Dr. Staci Hix Hernandez - Plastic Surgeon in Cedar Park, TX

Rigorous Medical Education and Training

Dr. Staci Hix Hernandez began her academic journey at Texas Tech University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Arts & Sciences in 1999. Her undergraduate experience was marked by a rigorous curriculum that combined fundamental scientific disciplines with a liberal arts perspective, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills that would later become essential in her surgical career. During this time, she distinguished herself through research projects focused on tissue regeneration and wound healing, publishing her findings in peer‑reviewed journals and presenting at national conferences. These early scholarly pursuits not only cemented her passion for medicine but also laid a solid foundation for her future contributions to the field of plastic surgery.

In 2003, Dr. Hernandez graduated with her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, where she was recognized for academic excellence, leadership, and community service. Her medical school years were distinguished by a commitment to clinical excellence and a deepening interest in surgical specialties. She completed clinical rotations in general surgery, orthopedics, and dermatology, each reinforcing her fascination with the transformative potential of surgical intervention. Dr. Hernandez earned several honors, including the Dean’s List for academic performance and the Outstanding Student Teacher Award, reflecting both her scholarly aptitude and her dedication to educating peers.

Following medical school, Dr. Hernandez pursued a demanding residency in General Surgery at Scott & White Memorial Hospital from 2003 to 2008. This intensive five‑year program provided her with comprehensive exposure to complex abdominal, thoracic, and vascular procedures, sharpening her technical dexterity and decision‑making under pressure. She was selected for the hospital’s prestigious Surgical Excellence Initiative, where she contributed to multidisciplinary teams focused on high‑risk trauma cases and innovative minimally invasive techniques. Throughout her residency, Dr. Hernandez consistently received commendations for operative skill, patient safety, and leadership, culminating in her graduation as a board‑eligible general surgeon ready to specialize further.

Recognizing the need to refine her artistic sensibility and reconstructive expertise, Dr. Hernandez completed a competitive fellowship in Plastic Surgery at the University of Tennessee from 2008 to 2009. This fellowship immersed her in a breadth of procedures ranging from aesthetic facial rejuvenation to complex microsurgical reconstruction of traumatic injuries. Under the mentorship of renowned plastic surgeons, she mastered microsurgical techniques, including free‑flap transfers and nerve repairs, and contributed to groundbreaking research on scar modulation and tissue engineering. The fellowship also emphasized a patient‑centric approach, encouraging Dr. Hernandez to integrate psychosocial considerations into surgical planning. Upon completion, she emerged as a fully trained plastic surgeon equipped with a robust skill set that seamlessly blended reconstructive rigor with cosmetic artistry.

Dr. Hernandez’s educational trajectory is punctuated by continuous professional development. She regularly participates in advanced workshops, cadaver labs, and symposiums sponsored by leading societies, ensuring that her practice remains at the forefront of evolving techniques such as 3‑D printing for custom implants, robotic‑assisted surgery, and regenerative medicine. Her commitment to lifelong learning underscores a career built on a foundation of rigorous academic preparation, relentless skill refinement, and an unwavering dedication to excellence in patient care.

Surgical Expertise

Dr. Staci Hix Hernandez’s surgical repertoire encompasses the full spectrum of plastic surgery, with a distinctive emphasis on harmonizing functional restoration and aesthetic refinement. In the realm of cosmetic surgery, she offers a comprehensive suite of procedures designed to enhance natural beauty while preserving individual identity. These include rhinoplasty, where she employs precision cartilage sculpting and computer‑assisted simulation to achieve balanced nasal proportions; breast augmentation, mastopexy, and reduction, where she utilizes advanced implant technologies and meticulous tissue handling to ensure optimal symmetry and long‑term durability; and body contouring procedures such as liposuction, tummy tucks, and thigh lifts, which are performed with a focus on preserving vascular integrity and minimizing postoperative scarring. Dr. Hernandez’s aesthetic philosophy is rooted in subtlety; she strives for results that are both noticeable and harmonious, avoiding over‑correction and striving for outcomes that align with each patient’s unique facial and bodily contours.

In reconstructive surgery, Dr. Hernandez demonstrates a profound capacity to restore form and function after trauma, oncologic resection, or congenital anomalies. Her expertise in microsurgical reconstruction enables her to perform intricate free‑flap transfers, such as the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap for breast reconstruction following mastectomy, and the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap for complex head and neck defects. She also excels in hand surgery, repairing tendon injuries, nerve transections, and vascular compromises with a focus on preserving dexterity and sensation. Her reconstructive portfolio extends to scar revision, where she utilizes laser resurfacing, subcision, and autologous fat grafting to improve both the appearance and pliability of problematic scars, thereby enhancing functional outcomes and patient confidence.

Facial aesthetics represent a cornerstone of Dr. Hernandez’s practice, where she blends artistic vision with scientific precision to achieve rejuvenated yet natural appearances. She performs comprehensive facial rejuvenation procedures, including facelifts, brow lifts, and mid‑face lifts, employing a combination of deep plane dissection and SMAS (superficial musculo‑aponeurotic system) techniques to achieve durable lift while preserving facial expression. Her expertise in eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and facial injectables (Botox, dermal fillers) is complemented by a nuanced understanding of facial anatomy, allowing her to tailor interventions that address both static and dynamic facial lines. Moreover, Dr. Hernandez integrates emerging technologies such as 3‑D imaging and virtual surgical planning, enabling patients to visualize potential outcomes and make informed decisions before entering the operating room.

