Selecting a plastic surgeon is weirdly intimate. You’re basically handing over your face or body to a stranger with a scalpel and hoping they see the same "ideal" version of you that you do. In East Lansing, that conversation usually starts with Rick J. Smith MD.
He’s been around for over 30 years. That’s a long time in a field where trends change as fast as Instagram filters. Honestly, when a surgeon has been practicing since 1993, they’ve seen it all—the "Pamela Anderson" breast implant era, the rise of the "Instagram Face," and the current shift toward "quiet luxury" in aesthetics. But longevity doesn't always tell the whole story. If you’re digging into his reputation, you’ll find a mix of glowing 5-star testimonials and some pointed, deeply personal critiques. It's complicated.
Who Actually is Rick J. Smith MD?
Let’s get the dry stats out of the way first. You need to know if the person cutting into you actually has the papers. Rick J. Smith MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon. He graduated from the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in 1987. Go Spartans. He did his residency at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids and then did something a bit more niche: a fellowship with Dr. Ian T. Jackson, a world-renowned craniofacial expert.
Why does that matter? Because craniofacial training usually means a surgeon is obsessed with the underlying structure of the face. It’s not just about pulling skin tight; it’s about how the bone and muscle sit. Today, his practice is right next to Michigan State University in East Lansing. He’s also an assistant professor there.
The Rhinoplasty Reality Check
If you look at the specialized societies, you'll see he’s one of only two Michigan members of The Rhinoplasty Society. That’s a big deal. Nose jobs are notoriously the hardest procedure in plastic surgery because you're dealing with breathing and vanity. If you mess up the bridge by a millimeter, everyone sees it.
People come to him for:
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- Revision Rhinoplasty: Fixing a "done" look that didn't age well.
- Deviated Septums: For when you actually want to breathe through your nose again.
- Aesthetic Refinement: Removing bumps or narrowing the tip.
But here’s the thing—rhinoplasty has a high "unhappy" rate across the entire industry. Some patients of Dr. Smith have reported breathing issues post-op or results that didn't match their vision. It's a reminder that even with 30+ years of experience, surgery is never a 100% guarantee. You’ve gotta be incredibly specific about your goals in the consultation.
Breast and Body: More Than Just Implants
While the face is his academic specialty, the bread and butter of the East Lansing office is body contouring. This isn't just about "bigger is better" anymore. We’re seeing a massive wave of "explants"—people taking their implants out after 10 or 20 years.
Dr. Smith handles a lot of these complex cases. One patient recently shared that he actually talked her out of getting new implants during a lift, suggesting a fat transfer instead. That’s a refreshing take. Most surgeons are happy to sell you the most expensive silicone on the market. Suggesting a more natural, lower-maintenance route shows a certain level of ethical maturity.
His "Tummy Tuck" (abdominoplasty) procedures are also a major draw. At his clinic, these run anywhere from $9,200 to $17,000 depending on the complexity. That’s not cheap. But in the world of surgery, "cheap" is usually a red flag. You're paying for the facility, the board-certified anesthesiologist, and the decades of knowing exactly what to do if something goes sideways on the table.
The Elephant in the Room: The Reviews
If you Google Rick J. Smith MD, you’ll see a near-perfect 4.96 rating on some sites and a much more "human" 3.5 on others like Healthgrades.
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The 5-star reviews usually talk about the staff—specifically names like Lisa, Ruby, and Kathy. These are the injectors and nurses who handle the Botox, fillers, and laser treatments. Patients seem to love them. They describe the office as "calm" and "professional."
But the 1-star reviews? They’re heavy. We're talking about patients who felt "rushed" or felt like their concerns weren't heard after a complication occurred. This is the classic "surgeon’s ego" vs. "patient's anxiety" conflict. Some people find Dr. Smith’s manner to be "calm and respectful," while others perceive it as "dismissive."
It’s a polarized landscape. Honestly, it probably depends on what kind of day everyone is having and how well the expectations were managed before the first incision.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often think a veteran surgeon like Dr. Smith is just a "legacy" doctor who isn't up on the new tech. That doesn't seem to be the case here. He’s actively involved in training MSU students and contributes to professional journals. He’s integrated things like LED light therapy and Kybella into the practice, which shows he’s not just stuck in 1993.
Another misconception? That he only does "vanity" work. A significant portion of his practice involves wound repair and reconstructive surgery. Dealing with skin cancer excisions or burn injuries requires a totally different mindset than a facelift. It’s about restoration, not just decoration.
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Is He Right For You?
Look, I’m not here to sell you on a surgeon. That’s a choice between you, your mirror, and your bank account. But if you’re looking at Rick J. Smith MD, here is how you should actually handle it:
- Don't just look at the "Before and Afters": Every surgeon puts their best work on the website. Ask to see photos of patients who had your exact body type or nose shape.
- Test the "No": During the consultation, ask what would happen if you didn't get the surgery. A good surgeon will give you an honest assessment of the risks versus the rewards.
- Check the Staff: A lot of the experience with Dr. Smith is actually with his team (Lisa, Cheryl, etc.). Make sure you vibe with them, because they are the ones you’ll be calling at 2:00 AM if you’re worried about a bruise.
- The Revision Policy: Ask point-blank: "What happens if I'm not happy with the result?" Get the answer in writing.
Plastic surgery isn't magic. It's medicine. Rick J. Smith MD has the credentials and the history, but the most important factor is the communication between you and him. If you feel like he's not listening during the $100 consultation, he's definitely not going to be listening when you're under anesthesia.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re considering a procedure in the Lansing area, don't just book based on a Google search.
- Verify the Board: Check the American Board of Plastic Surgery to ensure any surgeon you see is actually "Board Certified." This is different than just being "licensed."
- Consult at least three surgeons: Even if you love Dr. Smith, see two others. It gives you a baseline for what a "normal" consultation feels like.
- Prepare a list of "deal-breakers": Know exactly what you are not willing to compromise on before you walk in the door.
- Read the bad reviews first: Don't look for the praise; look at how people describe the complications. That tells you what the "worst-case scenario" might look like.
Taking these steps ensures that if you do choose a surgeon like Rick J. Smith MD, you're doing it with your eyes wide open. Surgery is a permanent change. Treat it with the weight it deserves.