatomy courses, where she honed her ability to convey complex concepts with clarity—a skill that would later translate into her patient education practice. The rigorous curriculum at Tulane, combined with clinical rotations that spanned cardiovascular, oncologic, and orthopedic specialties, provided her with a comprehensive foundation that would become the bedrock of her surgical expertise.

Following medical school, Dr. Owens pursued a competitive residency in Otolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania’s Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, a program renowned for its emphasis on both clinical mastery and innovative research. Here, she completed a series of intensive rotations that included complex airway reconstructions, microsurgical techniques, and advanced facial trauma management. Her dedication to mastering intricate anatomical nuances earned her the “Resident Scholar Award” for her thesis on the biomechanics of nasal cartilage grafts, a work that was later cited in multiple textbooks on facial reconstruction. The residency also offered her exposure to multidisciplinary teams, where she collaborated with neurosurgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, and speech therapists, further refining her collaborative approach to patient care.

To complement her otolaryngology training, Dr. Owens undertook a fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Mayo Clinic, a premier institution known for pioneering aesthetic procedures and complex reconstructions. During this fellowship, she performed over 500 microsurgical free‑flap transfers, refined her expertise in facial rejuvenation, and contributed to a multicenter trial evaluating the safety of novel hyaluronic acid fillers. Her mentorship under Dr. Elaine M. Harrison, a luminary in aesthetic surgery, inspired her to blend functional restoration with aesthetic refinement, a philosophy that would later define her private practice in Metairie. The fellowship also emphasized outcome measurement and patient satisfaction metrics, leading Dr. Owens to develop a proprietary postoperative assessment tool that is now utilized by several academic centers to gauge long‑term surgical success.

Surgical Expertise

Dr. Owens’s surgical repertoire encompasses a broad spectrum of procedures that bridge the worlds of otolaryngology and plastic surgery, allowing her to address both functional and aesthetic concerns with unparalleled precision. In the realm of otolaryngology, she is renowned for her mastery of complex airway reconstruction, including tracheal resections and laryngeal framework surgeries that restore breathing and voice quality for patients with congenital anomalies or traumatic injuries. Her work in rhinology extends to advanced septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and aesthetic rhinoplasty, where she employs three‑dimensional imaging and computer‑guided navigation to achieve optimal nasal symmetry and airway patency. These ENT procedures are complemented by her expertise in facial trauma, where she has successfully repaired mandibular fractures, orbital floor defects, and zygomatic arch injuries using both open and endoscopic techniques.

On the plastic surgery side, Dr. Owens excels in both reconstructive and aesthetic disciplines, offering a full suite of services that range from breast reconstruction following mastectomy to facial rejuvenation and body contouring. Her reconstructive work includes microsurgical free‑tissue transfer, where she harvests tissue from distant donor sites to restore form and function in patients with extensive soft‑tissue loss. In aesthetic surgery, she is celebrated for her nuanced approach to facelifts, neck lifts, and blepharoplasty, employing a “layered rejuvenation” technique that respects the natural aging process while delivering transformative results. Dr. Owens also integrates the latest non‑surgical technologies—such as laser resurfacing, radiofrequency tightening, and injectable neuromodulators—into comprehensive treatment plans that address patient concerns with minimal downtime.

What truly distinguishes Dr. Owens’s surgical practice is her commitment to leveraging interdisciplinary knowledge to create synergistic outcomes. By merging the precision of otolaryngologic airway management with the artistic sensibility of facial aesthetics, she has pioneered hybrid procedures such as combined septorhinoplasty with facial fat grafting, delivering both functional breathing improvement and subtle contour enhancement in a single operative session. Her innovative approach has been documented in several peer‑reviewed journals, and she regularly presents case studies at national conferences, sharing insights that inspire fellow surgeons to adopt integrative techniques. This dual expertise not only expands the range of options available to her patients but also positions Dr. Owens as a thought leader who continually pushes the boundaries of what is possible in modern plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Commitment to Patient Safety

Patient safety stands at the core of Dr. Owens’s practice philosophy, a principle reinforced by her active involvement in multiple professional societies dedicated to the highest standards of clinical care. As a distinguished member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‑HNS), she adheres to the Academy’s rigorous guidelines on peri‑operative protocols, infection control, and postoperative monitoring. Dr. Owens has contributed to AAO‑HNS task forces that develop evidence‑based recommendations for airway management, ensuring that every patient receives care grounded in the latest scientific consensus. Her participation in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) further underscores her dedication to safety, as she routinely engages in continuing medical education modules that address emerging risks associated with new surgical devices and injectable products.

