Meet Diane Alexander | Plastic Surgeon

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diane Alexander and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diane, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started Artisan Plastic Surgery in August 2000. At that time, there were very few female plastic surgeons and no all-female plastic surgery practices in Atlanta. I wanted to open a surgical office with the motto: A surgeon’s hands, A woman’s touch. At that time, I felt that women see things a little differently than men and have a way of understanding and communicating with their patients on a different level.  There are many dimensions to plastic surgery, beyond the essential technical skills of a surgeon.  In many ways, we are psychiatrists with a knife.  We address so much more than the physical and medical conditions of our patients.  Our work encompasses the psychological and emotional wellbeing of each patient and our mission is to help each individual discover their innate beauty.    For me, plastic surgery is an art and should be a very personal and intimate experience.  Over 20 years ago, my mission was to create a beautiful, warm, healing environment and help each person heal inside out and outside in.

Fast forward 20 years and I started my second business-Artisan Beaute´ in Buckhead in 2019.  The concept emerged from my passion for cosmetic facial surgery such as facelifts.  As in the plastic surgery practice, my goal was to open a medical spa that featured a 360 approach for non-surgical facial rejuvenation such as lasers, peels, facials, skin care, injections.  I realized that while surgery can enhance the structure of the face, these other procedures are essential to create healthy, beautiful skin and enhance the surgical results.  As a physician, I could offer the most effective lasers, treatments and products.  Beyond the services, I wanted an environment that created a transformational experience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have spent my entire life immersed and devoted to art. During grade school, high school and college, I was devoted to playing the cello and studied at Interlochen National Music Camp, The Tanglewood Institute and The Rochester School of Music. During college, I played in the Yale Symphony. Aside from playing the cello, I was always taking art classes as a child and studied art at Yale as well. As an adult, my passion for art transformed into collecting art and supporting artists-especially my daughter who is an amazing artist! My husband and I first started in the 90’s collecting Southern Folk art and then expanded our collection to local and international artists.  The first thing you will notice when you walk into either Artisan Plastic Surgery or Artisan Beaute´ is the art collection.  

Choosing a career in plastic surgery was a natural extension of my creative background.  The human body is the ultimate form of art. It brings me so much joy to preserve and enhance the beautiful features of each patient, focusing on proportion and harmony.  Plastic surgery requires much more than technical skill, it is sculptural and each patient is unique.  People tend to focus on the negative or the imperfections. I try to flip the narrative through plastic surgery and aesthetic services. 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love being outside and would take them to Piedmont Park, The Beltline, The Botanical Gardens, Centennial Park. I really love riding bikes around town!  

We would go to Ponce City Market, Krog Street and Westside Provisions.

Cultural institutions like The High Museum, The Aquarium, The Civil Rights Museum would be on the list.  

If in season, we would go to an Atlanta United soccer game-such a fun experience!

For dining, I would take them to Umi for sushi, Alon’s for pastries, Storico Fresco for pasta and fun outdoor dining, Jeni’s or Four Fat Cows for ice cream, Anis for French Food, Varasano’s for pizza and salad, Iberian Pig for tapas, Kimball House for oysters, Lazy Betty for the experience and exceptional food and Aziza for Mediterranean. 


Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have had many incredible Mentors during my training-including Dr. John Bostwick, Dr. Jack Culbertson and Dr. Josh Jurkiewicz. They were the giants in Plastic Surgery and not only gave me excellent training, but paved the way for me professionally by welcoming me into and supporting me through the Emory Plastic Surgery program. My parents encouraged me to work hard and pursue lofty goals. My husband and children endured endless hours of call and rounds and late and long hours, always being supportive of my dedication to my patients. My partner at Artisan Plastic Surgery, Dr. Bernadette Wang Ashraf has been at my side for over 20 years, along with our practice manager, Marian Anderson. It has truly taken a village to build these two practices and I am deeply grateful for all of my staff over the last 20 years who have been on this incredible journey with me!
The loudest shout out goes to the many thousands of patients from Atlanta and around the country who have trusted their mind, body and spirits to me for the last 2 decades.

Website: www.artisanplasticsurgery.com and www.artisanbeaute.com

Instagram: @artisanbeaueatlanta

Linkedin: Diane Alexander

Facebook: Artisan Beaute

Youtube: Artisan Beaute