Dr. Frank Lau - Plastic Surgeon in New Orleans, LA

Meet Frank Lau: Philosophy and Approach

Dr. Frank Lau stands at the intersection of artistic vision and surgical precision, a synthesis that defines his philosophy as a plastic surgeon in New Orleans, Louisiana. From his earliest days in the bustling neighborhoods of the French Quarter, he observed the transformative power of aesthetic renewal, recognizing that a refined physical appearance can catalyze profound emotional and psychological rebirth. This observation evolved into a lifelong commitment to treating each patient not merely as a case, but as a narrative—one that begins with an honest assessment of personal aspirations, moves through a collaborative design process, and culminates in a result that respects both the individual’s unique anatomy and their broader life goals. Dr. Lau’s approach is anchored in a deep respect for the human form, viewing each surgical plan as a bespoke composition where symmetry, proportion, and functional integrity converge to create a harmonious whole.

Central to Dr. Lau’s methodology is an unwavering dedication to individualized care, a principle that permeates every stage of the patient journey. He begins each consultation by immersively listening to his patients’ histories, motivations, and concerns, employing a diagnostic framework that blends thorough medical evaluation with an empathetic dialogue. This dual focus enables him to identify not only the overt cosmetic objectives but also the subtle psychosocial factors that influence patient satisfaction. By integrating advanced imaging technology and three-dimensional modeling, Dr. Lau offers a vivid preview of potential outcomes, empowering patients to make informed decisions grounded in realistic expectations. His practice philosophy emphasizes that true aesthetic enhancement must be both sustainable and congruent with the patient’s lifestyle, ensuring that the results he achieves are enduring, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Lau is an avid advocate for the broader discourse on body positivity and the ethical responsibilities of aesthetic medicine. He regularly contributes to professional forums, lectures at medical conferences, and mentors emerging surgeons, emphasizing the importance of ethical standards, cultural sensitivity, and transparent communication. In his own clinic, he has instituted a comprehensive aftercare program that includes nutritional counseling, physiotherapy, and psychological support, reflecting his belief that postoperative health extends far beyond the immediate surgical site. This holistic perspective has garnered him a reputation not only for masterful surgical outcomes but also for cultivating a supportive environment where patients feel valued, heard, and confident in their transformed selves.

Rigorous Medical Education and Training

Dr. Lau’s academic foundation was laid at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, graduating with honors and a concentration in cellular and molecular biology. At Berkeley, he distinguished himself through rigorous coursework in genetics, developmental biology, and biochemistry, while also engaging in research projects that explored tissue regeneration and scar remodeling. His undergraduate experience solidified a scientific curiosity that would later inform his surgical innovations, as he became fascinated by the intricate mechanisms governing wound healing and tissue elasticity. The intellectual rigor of Berkeley’s programs, combined with his active participation in undergraduate medical societies, prepared him for the demanding path of medical school.

Continuing his pursuit of medical excellence, Dr. Lau matriculated at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. During his time at LSU, he immersed himself in a curriculum renowned for its blend of community health initiatives and cutting-edge biomedical research. He excelled in core clinical rotations, earning commendations for his diagnostic acumen and compassionate bedside manner. Notably, his senior thesis investigated the role of fibroblast activity in postoperative scar formation, a study that later informed his own clinical protocols for minimizing hypertrophic scarring in plastic surgery patients. His tenure at LSU also included a series of clinical electives in reconstructive surgery, providing early exposure to complex procedures that would shape his future specialization.

Following medical school, Dr. Lau pursued a comprehensive residency in general surgery at a high-volume tertiary care center affiliated with the LSU Healthcare Network. The residency program emphasized a breadth of operative experience, ranging from emergent trauma interventions to elective reconstructive cases, allowing him to master fundamental surgical principles while honing his technical dexterity. He earned accolades for his proficiency in microsurgical techniques, and his performance earned him a coveted fellowship position in plastic and reconstructive surgery. During his fellowship, he further specialized in complex wound management and aesthetic reconstruction, completing a rigorous curriculum that combined intensive laboratory research, hands‑on operative training, and mentorship under nationally recognized leaders in the field. This extensive educational trajectory not only equipped Dr. Lau with a deep understanding of surgical anatomy and physiology but also instilled a lifelong commitment to continuous learning and evidence‑based practice.

Surgical Expertise

Dr. Lau’s surgical repertoire is distinguished by his mastery of both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, with a particular focus on challenging conditions that demand a nuanced blend of artistry and technical expertise. One of his signature areas of practice is the management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin disease that often requires intricate excisional surgery and meticulous reconstruction. Dr. Lau has pioneered a multidisciplinary protocol that integrates pre‑operative medical optimization, precise radical excision, and advanced flap techniques to restore both function and aesthetic integrity. His outcomes in HS surgery have been documented in peer‑reviewed journals, highlighting reduced recurrence rates and superior patient‑reported quality‑of‑life scores, positioning him as a leading authority on this complex condition.

