Business Details
39 Years
experience
Your Trusted Tampa Plastic Surgeon for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery
At Ernesto J Ruas MD, we are dedicated to enhancing lives through cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. With over 35 years of experience, our practice combines state-of-the-art techniques with personalized care to address both aesthetic and functional needs. Dr. Ruas, a board-certified plastic surgeon, brings a legacy of excellence, having trained at Johns Hopkins and completed a craniofacial fellowship in Mexico City. Our team prioritizes open communication, ensuring patients feel heard and informed throughout their journey. As a leader in the field, Dr.Ruas lectures nationally and internationally, contributes to medical education, and volunteers globally to provide life-changing surgeries for children with congenital deformities. We specialize in procedures ranging from breast augmentation and facelifts to complex pediatric craniofacial reconstruction, always focusing on safety, precision, and natural results. Our commitment to patient satisfaction is reflected in our compassionate approach, attention to detail, and the trust weve built within the Tampa community and beyond.
Services
Breast Augmentation
Facelift
Rhinoplasty
Liposuction
Tummy Tuck
Eyelid Surgery
Cleft Lip Repair
Craniofacial Reconstruction
Botox Injections
Dermal Fillers
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- Board-certified plastic surgeon with 35+ years of experience
- Specializes in both cosmetic and complex reconstructive procedures
- Personalized care with emphasis on patient communication
- Active member of American Society of Plastic Surgeons and ASAPS
- Internationally recognized for pediatric craniofacial surgery expertise
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Plastic Surgeons
What people say
Exceptional results
Compassionate care
Life-changing transformations
Personalized attention
Skilled surgical team
Services
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation enhances breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Ideal for women seeking improved proportions after weight loss, pregnancy, or mastectomy. Our approach prioritizes natural-looking results with minimal scarring, using advanced techniques to ensure proper implant placement and long-term satisfaction.
Facelift
Facelift surgery reduces visible signs of aging by tightening facial skin and muscles. Targeting jowls, sagging cheeks, and neck laxity, this procedure restores a youthful contour. We use minimally invasive techniques to shorten recovery time while maintaining durable, natural results for patients seeking facial rejuvenation.
Cleft Lip Repair
Cleft lip repair corrects congenital facial deformities through multi-stage reconstruction. Our pediatric specialists focus on restoring function and aesthetics while minimizing scarring. The procedure improves speech development, feeding, and self-esteem, with follow-up care to address long-term growth and dental needs.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits to refine body shape. Commonly performed on the abdomen, thighs, and arms, this procedure targets diet-resistant areas. We employ tumescent and laser-assisted techniques for smoother results and faster recovery, ensuring proportionate, natural-looking contours.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty improves nasal appearance and function by reshaping bone and cartilage. Addressing congenital defects, trauma, or breathing issues, we create balanced facial harmony while preserving structural integrity. Both open and closed techniques are used to achieve precise, long-lasting enhancements in form and function.
People
Ernesto J. Ruas, M.D
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Ruas is a board-certified plastic surgeon with 35+ years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He trained at Johns Hopkins and specializes in craniofacial procedures, teaching at the University of South Florida and volunteering globally to treat children with congenital deformities.
Rosa De La Cruz
Patient Care Liaison
Rosa has served as Patient Care Liaison since 2010, bringing 22 years of medical field experience. Certified in Spanish medical interpretation, she coordinates insurance and appointments while ensuring patients receive compassionate, culturally competent care throughout their treatment journey.
Cathy Conley
Practice Manager
Cathy joined the practice in 2005 after 15 years as a craniofacial program supervisor. A certified plastic surgery nurse, she provides patient education, coordinates care, and assists in surgeries, combining clinical expertise with personalized support to ensure optimal patient experiences.
Questions
What qualifications does Dr. Ruas have?
Dr. Ruas is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, completed training at Johns Hopkins, and holds fellowships in craniofacial surgery. He teaches at the University of South Florida and has over 35 years of clinical experience.
What cosmetic procedures are most popular?
Popular procedures include breast augmentation, facelifts, rhinoplasty, liposuction, and tummy tucks. Non-surgical options like Botox and dermal fillers are also widely requested for facial rejuvenation.
How much do procedures cost?
Costs vary by procedure: facelifts average $7,451, breast augmentation $6,965, and tummy tucks $5,325. Prices reflect surgical expertise, facility fees, and post-operative care as reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
What reconstructive services are offered?
We specialize in cleft lip/palate repair, craniofacial anomalies, hemangioma treatment, and pediatric reconstructive surgery. Dr. Ruas has performed complex cases including craniosynostosis correction and international medical mission work.
What is the recovery process like?
Recovery varies by procedure: facelifts require 1-2 weeks, tummy tucks up to six weeks. Our team provides detailed post-operative instructions, pain management plans, and follow-up care to ensure safe, comfortable recovery and optimal outcomes.
Do you offer before-and-after photos?
Yes, we provide before-and-after galleries for all procedures on our website. These include facial surgeries, breast procedures, body contouring, and pediatric cases, showcasing typical results while emphasizing individual variations.
Videos