Beyond individual procedures, Dr. Hernandez’s surgical practice is distinguished by a holistic approach to patient care that emphasizes pre‑operative optimization and meticulous post‑operative management. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams—including anesthesiologists, physical therapists, and nutritionists—to ensure that each patient’s physiological status is optimized for surgery, thereby reducing complications and accelerating recovery. Her post‑operative protocols incorporate evidence‑based pain control regimens, scar management strategies, and structured follow‑up schedules that monitor healing progress and address any concerns promptly. By integrating these comprehensive care pathways, Dr. Hernandez maximizes surgical outcomes while minimizing downtime and enhancing overall patient satisfaction.

Dr. Hernandez’s commitment to advancing her field is reflected in her active involvement in clinical research and teaching. She regularly publishes case studies and outcome analyses in peer‑reviewed journals, contributing to the collective knowledge base on topics such as autologous fat graft survival, innovative suture materials, and the long‑term safety of novel implant devices. Her role as an educator extends to supervising residents and fellows, where she imparts not only technical skills but also the ethical considerations and empathetic communication essential for successful practice. Through this blend of clinical excellence, scholarly activity, and mentorship, Dr. Hernandez stands as a leading authority in both aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

Commitment to Patient Safety

Dr. Staci Hix Hernandez’s dedication to patient safety is manifested through her active participation in premier professional societies and her adherence to the highest standards of clinical governance. She is a proud member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), where she contributes to policy development, educational initiatives, and the dissemination of best‑practice guidelines that shape the future of safe surgical care. Her involvement with the Texas Plastic Surgeons Association (TPSA) further underscores her commitment to regional collaboration, enabling her to stay abreast of state‑specific regulations, emerging safety protocols, and community health trends. Dr. Hernandez’s credentials are validated by her board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a rigorous process that evaluates surgical competence, ethical conduct, and ongoing professional development.

In addition to her professional affiliations, Dr. Hernandez has earned recognition for her exemplary safety record and clinical excellence. In 2022, Texas Monthly honored her as a Top Plastic Surgeon, citing her meticulous operative technique, low complication rates, and patient‑focused outcomes. The following year, she received the Best Cosmetic Surgeon award from the Cedar Park Community Awards, reflecting both peer acknowledgment and community trust in her ability to deliver safe, high‑quality aesthetic procedures. Her dedication to reconstructive surgery safety was highlighted in 2020 when Scott & White Hospital presented her with the Excellence in Reconstructive Surgery award, recognizing her innovative approaches to complex wound management and her commitment to reducing postoperative morbidity.

Dr. Hernandez’s safety framework is deeply embedded in every stage of patient interaction. Pre‑operative assessments include comprehensive medical histories, risk stratification, and multidisciplinary consultations when necessary, ensuring that each patient’s physiological status is optimized before anesthesia. She utilizes state‑of‑the‑art operating rooms equipped with advanced monitoring systems, sterile technique protocols, and real‑time imaging, thereby minimizing intra‑operative risks. Her surgical team undergoes regular training in crisis resource management, infection control, and emergency response, fostering a culture of vigilance and preparedness. Post‑operatively, Dr. Hernandez implements evidence‑based pain management regimens, early mobilization strategies, and structured follow‑up pathways that promptly identify and address complications.

Transparency and patient empowerment are core elements of Dr. Hernandez’s safety philosophy. She provides detailed informed‑consent documents that outline potential risks, benefits, and alternatives for each procedure, allowing patients to make educated decisions. Her practice leverages secure patient portals where individuals can access their medical records, post‑operative instructions, and direct communication channels with the care team. By encouraging active patient participation, Dr. Hernandez reduces the likelihood of miscommunication and enhances adherence to postoperative care plans. Moreover, she conducts regular patient satisfaction surveys and safety audits, using the feedback to refine protocols, improve outcomes, and maintain a culture of continuous quality improvement.

Beyond individual patient care, Dr. Hernandez is an advocate for systemic safety initiatives. She collaborates with hospital leadership to develop institution‑wide safety checklists, participates in morbidity and mortality conferences to dissect adverse events, and contributes to research studies aimed at identifying predictors of surgical complications. Her leadership in these endeavors not only safeguards her own patients but also elevates the standard of care across the broader medical community in Texas. Through unwavering dedication to safety, professional excellence, and collaborative improvement, Dr. Hernandez exemplifies the highest ideals of responsible surgical practice.

Why Patients Travel to Cedar Park, TX

Cedar Park, Texas, has emerged as a premier destination for patients seeking world‑class plastic surgery, and Dr. Staci Hix Hernandez stands at the forefront of this regional renaissance. The city’s strategic location—nestled within the vibrant Austin‑Round Rock metropolitan area—offers easy accessibility via major highways, a regional airport, and a welcoming suburban atmosphere that blends urban sophistication with tranquil, family‑friendly neighborhoods. Patients traveling from across Texas, the