Practice Information
Your procedure will be performed in our office at The Refine Institute Surgical Center or the Presbyterian Surgical Center, located just 3 miles from our office. In most cases, your procedure will be performed on-site and you will be allowed to go home about an hour or so after your procedure. If you are an out-of-town patient, you will spend most of your stay at the Ballantyne Resort & Spa—a four star, four diamond Luxury Collection Resort—conveniently located just 2 miles from The Refine Institute.

Seeing the results of your body contouring procedure can now be done during your consultation. Since The Refine Institute exclusively offers the Vectra 3-D Imaging System, patients can view the changes to their hips, thighs, tummy and buttocks, even before the procedure. Images are shown from multiple angles so you can see a more accurate result of what your body will look like.

Following liposuction, you will experience temporary swelling, numbness, possible bruising, and soreness and discomfort controllable by oral pain medication. In general, light activity is possible within a week and a full return to full activities occurs by 4-6 weeks. Seeing your final will ultimately manifest themselves within a few months of the procedure.

Recovery following Smartlipo is similar to the recovery from liposuction, however the process is much faster. While there will be some temporary swelling and potential bruising, you should be able to return to normal activities within a day or two. The laser’s effect on skin tightening can take 6 months to a year to unfold.

About the Doctor
Andrew J.L. Gear, MD is a devoted student to technology in plastic surgery, constantly pursuing better techniques for his patients and training for more than 10 years alongside some of the most renowned surgeons in the country.

With a long line of academic physicians in his family, to say “medicine is in his blood,” would not be a stretch. His great, great paternal grandfather was an Obstetrician. His great grandfather, Sir William Leishman, was an infectious disease doctor who discovered Leishmaniasis, a tropical disease caused by a protozoan parasite. And his grandfather, Dr. Harry Gear, co-founded the World Health Organization, the leading organization for establishing global healthcare standards, in 1948.

Testimonials
"Compassion is the cornerstone of The Refine Institute. Not only did I get to know the staff on a professional level, but a personal one as well. The confidence I had in Dr. Gear made the procedure so much easier. He’ll go to any length possible to ensure great results. The quality of the staff is unparalleled and I couldn’t have chosen a better place to have my surgery."

"This was a BIG deal for us and I am so thrilled to have chosen Refine for my life-changing procedure. I was treated like the only patient they had…with caring, compassion and fun! The entire staff was personable and accommodating. I would certainly return and recommend The Refine Institute to others!"

"I have only great things to say about my experience. Everyone has been so incredible and my post-op period was actually better than expected! I can’t believe it , but I saw results almost immediately after my smartlipo and I’m looking better each day."

"My experience with the entire staff has been nothing short of amazing. All of my questions and concerns were addressed promptly and thoroughly…and my results…WOW! I would recommend Dr. Gear and his staff to anyone who wants a warm, professional staff, and a caring , highly skilled surgeon."

"I had a wonderful experience at The Refine Institute. The staff is excellent, and Dr. Gear has the best bedside manner I have ever seen. He made my procedure an experience that I would never forget."

"This is just a short note to express my thanks and gratitude for the tender, personal care I received from your entire team. Your staff have the highest level of respect for you and your professional worth as a surgeon. You have a super team, which to me, is a direct reflection of you and the professional environment you have provided."


Hospital Affiliation
Private Practice