Dr. Bryan Folkers of Bergman-Folkers Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery now is seeing patients at the Skiff Surgery Clinic, 300 N. Fourth Ave. E. in Newton.
Patients receive consultations in the clinic on the second Thursday afternoon of each month, with surgical procedures taking place in the morning at Skiff Medical Center.
While plastic surgeons tend to be associated with elective aesthetic procedures, that does not make up the majority of Folkers’ practice.
“I would say about 40 percent of my patients are seeking cosmetic treatments, while the other 60 percent are those in need of reconstruction and hand procedures,” he said. “There are a lot of farm accidents in Iowa, with people needing treatment or surgery to safely return to their work.”
Folkers learned of the opportunity to practice in Newton through Skiff general surgeon Dr. Dominic Formaro. The two worked together in residency at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.
“I like bringing this opportunity to a community,” said Folkers, who also does outreach clinics in Jefferson, Osceola and Carol. “Usually there’s a pretty strong need. And if we learn that Newton could benefit from more than one clinic a month, I could see us expanding. I like the small-town, laid-back feel. It’s much more relaxing than the big hospitals in Des Moines.”
Variety was a big part of the appeal of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Folkers said.
“I enjoy the fine detail of it, the artistry. Other types of surgeries have very specific steps that you need to follow every time. In my specialty, no two surgeries are alike.”
Folkers did not initially pursue medicine, but rather received his biochemistry degree from Iowa State University of Science and Technology. Unfortunately, that field did not prove challenging enough to stay interesting; he started considering a career change.
“My wife and I were traveling through Europe when, by chance, I met a medical student in Ireland,” he said. “We talked about our schooling and work and he told me, ‘You should go to medical school. You’ll never be bored.’”
Folkers’ wife, herself a molecular biologist, supported the switch and he enrolled in medical school at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. After completing a general surgery residency, he did a fellowship at South Pointe/Cleveland Clinic Health System. Born and raised in Iowa, it was a natural fit to return to his home state to practice medicine, which, as promised, is never boring.
“I love operating,” he said. “I take a lot of pride in my work. I even did a face lift for my mother-in-law. It turned out really well. I’m still married,” he added with a smile.
But while he thrives on time spent with a scalpel, he doesn’t hesitate to strike a good work/life balance. “I have three main priorities: God, family and work, in that order.”
When not scrubbed in or seeing patients, Folkers enjoys outdoor activities, such as camping, hunting and scuba diving, being active with his church and spending time with his wife and their two young sons, ages 3 and 6.
Dr. Folkers offers a wide variety of consultations and procedures, including:
• facial rejuvenation: face/neck lift, brow lift, chin/malar implants, eyelid surgery, otoplasty (ears), rhinoplasty (nose), traumatic injury surgery
• breast contouring: augmentation, lift, reduction
• post-mastectomy breast reconstruction
• body contouring: abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction, brachioplasty (arm lift), thigh and gluteal lift, free-fat transfer
• post-gastric bypass contouring
• Botox/fillers
• hair transplantation
• laser services
• wound and burn care
• skin evaluations and cancer treatments
• treatment of gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts)
• hand procedures: carpal tunnel surgery, trigger finger release, traumatic injury,
• rejuvenation, De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (also known as “gamer’s thumb”), Dupytrens contracture (inability to straighten pinky/ring/middle fingers).
In addition to his regular clinic hours, Skiff Medical Center will be hosting a free lunch-and-learn with Folkers from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 14, in the Skiff Inservice Room. Folkers will discuss and answer questions on his top four cosmetic procedures: tummy tucks, facelifts, breast augmentation and Botox. Lunch will be provided by Skiff. Call (641) 787-3070 to RSVP by June 8.
To schedule an appointment with Folkers in the Skiff Surgery Clinic, call (641) 787-3161.