Meet Dr. Caplin

David A. Caplin, M.D.

Dr. David Caplin, a Board-certified plastic surgeon, is a native of New York City. He received his undergraduate degree with honors from Kenyon College and his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati, where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the National Medical Honor Society. He completed his training in general surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and his residency in plastic surgery at Barnes Hospital. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

He is a member of numerous societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Lipoplasty Society, and the American Association for Endoscopic Hand Surgery, among others. He is a recipient of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s “Certificate of Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery.” He has also been consistently chosen as one of “America’s Top Surgeons” and “Top Doctors” for many years.

His areas of special interest include facial cosmetic surgery, all aspects of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, liposuction, body contouring, and endoscopic hand surgery. Dr. Caplin’s interest in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast has led to his involvement in a number of national studies, to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new forms of breast implants. These include the Mentor CPG (gummy bear) implant study in which he has been participating as an investigator since 2002, and has one of the longest and largest clinical experiences with this procedure in North America. He also performs minimally invasive cosmetic surgical procedures such as laser-assisted liposuction (Smart Lipo) and procedures for facial rejuvenation. His publications include a chapter in a recently published surgical text on techniques for rejuvenation of the aging neck and face.  He also has a long-standing interest in endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, which is a technique he helped pioneer.

He is on staff at Barnes-Jewish Hospital at Washington University, Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, Missouri Baptist Hospital, Des Peres Hospital, St. Louis Surgical Center and Healthsouth Ballas Surgery Center.

He has a long-standing appointment as a Clinical Instructor in Surgery at Washington University and is actively involved in teaching the plastic surgery residents.

Karyn Brown has been a registered nurse for 30 years and has specialized in plastic surgery for over 15 years.  She has years of experience evaluating and treating patients with injections of Botox, Juvederm, Restylane and other injectables.  She also has extensive experience with lipodissolve therapy all under the supervision of Dr. David Caplin.  Complimentary consultations are available by appointment. Karyn is available for complimentary consultations for patients interested in injectables and can also perform evaluations for those interested in cosmetic surgery.

Mentor Cohesive Gel (CPG) Implants

Dr. Caplin has been a clinical investigator for the Mentor CPG (gummy bear) implant since 2002, and has one of the longest and largest clinical experiences with this procedure in North America. These implants have been used with great success in Europe since 1992 but are currently only available to surgeons who are investigators in this study. Although not all patients are appropriate candidates for this implant, it has unique qualities including its form-stabilized anatomic shape and its resistance to implant leakage. They were invented in the early 1990’s with two goals: To make a longer lasting implant and to maintain a more predictable and attractive shape. The distinguishing factor is that the implant is a soft solid. If the Cohesive implant is cut in half, the implant maintains its shape.

Regarding Pre-op Photos

All patients are different so before and after photos of other patients do not accurately represent the results you might expect to achieve.  However, photos are available at the time of your consultation and we are happy to put you in touch with patients who have undergone the surgery you might be considering.

View photography by Dr. Caplin