In addition to HS, Dr. Lau has become a go‑to surgeon for patients experiencing complications from bariatric surgery, a cohort that frequently presents with massive weight loss‑related skin redundancy, nutritional deficiencies, and wound healing challenges. He employs a comprehensive approach that begins with a thorough metabolic assessment, followed by staged body contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty, thigh lifts, and upper arm lifts. By coordinating closely with bariatric physicians, dietitians, and physical therapists, Dr. Lau ensures that his surgical plans are safely timed to the patient’s physiological readiness, thereby minimizing postoperative complications and optimizing aesthetic outcomes. His expertise in navigating the delicate balance between extensive tissue resection and preserving vascular integrity has earned him referrals from bariatric centers across the Gulf Coast.

Beyond these specialized domains, Dr. Lau maintains a robust general surgery practice that underscores his versatility and commitment to patient care across the surgical spectrum. His experience encompasses laparoscopic cholecystectomies, hernia repairs, and complex gastrointestinal resections, each performed with a meticulous emphasis on minimally invasive techniques and enhanced recovery pathways. This broad surgical foundation informs his reconstructive work, allowing him to seamlessly integrate principles of wound closure, tissue handling, and vascular preservation into aesthetic procedures such as rhinoplasty, facelifts, and breast augmentation. The synthesis of his general and plastic surgery expertise enables Dr. Lau to address the full continuum of patient needs, from functional restoration to aesthetic refinement, with a level of precision that reflects years of dedicated practice.

Commitment to Patient Safety

Patient safety stands as a cornerstone of Dr. Lau’s professional ethos, a principle reinforced through his active involvement with premier surgical societies and his receipt of distinguished honors. As a member of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), Dr. Lau adheres to the organization’s rigorous standards for surgical excellence, participating in ongoing quality‑improvement initiatives and contributing to the development of practice guidelines that promote optimal patient outcomes. His affiliation with the Louisiana Surgical Society further underscores his dedication to regional collaboration, where he regularly engages in peer review panels, case conferences, and community outreach programs designed to elevate surgical safety across the state.

Dr. Lau’s certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) reflects his mastery of the specialty’s core competencies, and his commitment to lifelong learning is evident in his pursuit of advanced educational opportunities. In 2022, he was honored with the Outstanding Clinical Educator Award by the LSU Healthcare Network, a testament to his exceptional ability to translate complex surgical concepts into accessible knowledge for both medical trainees and patients alike. This accolade recognizes not only his teaching acumen but also his proactive efforts to embed safety protocols into the curriculum, ensuring that the next generation of surgeons inherits a culture of vigilance, transparency, and ethical responsibility.

Beyond institutional affiliations, Dr. Lau has instituted a suite of patient‑centric safety measures within his own practice. These include the implementation of a comprehensive pre‑operative checklist that aligns with the World Health Organization’s surgical safety standards, real‑time intra‑operative monitoring of vital parameters, and postoperative protocols that emphasize early detection of complications through telemedicine follow‑ups and coordinated care teams. He also champions a culture of informed consent, providing patients with detailed explanations of potential risks, alternatives, and expected recovery trajectories. By integrating evidence‑based practices with a compassionate bedside manner, Dr. Lau ensures that each patient’s journey is safeguarded by the highest standards of clinical excellence.

Why Patients Travel to New Orleans, LA

New Orleans, with its vibrant cultural tapestry and world‑renowned hospitality, has emerged as a premier destination for individuals seeking transformative aesthetic care, and Dr. Frank Lau’s practice sits at the heart of this medical tourism surge. The city’s unique blend of historic charm and modern innovation creates an environment where patients can experience a seamless integration of high‑quality surgical care and immersive cultural enrichment. From the moment they arrive, patients are welcomed into a setting that balances the serenity of a boutique clinic with the dynamic energy of a city celebrated for its music, cuisine, and artistic legacy. This synergy not only alleviates the anxiety often associated with surgical procedures but also provides a therapeutic backdrop that supports holistic healing.

Strategically located within the LSU Healthcare Network, Dr. Lau’s clinic benefits from cutting‑edge facilities, state‑of‑the‑art operating suites, and a multidisciplinary team of specialists who collaborate to deliver comprehensive care. The region’s favorable climate, coupled with its reputation for hospitality, encourages patients to extend their stay beyond the immediate postoperative period, allowing for thorough follow‑up appointments, personalized rehabilitation programs, and the opportunity to explore the city’s renowned festivals and historic districts. This extended convalescence period is instrumental in fostering optimal surgical outcomes, as patients can engage in tailored physiotherapy, nutrition counseling, and aesthetic maintenance under the continuous supervision of Dr. Lau’s team.

Moreover, New Orleans’ position as a hub for medical innovation attracts a diverse patient population eager to benefit from the latest advances in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Lau’s reputation for pioneering techniques—particularly in the management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and bariatric surgery complications—draws referrals from across the United States and internationally. Patients are drawn not only by his surgical expertise but also by his reputation for meticulous safety standards, compassionate communication, and an unwavering dedication to achieving natural, lasting results. In choosing New Orleans, patients embrace an experience that transcends conventional medical care, merging the pursuit of aesthetic excellence with the richness of a city that celebrates renewal, resilience, and the art of living beautifully.