MEET OUR
INCREDIBLE STAFF

SHITEL D. PATEL, MD

Founder | Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Shitel D. Patel, MD was raised in Florida for most of his life. He graduated medical school from the University of South Florida in 2007 and then went on to complete his residency in General Surgery at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia.

He then went on to complete a three-year Plastic Surgery Residency at UT Houston in the heart of Houston’s bustling medical center. During this time, he was exposed to a large and multifaceted volume of all aspects of plastic surgery. This, along with talented mentors and teachers, allowed him to hone his plastic surgery skills. Dr. Patel went on to further fortify his training by completing a pediatric and adult craniofacial plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas.

TUAN A. TRUONG, MD, FACS, FAAP

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Tuan A. Truong, MD, FACS, FAAP is a native Texan who earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and then went on to complete his general surgery residency at the University of Florida in Jacksonville.

After completion of his plastic surgery training at the highly competitive Mayo Clinic Arizona, he returned to Texas to pursue a fellowship in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin. He then joined the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, where he spent the last few years training the next generation of plastic surgeons. He is proud and excited to join his good friend Dr. Patel in practice. As a Rice alum, Dr. Truong is dedicated to improving the care of patients in the greater Houston area.

MEET DR. PATEL, MD

NATALIE STARKEY

Medical Aesthetician and Laser Certified Technician

Natalie Starkey is our medical aesthetician and certified medical laser technician. She has been in the industry for 10 years.

She is a member of Associated Skin Care Professionals, and devoted to continuing education for both herself and clients. Her passion for medical aesthetics helps her provide safe, comfortable and effective treatments. Natalie enjoys being able to enhance her client’s natural beauty to spark confidence from within.

MICHELLE NOLEN

Practice Manager

Michelle has extensive clinical and executive experience in the healthcare industry spanning nearly two decades. She is responsible for the operations and the administration of the practice. Michelle utilized her start-up and organizational skills in developing the practice from the ground floor and continues to provide on-going leadership and management as the practice grows. Michelle strongly believes that a practice’s strength and foundation lies within its staff. From the skill and compassion of our surgeons to the warmth and sincerity of our staff. She has never worked with a team who are more engaged and take such high ownership in their roles as her Lift Plastic Surgery work family. Our team truly loves what they do. They are driven by the collective knowledge that together, they are making a difference in the lives of our patients every day. Michelle and her team are the perfect match for Lift Plastic Surgery and its professional, innovative, and cutting-edge ideals. If there is anything that you need, Michelle is there to help! Michelle and her husband Ray have three kids: Shaine, Alix and Brooke and 4 beautiful grandchildren!

Michelle believes in the philosophy of Dr. Felice Leonardo Buscaglia, Ph.D., “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

MELISSA NOLEN

Lead Patient Coordinator

Melissa was born in Hawaii and moved to Texas 9 years ago. Melissa is our Lead Patient Coordinator here at Lift Plastic Surgery. She has seen the practice through all of its wonderful changes and has been an influential member since 2017. Melissa is passionate about providing a personalized experience to each patient; whether their journey involves cosmetic surgery or breast reconstruction. She will help guide you through your journey with Dr. Patel and Dr. Truong, providing support and knowledge every step of the way. Her in-depth knowledge allows her to give every patient a clear image of what to expect before, during, and after surgery. She believes in being kind to each other, always lending an ear when you need one or even a hug. “Melissa is the sweetest and makes you feel like family rather than a patient,” these qualities are what sets her apart from the rest. Her compassionate and personable qualities will make your experience a comfortable and enjoyable one.

NATALIE

Patient Coordinator

Natalie is your guide through every stage of the surgical process—from the initial consultation to the rest of your journey here at Lift Plastic Surgery. She is your go-to person as you embark on your surgical journey. She thoroughly enjoys making each patient’s experience a positive one. Her personal demeanor creates a welcoming environment for her patients and her knowledge of the industry provides a professional experience at every stage. Natalie graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, being adventurous, shopping and spending time with family & friends.