Scott Imahara, MD

Dr Imahara performed surgery on a finger with an extensor tendon injury. I was hesitant and slightly confused because my mother was very ill at the time. I think that it would have been important during my hesitation that he relate to me that my finger would be swollen for possibly three years post-​surgery (this is in the literature). He didn’t tell me this, performed the surgery, failed to fix the tendon, and three years later I still have swelling (even after working with scar massage therapist and acupuncturist). This is one of those buyer beware things but, like I said, I was under a lot of stress because of my mother and didn’t do appropriate research. I wish I had done nothing as now the tendon doesn’t work and my finger is really screwed up with scar tissue. It looks very deformed.

I was referred to Dr Imahara for breast reconstruction surgery. I eventually chose to go to Palo Alto for a different type of surgery so I cannot comment on his surgical skill. But I wanted to comment on his level of service so that someone else in a similar position might call him for a consultation. Dr Imahara was incredibly compassionate, thoughtful and thorough in our meeting. He explained the different types of reconstruction verbally and also drew diagrams which helped me immensely. His honesty was refreshing and beyond admirable. He listened to me and my concerns and actually recommended a type of surgery that is not done in Santa Cruz. He sent me to another doctor… which I think is rare. To say that he had my best interest in mind is an understatement. The need for breast reconstruction usually means Cancer or an extremely high risk of Cancer. Women in this position are often scared out of their wits and extremely vulnerable. It is so important to find a plastic surgeon who sees you as a human being. I cannot recommend Dr Imahara enough!

Dr Imahara provided outstanding medical while communicating with compassion.
I had a second surgery on my hand. The first one didn’t go too well with a different surgeon.
He was able to diagnose the problems, comfort me during a difficult time, and perform a successful surgery.
I am writing this for my neighbor, who can’t write. Her name is Jenn Baker.

After getting multiple opinions, going to Stanford, etc, researching the heck out of this whole thing forever (over a year), I chose Dr. Imahara to perform my surgery because…
1. His education, residency, etc. were at top-​notch institutions and he is board certified. Also, my PCP highly recommended him.
2. He is very easy to talk to in addition to be being a highly skilled surgeon and physician. He welcomed my questions and was very detailed in his explanation of exactly what the surgery would be like. Also, he did not try to gloss over the surgery risks. It’s important to trust your surgeon 100%, and I did!
3. I rarely waited too long to see him and I never felt rushed during appointments.
4. Professional and kind MA (Amanda) and support staff who were organized and responsive during the entire process. This reaffirmed that I was in good hands.
My surgery went great (see my review of Sutter M&S Center) and thanks to the excellent care I’m getting from Dr. Imahara, I’m on the mend!