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(209) 551-1888
 

 

About Surgical Artistry, Inc

Located in Modesto, CA
Offering Services in Veins, Acupuncture, & Plastic Surgery


 
The team, picture taken in 2008

 


pictures above are models, not actual patients

What's special about Surgical Artistry, Inc?

Plastic Surgery, General Surgery, Acupuncture, Veins - all related at Surgical Artistry, Inc.

Surgical Artistry, Inc. is led by a husband-wife team of dedicated, friendly, Ivy League trained surgeons who provide services in Plastic Surgery, General Surgery, Acupuncture, and Vein Procedures.  On the topic of educational background, Dr. Lee and Dr. Wu were accepted by several excellent educational facilities including Stanford and Harvard, they chose Brown University as their institution for college and medical school.  Dr. Calvin Lee is a board certified General Surgeon who specializes in acupuncture, veins, gallbladders, hernias, and breast cancer.  Dr. Tammy Wu is a board certified Plastic Surgeon (by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons) who specializes in breast and body contouring surgeries such as tummy tuck and liposuction.  They have been practicing surgery in Modesto since 2003.  Under the same roof, Botox, dermal fillers, lasers, microdermabrasion, facials, compression stockings and skin care products are available.

In addition to superb surgical skills, our focus is communication.  Many of our consultations take an hour or more to ensure that we become partners in your surgery and that we share the same goals.  In addition, our surgical patients have access to our cell phones to call with any questions, and emailing is also possible. 

We are very comfortable with advanced technology.  Our technological advantage also helps us in your surgical / medical care.  We use only the highest grade technology and the best materials in our practice.  Our high quality standards and accepting nothing but the best is our philosophy for our family, for our lives, and for our patients.

There are many other advantages of having a plastic surgeon & general surgeon working together.  The practice receives a fusion of ideas and techniques which benefit our patients.  For example, for breast cancer, Dr. Calvin Lee and Dr. Tammy Wu frequently work together to remove the cancer and then reconstruct the breast with plastic surgical techniques.  The doctors are always discussing ways to combine their talents. 

Our synergy of acupuncture, general surgery and plastic surgery is very unique and found very rarely in this world.  We are right here in Modesto, California.

If you are committed to self improvement and excellent health; Surgical Artistry is committed to helping you achieve your goals.

Testimonials from our patients / scanned in

Candid Comments from our staff in year 2009

A little bit of history

The story of the beginnings of Surgical Artistry, Inc.

Modesto Vein Treatment Center, Varicose Veins, Spider Veins
We're located next to the post office on Sylvan Ave, Modesto, CA

Dr. Calvin Lee and Dr. Tammy Wu (yes, they're married) came to Modesto in 2003.  Dr. Calvin Lee worked with the McHenry Medical Group as one of six general surgeons of that group.  Dr. Tammy Wu became the only plastic surgeon at the time for Sutter Gould Medical Group.  In January 2006, Dr. Tammy Wu had a vision to create a plastic surgical center of excellence.  A few months later, Dr. Calvin Lee joined her venture.  Sometimes we get asked "how come Dr. Lee's name isn't on the wall of the building?"  We joke that "nobody wants to see Calvin Lee, MD hemorrhoid surgery on the building, Tammy Wu, MD Plastic Surgery works better."  The real reason was that the signs were cleared by the City of Modesto and placed on the walls before Dr. Lee decided to come aboard. 

Dr. Lee was initially hesitant, because he chose to come to Modesto so that he could practice broad and diversified general surgery.  Larger cities are full of surgical specialists and this would leave little room for general surgeons to practice the full scope of their training.  When he was with the McHenry Medical Group, he fulfilled his purpose of a varied practice consisting of pediatrics, vascular, thoracic, cancer, endocrine, abdominal and trauma surgery.  He firmly believes that a broad experience leads to even greater expertise in one's chosen field.  After having such great experiences, he chose to start focusing his general surgery expertise to veins, breast cancer, gallbladder surgery, and hernias.  While transitioning over to a focused and limited general surgery practice, he decided to become an acupuncturist by taking classes supported by Stanford University.  While taking these classes, he came up with the idea to call the Plastic Surgery Center of Excellence, "Surgical Artistry, Inc."  Thus, the name of the company was changed from "Tzuying Tammy Wu, MD Inc." to "Surgical Artistry, Inc." 

