Bruce E. Genter, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a native Philadelphian. Born, raised and educated in Pennsylvania, Dr. Genter completed his General Surgery training in New York and his Plastic Surgery residency at Yale University Medical Center. Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, he returned to his home state in 1984 and begin his practice in a university setting. Dr. Genter subsequently established the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center in 1988 where he remains the solo practitioner focusing on cosmetic surgery for both men and women. His leadership roles in specialty societies, ongoing faculty positions, and busy private practice have earned him an outstanding reputation among patients, peers, colleagues and medical students. Dr. Genter insists the success he has enjoyed over the years is a product of building his practice slowly and well. "I live by what I tell my students: Always put the emphasis on the patient, keep your ego in check and maintain scrupulous ethics. You may come from a great medical program, but you have to build trust gradually. And trust is earned."

Over the last 20 years, advances in technology and refined techniques have changed the "complexion" of plastic surgery. But for Dr. Genter, the fundamentals of providing superior care have stayed the same. My dedication to excellence and patient satisfaction is resolute. I still validate myself constantly and am vigilant about every result. When I am done with an operation, I have to love it at the end. His dedication spills over into his demeanor which is described by patients as "available," "reassuring," and "present." "Bother me, "he says. Dr. Genter is a proponent of a natural, age appropriate look. Accomplishing the patient's goals in the least invasive manner is always his goal. His approach is never rushed, which he believes helps patients relax and creates an atmosphere where he can evoke and interpret each patient's desires.

Currently on the faculty at two Philadelphia medical schools, Dr. Genter enjoys teaching and keeping his finger on the pulse of "what's new." He is quick to point out the downside of media attention to the specialty as it relates to separating what is new from what is safe and proven. The accelerated interest in aging gracefully and the accompanying media attention can confuse hype with reality. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Talk shows should take a back seat to medical journals.There are some great new procedures out there, but patients need to do their homework and find a surgeon who is experienced and able to explain the associated risks and benefits.

Dr. Genter's philosophy sounds cliché, but is genuine. Fundamentally, it is to treat patients well. It is through gaining their confidence that he finds his deepest satisfaction. He describes trust as both a burden and a gift. There are no "simple" surgeries. It might be routine for me to operate every day, but I never forget these are all lifetime events for the person involved. It is a big deal—and one I never downplay. You show respect for the patient when you put yourself in their shoes. If I am not comfortable with the procedure, I won't do it. No experimenting. If I do surgery, I won't compromise on having the outcome look great for each and every person who puts their trust in my hands.

Professional Affiliations

• American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• Fellow, American College of Surgeons
• Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons
• Lipoplasty Society of North America
• Pennsylvania Medical Society
• Montgomery County Medical Society
• State Plastic Surgery Society - Past President