You don't have to have all the answers today. Before you decide on surgery, it’s important to find a surgeon you trust. Whether you're rebuilding after breast cancer or an injury or considering a cosmetic procedure you've thought about for years, this isn't a decision most people make overnight.
It’s common to think of plastic surgery as cosmetic surgery. But it's also the specialty that restores form and function after cancer, trauma, and complex wounds. Before his medical training, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Benjamin Mandel was an art major and worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He applies his unique artistic background to achieve exceptional reconstructive and aesthetic results. Even if you're here for a cosmetic procedure, that reconstructive expertise influences every recommendation he makes and every procedure he performs—with careful planning, technical precision, and a focus on results that look natural and feel like you.
From the beginning, Dr. Mandel and his nurse practitioner care for patients together, so you'll see the same familiar team from your first consultation through recovery. You'll know who's guiding your care, what to expect next, and where to turn when questions come up.
When surgery is part of healing, our reconstructive team works alongside specialists across Kootenai Health to restore form and function after cancer treatment, trauma and other complex conditions.
Breast Reconstruction – Breast reconstruction uses a variety of plastic surgery techniques to restore the shape, appearance and size of the breast following a mastectomy.
Facial Trauma Reconstruction – Repairs injuries to the face caused by accidents or trauma, helping restore both appearance and function.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction – Following skin cancer removal, reconstructive techniques help restore appearance while preserving function whenever possible.
Wound Reconstruction – Treats complex wounds using reconstructive techniques that support healing while restoring healthy tissue.
Body Contouring After Major Weight Loss – Removes excess skin and reshapes the body after significant weight loss, helping improve comfort, mobility and body contour.
Panniculectomy (Excess Skin Removal) – Removes excess skin and tissue from the lower abdomen, often following significant weight loss, to improve comfort and mobility.
Whether you're considering surgery after pregnancy, significant weight loss, aging or for personal reasons, we'll take time to understand your goals, explain your options and develop a treatment plan that's right for you.
Breast Augmentation – Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, breast augmentation uses implants to increase breast size or restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) – A breast lift raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue. It can also reduce enlarged areolas to create a more balanced breast shape.
Breast Reduction – Also known as reduction mammoplasty, breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin to create a breast size that's more proportional to your body while helping relieve discomfort.
Breast Reduction for Men (Gynecomastia) – Treats enlarged breast tissue in men by removing excess tissue and, in many cases, using liposuction to improve chest contour.
Liposuction – Liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits from areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, neck, and chest to improve body contours.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) – Removes excess skin and fat while tightening weakened abdominal muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.
Thigh Lift – Reshapes the thighs by removing excess skin and, in some cases, fat to create smoother, more proportionate contours.
Facelift – Improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck by tightening underlying tissues and removing excess skin.
Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty) – Improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both by reducing loose skin, wrinkles and under-eye bags. For some patients, it can also improve vision affected by sagging eyelids
We offer a variety of smaller procedures to remove growths, repair damaged tissue and improve comfort or appearance, performed in the office.
Skin Cancer Removal – Removes cancerous skin lesions while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Mole, Cyst & Lipoma Removal – Removes benign growths that may be bothersome, growing or require further evaluation.
Scar Revision – Improves the appearance or function of scars caused by surgery, injury or other conditions.
Keloid Repair – Treats raised scars that continue growing after the skin has healed.
Torn Earlobe Repair – Repairs stretched or torn earlobes caused by injury or earrings.
Nipple Reduction – Reshapes the nipple to improve size or symmetry.
Nipple Correction (Inverted Nipples) – Corrects nipples that turn inward or have become inverted.
Your consultation focuses on your goals, whether surgery is the right option and the procedures you may be eligible for.
You'll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle. In addition, be prepared to provide information on:
You may have photographs taken as part of your evaluation. They will not be used without your signed consent. You'll also review recommended treatment options, expected outcomes, potential risks and recovery considerations before making a decision.
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Call us at (208) 625-4333 or check out the informational sheet below for more details.
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Both. We care for patients seeking cosmetic surgery as well as those recovering from cancer, trauma, burns, wounds, or major weight loss. Some procedures require a referral; cosmetic consultations can be scheduled directly.
That depends on your health, goals, and the procedure you're considering. During your consultation, we'll discuss your options, answer your questions, and let you know whether surgery is the right next step—or help you create a plan if it isn't yet.
You'll work with the same surgeon and nurse practitioner from consultation through recovery, so you'll see familiar faces at every visit rather than starting over with someone new.
Board certification reflects advanced specialty training and ongoing standards in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Benjamin Mandel is board-certified and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Not everyone is a candidate right away—and that's okay. If factors like nicotine use or other health considerations need to be addressed first, we'll explain why and work with you on a plan toward surgery when it's safe to move forward.
Coverage depends on the procedure and whether it's considered medically necessary. Our team can help you understand your options and what to expect before you schedule.
Both. We care for patients seeking cosmetic surgery as well as those recovering from cancer, trauma, burns, wounds, or major weight loss. Some procedures require a referral; cosmetic consultations can be scheduled directly.
You'll work with the same surgeon and nurse practitioner from consultation through recovery, so you'll see familiar faces at every visit rather than starting over with someone new.
Not everyone is a candidate right away—and that's okay. If factors like nicotine use or other health considerations need to be addressed first, we'll explain why and work with you on a plan toward surgery when it's safe to move forward.
That depends on your health, goals, and the procedure you're considering. During your consultation, we'll discuss your options, answer your questions, and let you know whether surgery is the right next step—or help you create a plan if it isn't yet.
Board certification reflects advanced specialty training and ongoing standards in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Benjamin Mandel is board-certified and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Coverage depends on the procedure and whether it's considered medically necessary. Our team can help you understand your options and what to expect before you schedule.
When Becky Rennebaum was diagnosed with breast cancer, her care brought together imaging, general surgery, reconstruction, and oncology in one coordinated team. General surgeon Dr. Torgenson performed her mastectomy; Dr. Mandel began breast reconstruction in the same surgery. Her medical oncologist, radiologist, and care coordinator stayed involved throughout. It's one example of how specialists at Kootenai Health collaborate to support patients through complex care.
