Plastic surgery returns to Keesler Medical Center Published Dec. 3, 2007 By Steve Pivnick 81st Medical Group Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- -- Plastic surgery has returned to Keesler Medical Center for the first time since Hurricane Katrina more than two years ago. According to Maj. (Dr.) Kerry Latham, chief of plastic surgery, the plastic surgery clinic's main focus is reconstructive surgery following injuries or cancer treatment, among other medical situations. She added that many people equate plastic surgery with cosmetic surgery. However, no more than 20 percent of plastic surgery may be this elective procedure. "Potential patients need to understand cosmetic surgery is not a covered health care benefit," Major Latham stressed. "They're responsible for paying the entire cost of the cosmetic procedure, including any subsequent revisions." Examples of cosmetic surgeries offered through the clinic include tummy tuck, breast augmentation, lower-body lifts for weight loss patients, breast lifts and Botox injections. Other procedures, including liposuction body contouring, chemical peels, fillers and laser hair removal may be available in the near future. The major added cosmetic surgery appointments in the clinic are available for patients who are well informed about their financial responsibilities before they attempt to make an appointment. "Active-duty members who desire cosmetic surgery must not be due to deploy, must not be due for a physical fitness test within six months of the procedure and must not be on profile," Major Latham said. "They'll need a signed commander's authorization letter prior to undergoing elective surgery," she added. "Cosmetic surgery can in no way detract from the mission." The clinic doesn't offer cosmetic surgery to smokers or nicotine users because of the adverse effect nicotine has on the final cosmetic result. Major Latham came to Keesler Medical Center after completing a two-year plastic surgery residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami in June. She received her undergraduate degree from Prince-ton University and her doctor of medicine degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md. The major completed her five-year general surgery residency at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.