Leslie Smith, D.O., is a board-certified plastic surgeon and soft tissue specialist with over a decade of experience. Dr. Leslie Smith is also a certified cosmetic physician trained in laser technology. She offers a wide range of minimally invasive treatments and procedures at her cosmetic center, Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics, in Wayzata, MN.
A LIFELONG PASSION FOR CARING
At a mere 5 years old, little Leslie knew she wanted to be a doctor and made sure every one of her friends and family knew it. She transformed her bedroom into a hospital so she could care for her stuffed animals and fix injuries like broken arms with slings and cuts with “sutures” (using a needle and thread from her mother’s sewing kit).
Every step of her path since then, such as her experience as a candy striper in the E.R. and a burn reconstruction surgeon in the military, has reinforced her desire to be a doctor so she can help injured people recover and feel better about themselves.
Her path into the cosmetic side of medicine allowed her to realize that she is also passionate about applying science and technology to beauty to help people feel more confident and secure. As a cosmetic surgeon, some of Dr. Smith’s proudest accomplishments have been helping her diabetic patients lose weight and providing hair restoration for cancer patients.
“Watching patients light up when they see their results and hearing them say how good they feel about themselves is the most rewarding thing about working in this industry.”
A MINNEAPOLIS PLASTIC SURGEON WHO UNDERSTANDS YOUR JOURNEY
As a mature woman who has experienced various stages of the aging process herself, Dr. Smith can appreciate what her patients are going through. She is always interested in finding the best technology and treatments to prevent or reduce signs of aging for herself and her patients. Using her in-depth knowledge of skin and tissue aging and by testing out many of the treatments herself, Dr. Smith has been able to determine the most effective and innovative procedures to offer her patients. Since she has undergone many of the minimally invasive treatments she provides, Dr. Smith can explain the benefits and drawbacks of each firsthand to help you choose the ideal treatment based on your age as well as your individual needs.
“It’s interesting to know what’s out there, what I can do to feel better about myself and slow the aging process. My patients and I are on this journey together.”
DR. SMITH STANDS FOR HONESTY AND INTEGRITY
If a particular procedure you’re interested in can’t achieve the goals you’re looking for, Dr. Smith will let you know. She puts her patients’ needs first and will never sell you a service she doesn’t believe will make you happy.
If her Minneapolis cosmetic surgery services aren’t a fit for your needs, she can refer you to a reputable local board-certified plastic surgeon. While the minimally invasive procedures at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics can provide drastic improvements, there are just some cosmetic issues that require more extensive plastic surgery.
“Some patients come in wanting a minimally invasive procedure that won’t achieve the best results for them. I won’t ever tell a patient to get a procedure they don’t need or that I don’t think is right for them. And if we’re not the right fit, I’ll help them find a place that is.”
DEDICATED TO PATIENT EDUCATION
Dr. Smith believes in empowering her patients through education and makes it her personal mission to teach you about health and your skin. By taking the time one on one to help you understand your options, the pros and cons of each and guide you through the processes, Dr. Smith enables you to make the best decisions for yourself.
LISTEN TO DR. SMITH’S PODCAST “BEAUTY ON THE BRAIN”
In her mission to educate patients about skin health and aesthetic procedures, Dr. Smith started a podcast in 2020 called “Beauty on the Brain with Dr. Smith.” In the episodes, she explains various procedures, what they can achieve, their pros and cons, how to maximize your results and much more. She also dives into skincare and health and beauty tips for each age group. You can listen and learn from her podcast on Apple and Spotify.
A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO PATIENT CARE
As a cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Smith understands that a comprehensive approach provides the best aesthetic results and boost in confidence for her patients. She will suggest things outside of aesthetic treatments if they can help you achieve optimal results, such as diet and exercise tips and diagnostics from your primary care physician to make sure everything in your body is functioning properly.
“I look at the whole person, where they’re at on their journey and how I can help them overall rather than just with cosmetic procedures. I love helping people reach their goals.”
Where some cosmetic physicians treat a patient and send them on their way, never to talk to them again, Dr. Smith continues to check on her patients after their treatments to see how they’re doing and if their needs were met. Her patients also feel confident knowing they can reach Dr. Smith if any questions or concerns arise after their procedures.
The lotus flower is regarded in many different cultures as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. At Sapphire, we hope to help you create and blossom into your ideal self.
MEDICAL TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
MEDICAL SCHOOL AND RESIDENCY
Dr. Smith is a graduate of the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Long Island. She went on to complete her surgical residency at Michigan State Bi-County Community Hospital and received her certification as a surgeon from the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery.
MILITARY EXPERIENCE
Dr. Smith was a major and a surgeon in the United States Army Medical Corps and completed three years of active duty. She served at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam in Houston, Texas, and at Evans Community Hospital at Fort Carson, Colorado. During her active duty, she went on medical missions to bring back injured soldiers, and she also worked in trauma and reconstruction, performing the majority of the reconstructive procedures needed in her unit.
A BACKGROUND IN BURNS AND WOUND CARE
Dr. Smith started her medical career as a burn surgeon helping children and the elderly improve their appearance and function. She took great joy in seeing them return to their families and lives after reconstructive procedures.
Dr. Smith was the Assistant Director of the Level 1 Trauma Burn Center at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minnesota, where she worked on many high–profile burn cases. Additionally, she held the position of Director of Wound Care at Mayo Health Systems in Albert Lea, MN. Dr. Smith was also a lecturer and instructor in burns and trauma at the Royal College of Surgeons in London, UK.
Her paper on specialty bio-engineered dressings to accelerate wound healing was published in a peer–reviewed medical journal in 2009, and she is still active in research.
THE TRANSITION TO COSMETIC SURGERY AND TREATMENTS
After going back to school for continuing education at the University of Florida, Dr. Smith realized she had a passion for the cosmetic side of medicine. She became a certified cosmetic physician by the American Society of Cosmetic Physicians. In 2010, she decided to open her own cosmetic center in Wayzata.
Dr. Smith loves growing with the technology that continues to advance and provide better results with less downtime. She believes in getting to know her patients on a personal level and is very involved, starting from the consultation to the follow-up and subsequent treatments. By offering affordable minimally invasive treatments, patients come back for maintenance and continue to improve their results.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
In 2018 and again in 2019, Dr. Leslie Smith was recognized by the American Institute of Plastic Surgeons as one of the 10 Best Cosmetic Surgeons in Minnesota.
Dr. Smith was recognized and awarded nationally by the American Burn Association for a Fellowship Award. The Southern Medical Burn Society/Conference also recognized and awarded her for her research.
Dr. Leslie Smith is internationally recognized and has taught about soft tissue injuries for the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons at the Royal College of Surgeons in London, England, and during medical mission work in Central America.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
One week per month Dr. Smith helps with emergency room work in rural areas. Using her experience as a trauma surgeon, she helps her local communities and relieves some of the doctors and nurses who are overworked in those areas.
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
Outside of work, Dr. Smith enjoys cooking with fresh ingredients like herbs from her garden and trying new foods, whether it’s Italian, French, Mediterranea, American or getting back to her roots with Greek cuisines. She also loves working out at the gym and participating in outdoor sports like trap and skeet shooting. If she’s not cooking or working out, you can probably find Dr. Smith out boating on the river.
Visit Dr. Smith at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics in Wayzata, MN
At Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics, Dr. Smith is here for you every step of the way. Reach out to schedule your consultation and discover how Dr. Smith can help you on your journey to a new, revitalized you. Call us at 952-460-1970 or fill out our online contact form today.
