If you’ve ever called or visited Dr. Karen Horton’s Plastic Surgery Office in San Francisco and immediately felt at ease, you may have Mary to thank. She loves her “work family” and the way everyone pulls together to support patients, celebrate wins, and keep the practice running smoothly.

Mary jokes that if she weren’t here, she’d happily split her time between being a dog walker and a Nurse—two roles that match her nurturing, down-to-earth personality. In the practice, one of her favorite procedures to be involved with is liposuction. Watching unwanted fat physically removed is “so amazing” to her, especially knowing how empowered patients feel afterward.

When it comes to skincare, Mary is loyal to Obagi Gentle Cleanser for its simple, effective results. Her favorite non-surgical treatment is Botox, which she loves for its ability to soften lines and keep everything looking refreshed without a lot of fuss.

Asked if there’s a procedure she’d never recommend, Mary is thoughtful. She believes most procedures can be positive in the right situation with the right patient. That said, she’s not a fan of BBLs (fat transfer to the buttocks), which she feels can sometimes look unnatural and has a very high complication (and death rate!)—and this is why it’s not something the practice offers.

Mary’s advice for anyone considering Plastic Surgery is straightforward and wise: see more than one Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in consultation, do your research, and make sure you feel truly confident in your decision. Above all, she says, you must trust your surgeon—because that trust is the foundation of a great experience and beautiful results.