One of the guiding principles Dr. Christian A. Prada follows as a plastic surgeon at St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery is to always treat patients as if they were family members.
“I always say, ‘If I wouldn’t do it for my wife, sister, or mother, I wouldn’t do it for my patient.”
Dr. Prada, who joined the practice in St. Louis after training with renowned plastic surgeons Scott Spear, M.D., and J. William Little, M.D., at Georgetown University Hospital, says humility is an important trait in his work.
“I feel humbled by my profession,” Dr. Prada says, “because I feel so lucky to be able to do what I love to do every day, yet at the same time I respect the potential risks that can come with any surgery.”
To meet personally with Dr. Prada, [consultation]request a consultation[/consultation] using the online form, or give our office a call at [phone] to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Prada was wonderful. He took his time during the consultation. I did not feel pressured or rushed during any visit. This was my first surgery ever and Dr. Prada put my mind at ease. I am very comfortable with Dr. Prada and his entire staff. I definitely recommend Dr. Prada and St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery for any procedure that you are interested in having done.”
Your results may vary.
[feature-realself url=”http://www.realself.com/find/Missouri/St-Louis/Plastic-Surgeon/Christian-Prada#reviews” text=”RealSelf® Testimonials: See Dr. Prada’s community reviews, photos, doctor answers and testimonials on RealSelf.com”]
[feature-video caption=”What to expect during a plastic surgery consultation”][/feature-video]
Education & Training
Dr. Prada earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his medical degree from the State University of New York Health Sciences Center. He completed a general surgery residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center in California before completing a 2-year fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center. Dr. Prada then received additional fellowship training in breast and cosmetic surgery under Dr. Spear and Dr. Little.
Dr. Prada returned to St. Louis in 2004 as an assistant professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Saint Louis University Hospital, teaching both medical students and residents. He helped teach a course for physicians on [link pid=47]eyelid surgery[/link], [link pid=45]brow lifts[/link], and [link pid=39]mid-facelifts[/link].
Dr. Prada joined St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery in 2006, but still maintains a clinical faculty position at St. Louis University and is involved in resident education. At our practice, Dr. Prada specializes in facial rejuvenation techniques and cosmetic surgery for the body and breasts. He is also experienced in the delicate art of [link pid=55]micro fat injection[/link] to the face and body.
[feature-video caption=”In this video, Dr. Prada discusses how the combination of science and art inspired him to become a plastic surgeon and the importance of being certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Below, he answers questions about his practice and family.”][/feature-video]
What led you to pursue a career in plastic surgery?
I think most plastic surgeons are attracted to the combination of art and science that defines our field. I know that’s what attracted me to plastic surgery. I also love that our results can be subjectively graded, as opposed to most surgical fields where you are either fixing something or cutting it out!
Who are your mentors and what lessons did you learn from them?
My strongest mentor in life has been my father. He emigrated to the U.S. from Colombia and worked hard to get his degree from MIT and a Ph.D. from Syracuse University. He helped raise 2 sons and a daughter while getting an education. He always stressed the value of hard work and dedication. From a professional standpoint, Dr. Scott Spear, who chairs the plastic surgery department at Georgetown University, gave me the guidance, confidence, and surgical skills needed to become successful.
Describe a case that made a lasting impression.
There are many, but one that stands out is a 16-year-old girl with a massive difference in breast size. One of her breasts was a DD bra cup size and the other breast essentially failed to develop. I created a 2-stage surgical plan that involved a reduction followed by inserting implants to produce very symmetrical results. The girl and her mother said the surgery gave her the confidence and ability to interact with friends at school. She sent me a Christmas card the following year thanking me. Those types of cases really leave a lasting impression.
What significant changes have you noticed in cosmetic surgery?
The advancement of the fat grafting technique. During my training at Georgetown, we were just starting to transfer a patient’s fat to the face and breasts. Today, it’s a common practice to perform fat grafting to the face, buttocks, hands, and breasts. The advanced [link pid=97]fillers[/link] available today are also incredible. Fillers for cheeks can now last up to 2 years. It used to be a filler may have lasted 3 months!
Tell us a little about your family and the activities you share.
Our family tries to do a lot of things together. We have a pingpong table and foosball table in the basement, so my kids and I spend quite a bit of time competing. My wife and I exercise together almost every day at the gym and jog in the parks together when the weather’s warm. Twice a year, we travel to visit my parents in Florida, and that allows us to bring the kids to the beach, where they enjoy surfing and boogie boarding.
Professional Activities
Dr. Prada is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has served in several professional leadership positions, including president of the St. Louis Area Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons®, in addition to being active in many regional medical organizations.
Dr. Prada’s primary interests are cosmetic surgery and [link pid=61]rapid recovery breast augmentation[/link]. He has a special interest in fat transfers to the face and body. Other procedures of interest include body lifts, abdominoplasty, periaerolar breast lift, and power-assisted liposuction. He performs surgeries at Progress West Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, and at the C.S.A. outpatient surgery center.
Professional Memberships
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- American Medical Association
- Fellow, American College of Surgeons
- Missouri Association of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons
- St. Louis Area Society of Plastic Surgeons, president
- St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society
- St. Louis Surgical Society
- Strathmore’s Who’s Who
Publications
- Prada, C.A., Spear, S.L., Little, J.W. Muscle-Splitting TRAM. The Breast: Principles and Art 2nd Edition. 2006
- Prada, C.A., Spear, S.L. Reduction Mammaplasty as Part of Breast Conservation Therapy. The Breast: Principles and Art 2nd Edition. 2006
- Prada, C.A., Spear, S.L. Reduction Mammaplasty in Conjunction with Breast Conservation. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 18, 255-260. 2004
- Spear, Scott L.; Boehmler, James; Taylor, Nathan and Prada, Christian. The Role of the Latissimus Dorsi Flap in Reconstruction of the Irradiated Breast. Plastic Reconstruction Surgery 119:1, 2007
One Patient’s Story*
“Having breast augmentation surgery is something I should have done earlier in my life. I have always had a small chest which didn’t get better after two children. For many years I struggled to find A or AA bras that fit, and even then seemed to still be empty. After a couple of years of dealing with a divorce and my mom getting diagnosed with cancer, I finally made the decision. I wanted to do this for myself and it was something I have always thought about.
“After meeting Dr. Prada I had an immediate confidence and trust in him. He helped me decide what size would be best for my active lifestyle and fit my body proportions. The surgery went smoothly and six weeks later I was on the beach in Hawaii. The recovery was quick and I was back to work in 6 days.
“I am so happy with the results and my decision. I love bra shopping and wearing clothes that I never could before. I feel like this is the way I always should have been.”
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.