Dr. Sarah Hammond, 41, is the founder of Restore Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, the only female-owned plastic surgery center in Memphis and West Tennessee. Originally from East Tennessee, Dr. Hammond knew from a young age she wanted to be a doctor. Gifted with steady hands from a childhood focused on playing competitive piano, she gravitated naturally toward surgery once she began her medical school rotations at UTHSC here in Memphis. “I liked seeing results and having direct control over outcomes rather than just prescribing a treatment and hoping it was followed,” she explains. When determining what area of surgery to specialize in, Dr. Hammond found herself drawn to the precision and artistry of plastics. “In plastic surgery, I get to see the immediate results of the surgery but can maintain a longer relationship with my patients during their healing journey,” Dr. Hammond says.
During her time in general surgery residency, Dr. Hammond found herself working 90 hours or more a week, with no time to tend to her own physical or mental health. After a particularly challenging rotation, she began running after work and found it immensely helpful in clearing her head and feeling more fit. Now, Dr. Hammond incorporates yoga, meditation, and deep tissue massages into her wellness routine, as well as running. “Operating is very physically and mentally taxing. It’s not a ‘normal’ lifestyle. Yoga and running are both very grounding for me and helpful for reducing stress,” she says.
Dr. Hammond completed a full general surgery residency before moving to Miami for a plastic surgery fellowship, then returned to Memphis for subspecialty training in craniofacial surgery at Le Bonheur and St. Jude. After five years of private group practice, she opened Restore Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. Now, her time in the operating room is split evenly between cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Her cases span from cleft lip repair to breast augmentation, from skin cancer reconstruction to tummy tucks.
While her patients aren’t always dealing with acute illness, the emotional weight of plastic surgery, especially reconstruction, can be profound. “These patients often have experienced trauma, cancer, or years of discomfort with their appearance. Meeting them where they are and building their trust is crucial for how I want to practice,” she says.
For those considering surgery, Dr. Hammond emphasizes the importance of both preparation and recovery. “Nutrition is vital, and your body needs more protein, vitamins, and hydration for proper healing. But mental health matters just as much,” she says. “You should never undergo cosmetic surgery for external validation. It should always be for yourself.”
She also urges patients to take recovery seriously. “It’s not just a quick fix or easy recovery because that’s what you saw on social media. Healing takes time, support, and often emotional resilience.” By prioritizing her own mental and physical wellness, Dr. Hammond is able to be part of the support system in her patients’ journeys to looking and feeling their very best.
Learn more about Restore Plastic Surgery and Dr. Hammond’s work by visiting Plasticsurgeryrestore.com or call 901.682.4456.
By Zoe Harrison
Photo by Alyssa Jean
