About the Practice
Practice Philosophy
The single most important factor in the success of aesthetic surgery is the surgeon you select. An informed decision should be based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to - surgical expertise, the level of quality medical care delivered to each patient, an outstanding reputation in the medical community and impeccable credentials signifying achievement and professional recognition.
Dr. Robert Harvey, is a highly regarded cosmetic plastic surgeon serving the Nob Hill and the San Francisco Bay Area. A consultation with Dr. Harvey always allows for a two-way conversation during which time he closely listens. You play an active role in helping Dr. Harvey develop a plan that addresses your specific needs. The ultimate goal is to create a natural looking appearance, that being one that puts forward the best possible version of "you".
Dr. Harvey's reputation in San Francisco is built on more than 25 years of excellence in the cosmetic surgery field. He currently serves as Chief of Staff at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital. Prior to this appointment, he served as Chairman of the Department of Surgery as well as Chief of the Department of Plastic Surgery. His warm manner and ability to work in tandem with his patients forges long standing relationships based on trust.
Surgical Facility
Dr. Harvey is of the firm belief that patients are best served when cosmetic surgical procedures are performed in the safety of a top notch hospital facility rather than at an ambulatory surgery facility. Accordingly, Dr. Harvey performs all surgical procedures at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital which is conveniently located directly across the street from our office in San Francisco. As noted in 'About the Practice' section above, Dr. Harvey serves as Chief of Staff at Saint Francis. The operating suites are state-of-the-art and the anesthesiologists on staff are board certified. All arrangements are handled for your highly anticipated day of surgery, leaving you worry free. In the event you are coming from a distance and need assistance with local accommodations, we can help with this as well.
Your Consultation
During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals. Dr. Harvey will take your medical history, take clinical photographs as needed, and recommend and discuss the procedures and options that are appropriate for you, based on your wishes. Rest assured, we will afford you all the time you feel you need. We never make you feel rushed and you are welcome to return (or call) if you have follow up questions. We have Before and After Photos available. Lastly, financial information will be discussed including the many payment options available to you.
Cosmetic Surgery
Plastic surgery is often considered “elective surgery” which is not covered by most insurance plans. There are some operations that have a significant functional aspect such as breast reduction because the weight of your breasts causes you pain or interferes with normal activities. In this instance it may be considered reconstructive rather than cosmetic. Check with Dr. Harvey, who may recommend that your insurance company be contacted before surgery to determine whether coverage is available.
For those patients desiring alternative payment methods, credit cards are accepted and financing is available, including a no interest payment plan through CareCredit™.
Dr. Harvey's Credentials
Board Certification
Diplomat, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Professional Background
-- University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN. Bachelor of Arts
University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
-- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, Doctor of Medicine, including study at The London Hospital, University of London, London, England
-- Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI Straight Surgery Internship and Residency in General Surgery
-- The New York Hospital - Cornell University Medical Center, New York, NY, Resident and Chief Resident in Plastic Surgery
-- University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, Master of Business Administration
Teaching Appointments
Formerly:
Instructor in Surgery, The Michigan State University of Medicine
Instructor in Surgery, Cornell University Medical Center
Offices Held
-- Co-Chair, Local Host Committee, California Society of Plastic Surgeons
-- Chair, Local Arrangements Committee, Lipoplasty Society of North America, Annual Meeting San Francisco, California
-- Chair, Local Arrangements Committee, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
-- International Relations Committee, The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
-- Chair, Time and Place Committee, California Society of Plastic Surgeons
-- Chair, Time and Place Committee, The American Society for Aesthetic PlasticSurgery
-- Nominating Committee, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
-- Chair, Local Arrangements Committee, The Lipoplasty Society
-- Chair, Awards Committee, The Aesthetic Society Education and Research Foundation
-- Judicial Council, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Publications and Presentations (partial list)
"Post-traumatic Sympathetic Dystrophy", Kleinert. Cole, Wayne, Harvey, Kutz, Atasoy;
Orthopedic Clinics of North America
"Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin in Adolescence", Harvey, Chaglassian, Knapper, Goulian;
Journal of the American Medical Association
"Breast Reconstruction Following Mastectomy", Robert A. Harvey, M.D.; Body Image, Self Esteem, and
Sexuality in Cancer Patients, Frontiers of Radiation Therapy and Oncology
"Breast Reconstruction Following Mastectomy"; The Karger Gazette
"A Plastic Surgeons Casebook"; Good Housekeeping Magazine
"Dermabrasion: Its Uses and Alternatives"; Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation Instructional Courses
Society Memberships
Memberships spanning a 25 year period:
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
California Society of Plastic Surgeons
International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
Pan Pacific Surgical Association
American Medical Association
California Medical Association
San Francisco Medical Association
Awards and Honors
Certificate of Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Physicians Recognition Awards, American Medical Association
Deans Honor list, University of Notre Dame
Hospital Affiliations
Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, San Francisco, CA - Chief of Staff
Saint Mary's Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