Right from the very start, Dr. Wu and Dr. Lee were very busy with patients as they had already developed a solid reputation.  Dr. Tammy Wu is board certifed in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and Dr. Calvin Lee is board certified in General Surgery by the American Board of Surgery.


Calvin Lee, MD
General Surgeon
Acupuncturist

Tammy Wu, MD
Plastic Surgeon

 

Why choose Dr. Tammy Wu for your plastic surgery?

  • Her consultations for many surgeries are very detailed, they can last from 1 hour to 1.5 hours.  This is direct one-on-one contact with Dr. Tammy Wu, the Plastic Surgeon, not with a representative.
  • We do not have any exclusive contracts with any of the breast implant makers (such as Mentor or Allergan/Inamed), prosthesis, or meshes.  She only chooses with our patients what is considered the best products for the patient and his/her unique goals - without regard to contracts or quotas.
  • Dr. Wu is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
  • She is a top intellectual and extremely skilled with her dexterity, and has extremely high standards for herself.  She graduated number one from her medical school (Brown University, Ivy League), scored over 95th percentile on several national tests for plastic surgeons, and graduated from a top Plastic Surgery training program (Southern Illinois University), where graduates have become chairmen at Harvard University Programs and Presidents of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  Formerly as a runner, she has won many races in her age group. 
  • She is a gifted communicator.  Language skills is her talent.  Besides being fluent in English, Chinese, and Taiwanese - Dr. Tammy Wu participated in a national French language competition (before medical school) and she placed 2nd in the United States for speaking French.  She has also worked as a reporter for a radio station at Brown University.  And currently she has been seen with multiple appearances on Modesto television stations discussing plastic surgery and breast augmentation.
  • She is a teacher:  She is currently on the staff of UC Davis as a Volunteer Assistant Professor.  She has also taught several rotating medical students, physician assistant students, and nursing students while working in Modesto.  She runs a program called Surgical Artistry Academy which teaches the community about medicine in general and cosmetic surgery.
  • She is a musician and pianist:  She is mainly self taught on the piano.  It gives her a chance to improve on her dexterity skills which translate into extreme precision in the operating room when performing breast augmentations.  She is an active supporter of the performing arts, especially via the Modesto Symphony and Gallo Center for the Arts.
  • She is an athlete:  Formerly as a runner, she has won many races (mostly 5k's) in her age group.  She has run 2 marathons in the past, several 10K's and half marathons.  With her interest in athletics, she is well qualified to discuss any changes or concerns in chest muscles function with breast augmentation, liposuction, or tummy tuck surgeries.  Visit her popular website for running with breast implants - a runner's guide to choosing and maintaining breast implants.
  • She is an expert with all aspects of breast surgery.  She performs not only breast augmentation surgery and breast augmentation revisions, she also performs breast reductions, breast cancer reconstructions, and nipple reconstructions.
  • Access to a general surgeon (Dr. Lee) for hernias discovered during tummy tuck.  General Surgeons specialize in repairing hernias.  Dr. Wu has easy access to Dr. Lee's expertise for hernias if they are found during your tummy tuck.  If we suspect a hernia prior to surgery we make plans to have your abdominal hernia surgery done at the same time.  If we discover the hernia during the tummy tuck surgery, we will consider fixing your hernia and make arrangements to bill your insurance.
  • Having two surgeons take care of you.  Dr. Lee is always available to offer his surgical skills (Trauma Surgery and General Surgery) in addition to Dr. Wu's plastic surgery expertise.  Many plastic surgery offices have medical assistants (we have those too), we have Dr. Lee to help in your surgeries and recovery.
  • She is very experienced.  See the next section on profile of Dr. Tammy Wu's practice.  Plus she has been an investigator for the new silicone breast implants.  She has been practicing plastic surgery since 1997, and has been practicing plastic surgery in Modesto since 2003.  When she came to Modesto, she worked at Sutter Gould as their only plastic surgeon.  She frequently saw 40 patients per day.  She started her own practice (Surgical Artistry, Inc) in February 2006 and was joined by her husband, Dr. Lee in June 2006.
  • She is a busy surgeon.  We believe that surgery is a performance art.  This means that large volumes of quality work (surgeries) lead to better results.  See the statistics right below in this pink box (Dr. Wu's one year practice profile).
  • Has been a patient herself.  She has been a consumer of plastic surgery procedures.
  • Patient safety is of highest concern:  She operates at hospital affiliated surgery centers and uses board certified anesthesiologists.  This way she has access to all the equipment and expertise available to a hospital, rather than have the operation be office based.
  • Surgeon accessibility:  Patients can receive access to Dr. Wu 24/7 via cell phone.  Dr. Lee is also accessible 24/7.
  • Emphasis on reducing pain:  She has ready access to pain reducing techniques.  Dr. Lee works in the office and routinely performs pain reducing acupuncture on many other patients.  Dr. Wu's brother is an anesthesiologist in Los Angeles, and has given much advice on pain management during and after surgery.  And she routinely uses long acting pain medicines (such as marcaine) injected into the surgical sites and at times will use pain pumps.
  • Her breast augmentation surgeon's fee and  for other procedures are competitively priced.  Plus she has negotiated lowered rates at the hospital and with anesthesiologists.  Her surgeons fee as of 6-23-08 (not including hospital or anesthesia or implants): ranges from $3200 - $4400 (prices will change, please call our office:  209-551-1888, we can give you the ranges of the entire operation with implants included which currently ranges from $5000 to $7500 for saline implants.)  There are certain cost advantages to having your surgery done in the Central Valley, California rather than in more expensive coastal areas.  She also does not mark up the cost of the breast implants nor does she mark up anesthesia or hospital fees.  These are all "pass-thru" costs to her patients.

