About Us

La Jolla Plastic Surgeon Carol Hollan, M.D., F.A.C.S.

As a young child, Carol Hollan was intrigued with both art and science. By age six, she was checking out library books on anatomy and physiology, and drawing people 'to make them look better.' A family friend, noticing her talents, suggested she become either a medical illustrator or plastic surgeon. Carol set her sights on medical school at a tender age and never waivered.

Carol attended Florida Presbyterian College and the University of Florida College of Medicine, graduating from medical school in 1973. She then trained in internal medicine and opened a private practice in Potsdam, New York, where she became board-certified in family practice. Although she very much enjoyed familiy practice, she continued to pursue her goal of becoming a plastic surgeon.

Dr. Hollan moved to California in 1977 to complete an internship in general surgery, a residency in orthopedic surgery, and a final residency in plastic surgery at UCSD's School of Medicine in 1983. She then opened her private practice, becoming the first female plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in San Diego County. She also became a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Dr. Hollan continuously updates her professional knowledge and skills by frequently attending conferences and seminars. She is equally as diligent in her personal growth and development, and continues to be involved with The Stream's "Living with Reality" programs.

She maintains privileges at Sharp Memorial Hospital, Mary Birch Hospital for Women, and Scripps Memorial Hospital.

Professional Society Memberships include: the Association of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American College of Surgeons, and the Plastic Surgery Society of San Diego.

This symbol of excellence designates active members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Plastic surgeons who display this symbol are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and are dedicated to the highest standards of patient care and continuing development of professional skills and competence.

Dr. Hollan serves as mentor in training for medical students and for many years has served as a voluntary assistant professor in surgery at UCSD. She also is a committed and contributing surgeon for Interface, an international field program devoted to surgical treatment of congenital and traumatic childhood deformities. For more information, please call UCSD Plastic Surgery Department and ask for Kathy Mayo.

About Our Office and Staff

Making the Perfect Choice

Dr. Hollan and her entire staff are committed to caring for you completely on your journey of physical transformation. Along the way, they will inform and educate you, provide written and visual information, as well as patient references. You will see photographs and illustrations, and have all your questions addressed. They will do whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable in making the right decision.

Begin with a Consultation

Many people hesitate to make an appointment for a consultation before doing their 'homework,' believing they need to know what they want or need prior to even seeing the surgeon. We invite you to come in and meet with Dr. Hollan to discuss your needs, desires and expectations. Your medical history, age, anatomy and special concerns will be reviewed to determine which treatments or procedures will provide the greatest benefit. Together with Dr. Hollan, you will be given the opportunity to decide whether to, when to, and how to proceed. If you decide to proceed, Dr. Hollan and her staff and anesthesiologist will provide pre-operative information, available resources, precautions to take to ensure the best possible results, expectations during recovery and a written estimate of the costs involved.

Carol Hollan, MD

Just as Rodin could see a finished piece nestled inside the raw marble he was about to sculpt, Dr. Hollan has the unique ability to envision the final result of her skills long before she begins a procedure.

This is her special gift . . . a sense of shape and form, an aesthetic judgement, an ability to visualize the outcome in great detail!

In addition to being a respected, competent and skilled surgeon, Dr. Hollan is an artist, sculptor, nurturer and educator. She has a discriminating eye for detail and has a total commitment to patient satisfaction. Patients love the way she communicates with them. They enjoy her warm, caring presence and respect for her impeccable integrity.

Dr. Hollan and Her Dedicated Staff

Dr. Hollan's all-female staff is committed to your experience being one of complete satisfaction. Authenticity, warmth and openess is what makes her staff unique.

When selecting staff, Dr. Hollan chose a team of professionals who share her mission of caring for patients in an environment of safety, generosity and surgical excellence.

AAAASF Certified SurgiCenter

Dr. Hollan's AAAASF Certified SurgiCenter has been accredited since 1996. Her staff is experienced, licensed and credentialed as required by California regulations. All licensed operating room staff are certified in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).

Dr. Hollan offers several options for post-operative surgical care. She has contracted with Scripps Memorial Hospital's Post-Operative Care Unit to provide affordable care for those patients who request or require an overnight stay in a hospital. The rates for cosmetic surgery patients are competitive.

For patients who do not wish to stay in a hospital, but require assistance from a caretaker after surgery, options include: returning home accompanied by a personal nurse caregiver, staying in a hotel suite with a nurse caregiver or staying in one of several facilities nearby that provide personalized care in a private facility. The staff will assist you in making whatever arrangements best meet your needs.