Recognition for her unwavering commitment to excellence has come from both state and national organizations. In 2015, Dr. Owens was honored by the Louisiana State Medical Society as Louisiana Surgeon of the Year, an award that celebrates surgeons who demonstrate superior skill, ethical practice, and community service. Two years later, she was voted Best Plastic Surgeon in Metairie, a testament to her reputation for delivering consistently safe and aesthetically superior outcomes. Her dedication to integrating artistic sensibility with medical rigor earned her the Outstanding Artist‑Physician Award in 2020, highlighting her ability to balance creative vision with uncompromising safety standards. These accolades reflect a career built upon meticulous attention to detail, rigorous pre‑operative planning, and a culture of safety that permeates every facet of her practice.

Beyond accolades, Dr. Owens has implemented a comprehensive safety infrastructure within her Metairie clinic that includes a multi‑disciplinary safety committee, real‑time adverse event reporting, and a patient‑centered consent process that emphasizes transparent risk communication. She employs state‑of‑the‑art anesthesia monitoring, utilizes intra‑operative neuromonitoring for high‑risk procedures, and maintains a robust postoperative follow‑up schedule that includes both clinical assessments and patient‑reported outcome measures. By fostering a collaborative environment where nurses, anesthesiologists, and allied health professionals are empowered to voice concerns and suggest improvements, Dr. Owens ensures that safety is not a static checklist but a dynamic, continuously evolving priority that safeguards the well‑being of every individual who walks through her doors.

Why Patients Travel to Metairie, LA

Metairie, Louisiana, has emerged as a premier destination for patients seeking world‑class plastic and reconstructive surgery, largely due to Dr. Ruth M. Owens’s visionary leadership and the city’s unique blend of cultural charm and medical excellence. The region offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that puts patients at ease, with easy access to top‑tier hospitals, state‑of‑the‑art surgical facilities, and a vibrant community that values both tradition and innovation. For many, the journey to Metairie is motivated by the reputation of Dr. Owens’s practice, which consistently delivers results that exceed expectations while maintaining an unwavering focus on safety and personalized care. The city’s convenient location—just a short drive from New Orleans International Airport—makes it an accessible hub for both domestic and international travelers seeking specialized expertise.

Beyond logistics, patients are drawn to Metairie for the comprehensive, concierge‑style experience that Dr. Owens and her team provide. From the moment a consultation is scheduled, patients benefit from a seamless coordination of pre‑operative assessments, travel arrangements, and post‑operative support, often including private lodging recommendations, personalized recovery itineraries, and 24‑hour access to the surgical team. This holistic approach ensures that patients can focus solely on their transformation, confident that every detail—from the operating suite to the local dining scene—is meticulously curated to enhance comfort and satisfaction. The city’s renowned hospitality industry further enriches the healing journey, offering a variety of boutique hotels, gourmet restaurants, and cultural attractions that allow patients to relax and recuperate in a setting that feels both luxurious and home‑like.

Finally, the lasting impact of Dr. Owens’s work in Metairie has cultivated a network of satisfied patients who become ambassadors for her practice, sharing their stories and encouraging others to seek her expertise. The combination of exceptional surgical outcomes, a commitment to safety, and an unparalleled patient experience creates a virtuous cycle that continually attracts new patients from across the nation and abroad. As word spreads, Metairie solidifies its status not only as a hub of medical innovation but also as a sanctuary where individuals can safely pursue their aesthetic aspirations, confident that they are in the hands of a surgeon whose skill, compassion, and artistry are unmatched. This synergy of professional excellence and regional allure makes Met