 

Dr. Tammy Wu's one year practice profile 10-23-06 to 10-23-07:

  • Exact number of new patients seen over the last year:  678
  • Exact number of patient visits over the one year period:  3665
  • Range in number of new patients seen over one month:  40-80
  • Range in number of patient visits over one month:  200-450
  • Range in number of breast surgeries per month:  14-22
  • Number of surgeries performed in that one year period (2006-2007):  281
  • Number of years since graduation from medical school:  Over 12 years
  • Number of years in Modesto, CA:  Over 6 years
  • Number of full time employees in Modesto:  5
  • Total number of employees:  8
  • Days per week worked:  5-7 days per week.
  • Surgery days per week: 2-5 days per week.
  • Operating and hospital privileges:  Yes.  Several hospitals:  Doctors Medical Center Modesto.  Doctors Medical Center Manteca.  Stanislaus Surgical Hospital Modesto, Memorial Medical Center Modesto.
  • On-call for hospitals:  Yes.  Doctors Medical Center, Modesto and Memorial Medical Center, Modesto.
  • Before and after pictures:  Yes.  Free viewing in the office.  Not on websites for patient privacy.  Call our office to make an appointment to see our before and after book.
  • Modesto office square feet:  3000+
  • Modesto Location:  2336 Sylvan Ave. Suite C.  Modesto, CA 95355 (driving directions)
  • Telephone (Modesto):  209-551-1888
  • Email:  staff [at] surgerytoday.com
  • Website:  www.TammyWu.com

 

Statistics listed above provided by our EMR Software PrognoCis.  Statistics performed on 10-23-07.

 

A bit about Dr. Calvin Lee

Calvin Lee, MD is a board certified General Surgeon who has a separate practice dedicated to acupuncture.  He has been trained in acupuncture with courses affiliated with Stanford University and relatives and friends trained in acupuncture from China, Taiwan, and Los Angeles, USA.

The American Board of Surgery
Dr. Calvin Lee is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery

As a surgeon, Dr. Calvin Lee brings to acupuncture a deeper understanding of acupuncture anatomy - having operated in many of the areas which involve acupuncture needles.  Acupressure is also a modality used instead of or in conjunction with acupuncture needles depending on the situation.  Dr. Lee also brings surgical dexterity to acupuncture maneuvers.  Countless hours in the operating room performing trauma surgeries, vein procedures and breast surgeries such as sentinel lymph node biopsies and modified radical mastectomies allow for anatomical experience and surgical dexterity.  There are many reasons for a surgeon to practice acupuncture besides anatomy and dexterity.  Acupuncture allows Dr. Lee to take care of post operative discomfort (such as nausea) and problems (such as slowed gastrointestinal tract) with Surgical Artistry surgical patients.  In many respects, acupuncture can be considered a surgical specialty, but the treatment isn't so much an anatomical treatment, but one that affects the energy flow through your body.

With his expertise with needles, Dr. Lee branched out in 2006 to complement his wife's cosmetic practice by performing Botox and Filler injections.  On a routine acupuncture day, Dr. Lee carefully inserts about 400 needles per day.

Dr. Calvin Lee, MD was born in New York City.  He gradually made his way to Brown University (he was accepted to Harvard, Stanford, and many other universities) where he received an undergraduate degree in Neurosciences.  He also performed brain related research during his years in medical school which was also at Brown University.  He met his wife, Dr. Tammy Wu at Brown University.  His neuroscience background brings a scientific background to acupuncture. After medical school he pursued General Surgery training at Case Western Reserve and Southern Illinois University.  While at Southern Illinois University, he received a teaching award for teaching medical students and surgical residents.  Formal medical acupuncture training was obtained subsequently at Stanford University with Joseph Helms, MD leading the courses.  He is currently an assistant professor at UC Davis for teaching surgery to family practice residents, physician assistants, and medical residents.  He was given a teaching award in 2006 for teaching UC Davis students.  Besides acupuncture, Dr. Lee has an active general surgery practice which includes a comprehensive treatment of veins.  He is board certified in General Surgery by the American Board of Surgery.  He came to Modesto in 2003 and worked with the McHenry Medical Group and served as a Trauma Surgeon for Doctor's Medical Center (DMC) Modesto.  He started his own practice in Modesto in 2006.  Surgical Artistry, Inc, is the name of his practice with Dr. Tammy Wu. 

His hobbies include running, playing piano and violin to excel with surgical dexterity, making web pages, and search engine optimization.

 

Some highlights of Dr. Lee's accomplishments

As a medical doctor & surgeon:

  • University National Scholar, Brown University (top 1% of Brown University)
  • Board Certified in General Surgery by the American Board of Surgery, current
  • Memorial Hospital VNA Doctor's Day Award 2006
  • Worked as a General Surgeon for the McHenry Medical Group 2003-2006
  • Accepted to Harvard University, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Cornell & Columbia for undergraduate education, enrolled at Brown University

As a medical professor and teacher:

  • Doctors Medical Center Stanislaus Family Practice Residency, UC Davis Outstanding Community Faculty Physician Award 2006
  • Surgical Resident Teaching Award, Southern Illinois University, 2002
  • Certified to teach at Brown by the Center for Advanced College Teaching 1994
  • Head teaching assistant: Introduction to Medicine, Brown Summer School, 1994-95
  • Head teaching assistant Brown University Medical School:  Anatomy, 1994

As a web designer:

  • Web pages created by Dr. Calvin Lee were mentioned in U.S. News and World reports, 1999
  • Created what was considered by researchers to be the most effective online breast cancer support group, 1997.  This may have been the first of its kind.  This group has moved around on the internet and now exists on Yahoo Groups, moved in 1998.
  • Made the first Plastic Surgery web page for Brown University, 1996.  The website has since been changed/updated.  The link is to the historical website, not the current website.  Many of the original scans / artwork remain the same to this date.
  • Modesto Plastic Surgery Webpages (a listing)


picture by Adrian Luna

As a musician:

  • Concertmaster: Brown University Orchestra, 1992-93.  Concertmaster at Harvard 1987.
  • Two time winner of the Brown University Concerto Competition, violin.
  • Solo appearances with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, Rockland County Philharmonic, Brown University Orchestra.
  • Won audition for first violin section with Illinois Symphony, a professional orchestra.
  • Plays violin and piano.
  • Supporter of the Modesto Symphony (on the board of directors), and Gallo Center for the Arts (is a founder)
  • Co-founded "Docs Play the Pops" - a medical musician recital and fundraiser for music education in Modesto.
  • Conducting, music theory and composition classes at Manhattan Pre-college.
  • Music teachings and guidance from:  Mary Canberg, Jamie Buswell, Arlene Cole, Chuck Sherba, and Yan Yan Chan.


Calvin Lee at the
Gallo Center for the Arts, 2008


 

Our procedures and services:

Veins

  • Spider veins: Face
  • Spider veins: Legs
  • Varicose veins:  Legs, Hands, Chest
  • Laser with the Dornier 940 nm diode laser
  • Laser of spider veins
  • Laser closure
  • Laser of greater saphenous veins and lesser saphenous veins for varicose vein disease
  • Sclerotherapy for spider veins and varicose veins
  • Microphlebectomy (very tiny incisional surgical procedures to remove varicose veins)
  • Sigvaris Compression Stockings 15-20mmHg and 20-30mmHg
  • Vein ultrasound exams
     

Acupuncture

  • Acne - other forms of skin care acupuncture is also offered
  • Acupuncture facelift
  • Allergies - Allergic rhinitis (pollen, etc)
  • Asthma
  • Back Pain
  • Bell's Palsy (partial facial paralysis)
  • Cosmetic Acupuncture:  sometimes called acupuncture facelift - can soften wrinkles, and lift certain parts of the face - ie. brows, cheeks, bags under the eyes, double chin.  The cost for this is separate from the usual acupuncture visits offered.
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Dermatitis (Eczema)
  • Diverticular Disease
  • Fatigue
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Headache and Migraines
  • Hot flashes / Menopause symptoms
  • Infertility / Fertility
  • Menstrual Cramps
  • Pain Medicine
  • Sciatica
  • Sinusitis (related to allergy)
  • Stroke recovery
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • TMJ
  • Weight loss acupuncture for obesity (speeds up metabolism and diminishes appetite)
  • More acupuncture treatments are available, call to ask ...  

General Surgery

  • Gallbladder disease, laparoscopic surgery
  • Hernias:  inguinal, incisional, and umbilical
  • Breast cancer operations
  • Lifeport placement/removals
  • Skin cancer treatment
     

Insurances Taken by Surgical Artistry:  Dr. Wu and Dr. Lee are on different insurance panels

Hospital Affiliations for both surgeons

  • Sutter Gould / Sutter Health Medical Group 2003-2006
  • Stanislaus Surgery Center
  • Coffee Road Surgery Center (affiliated with Stanislaus Surgery Center)
  • Doctor's Medical Center (DMC), Modesto, CA
  • McHenry Surgery Center, Modesto, CA - this excellent hospital affiliated facility closed in 2008.
  • Doctor's Medical Center (DMC), Manteca, CA
  • Memorial Medical Center, Modesto, CA

Aesthetician Services

  • Anti-allergy Facials
  • Anti-aging Facials
  • Express Facials
  • Microdermabrasion - Diamondtome
  • Chemical Peels
  • Skin care consultations.  These consultations also available with Dr. Wu.
  • Skin care products:  Obagi, Skinceuticals, ColoreScience and NIA 24 / medical grade sun screens and sun blocks.  Arnica is also available.
  • Waxing

Plastic Surgery Services by Dr. Tammy Wu

  • Breast Augmentation - Mentor Implants, Natrelle Implants, Cohesive Gel / Gummy Bear Implants
  • Breast Lift
  • Breast Reduction
  • Brow Lift, Blepharoplasty, Eyelids, periorbital eye surgery
  • Cosmetic injections:  Botox, Dermal Fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, Prevelle)
  • Chemical peels
  • Face Lift
  • Gynecomastia (male breast reduction)
  • Labiaplasty
  • Liposuction
  • Mole removals
  • Mommy Makeovers / Body after Baby procedures
  • Post Bariatric procedures / Post Gastric Bypass procedures, ie. Brachioplasty (arms)
  • Scar revision
  • Thigh lifts / Buttock lifts
  • Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty)
  • Visia Digital Facial Skin Analysis

 

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to constantly improve ourselves, our company and our clients.  We aim to provide the best and safest medical results.  We utilize only the highest grade medical products and technology.  We are committed to providing top notch customer service.  We welcome our clients to be part of our medical family, and we communicate with them often.  In addition to being a medical facility, we are an educational resource.  We will actively pursue opportunities to provide education.  We believe in practicing what we preach, thus our healthy and aesthetic goals for our clients start with ourselves.  We endeavor to make our office feel comfortable like home and encourage each other to be happy and healthy.  The five key ingredients of Surgical Artistry, Inc. are constant self improvement, superior medical results, outstanding customer service, providing education, and practicing what we preach.

Surgical Artistry, Inc.  2336 Sylvan Ave. Ste C, Modesto, CA 95355.  (209) 551-1888

Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Board Certified by ABPS in Plastic Surgery.  This is a symbol of a board certified plastic surgeon, tummy tuck
Dr. Tammy Wu

Botox® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc.
Surgical Artistry, Inc is also registered as Tzuying Tammy Wu, MD Inc.
 You are visitor Airport Modesto Counter [ www.botox-buddies.com don't forget the dash "-"]

 

We aim for superior medical results.

Veins  |  Acupuncture  |  Plastic Surgery

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(209) 551-1888

Web Design by Calvin Lee, Modesto, CA