Robert Peterson, MD

My mother hard her upper eyelids medically repaired when she was 73 due to them obstructing her vision. Unfortunately, I too inherited the droopy eyelid DNA. I started to really notice them when I was 40 and mentally waited as long as possible before choosing to have both my uppers and lowers surgically repaired. I got to the point where I refused to take pictures unless I had my sun glasses on.... at that point I knew it was time. There was no way I was going to wait until I was 70+ for my medical insurance to pay for it.

Like most people, I went to a few consultations and weighed my options. One surgeon refused to do my eyelids without a brow lift... 20K+ surgery quote and I ran away as fast as possible. I ended up going with a small clinic based on its no frills approach and the vibe of the doctors and staff.

I decided that I was able to do the surgery awake... no IV sedation, just a Xanax and local anesthetic and I was good to go. This option significantly reduced surgery fees and recovery time. The only hard part about this option was administering the local anesthetic. It felt like the dentist numbing my gums, but in my eyes. Ouch! But, if I had the option to do it all over again, I would still choose to be awake. The doctor, his staff, and I talked the entire procedure about 80's music movies and Mtv!!!

I am now three days post op and feeing super good. Pleased with the results thus far. I am going to attempt to back to work tomorrow. We'll see how that goes... more to follow.

I am now 5 weeks post op so I will break my experience into different posts.
Where do I begin, I have always been a DD cup and it was okay before I had children. I had my son when I was 23 and my twin girls 6 years later. My girls were born premature at 3 lbs and some change each so needless to say I felt the best option as a mom was to nurse them, which I had done for 2 years. You can imagine what this does to your breasts… yes, large and deflated quite a bit and it didn’t help that a bounced up and down in weight over the years. In addition, I developed this spare tire around my mid section that showed through just about everything that I wore. I absolutely hated looking in the mirror unless it was from neck up… lol.I had always been self-conscience about my body, but I tried to not let my feelings about myself interfere in my relationships. For the last 6 years I have been with my fiancé and he always thought that I was beautiful and sexy. I wish that I could have seen myself through his eyes, but unfortunately I did not. I am currently between overseas contracts so I decided that is the time to finally fulfill my dream of having a tummy tuck as this was my biggest area of concern. I did research on the internet and was disheartened as the PS I contacted would perform the procedure on patients under a BMI of 30. I told this to my fiancé and he encouraged me to keep looking if that’s what would make me happy and I did. I found Dr. Robert Petersen of the Athena Clinic and was told by his office that he can do the procedure so I scheduled my consultation. The staff at Athena Clinic are friendly, courteous, and caring from start to finish. I decided to get the tummy tuck, lipo of flanks, breast reduction/lift, and fat transfer to the upper pole of my breasts for volume.The clinic requires 25% down to schedule the surgery and the 75% at the pre-op a week before the surgery. I scheduled the surgery two weeks after my initial visit for October 29, 2020. I was given pre-op instructions and followed them carefully. I also began gathering a list of items that I read on RealSelf and watched on YouTube so that I wouldn’t have to worry about it after the surgery.

Updated on 6 Dec 2020:
After having 2 c-sections, I thought that recovery would be easier. Maybe it is/was easier for some, but everyone is different. I followed my PS’s post-op instructions and had my follow up appointments on PO Day 1, Day 4, Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, and heading to Week 6 this Friday. My PS is happy with my healing process as I have been very diligent on cleansing my incisions with Betadine in the shower from PO Day 1 to PO Week 3. Also, applying Betadine after my showers and allowing to dry before applying dressings. I have very sensitive skin and had reactions to the Micropore tapes (regular, gentle, and sensitive skin). I found that my skin would tolerate the Microfoam tape for up to 12 hours before changing. I have been sleeping on the recliner, but needed assistance getting out of the recliner as it is manual open/closing. Sleeping in this position does terrible things on the back let alone having to walk hunched over for a week or so. Still using the abdominal binder issued by my PS it is a bit challenging as it moves when you sit or lay down. I had to take the hydrocodone up to 3 weeks post-op for the pain. I had the drains removed at the end of PO Week 2 with just a little residual edema build up. The pain in my abs from the drains moving was unbelievable and made wanting to get up and move around questionable. I would recommend purchasing a female urination device, which is a funnel that allows you to urinate standing. It can also be used the the opening in a Faja garment. It’s a life saver when getting up/down for the toilet. I also used a folding walker to help me sit/stand from the recliner and toilet and the mastectomy pillow was crucial to me riding my our vehicles. The zip down lounge dress was a great purchase as well as it allowed me to readjust my binder, drain my drains, and air out my incisions. Sorry I don't have pics from the day of surgery until Week 1.

Hands down best Surgeon in the world! I went to Dr. P for a removal and replacement of saline implants. His entire staff has the aloha spirit I was looking for when selecting a Surgeon. The team has been nothing but compassionate and professional and supportive along my revision journey. The pre and post op care instructions go the extra mile from any prior experience back on the mainland. Dr. Peterson is up to date on the latest and greatest methods. My post op bra he picked out for me has the extra support I need and is quite fashionable to say the least.

My husband has been heavily involved in my revision journey and in his words Dr. Peterson is “an absolute professional and cool guy”.

I am beyond satisfied with my results thus far. The information at my post op appointments I receive is remarkable.

If you’re looking for a Surgeon who will take their time with you at every appointment and provide you top notch education and care to optimize your results I highly suggest booking a consult with Dr. Peterson and his team.

Statistically speaking I had my 492CC smooth round saline implants removed and replaced with HP 725CC smooth round saline.

Updated on 3 Aug 2019:
9 days post op and feeling fantastic. My post op appointments have been so thorough and I love getting “homework” from Dr. P. Part of this week’s “homework” was work on maximizing my cleavage. I had to wash my better post op bra and put on my “day of surgery” bra. What a difference!

Dr. Peterson and his crew are absolutely wonderful!! They have been so patient and caring with both myself and my children who have had to come along for most of my appointments. I was scared going in for such a large operation because I have never been through one before. They made me feel comforted and safe the whole time. My results are beyond anything I could've imagined. If I ever decide to have anything done again in the future, I will definitely be returning.

My face was falling off and my neck was reaching my chest. I always knew I would need to take care of it since my mother's neck drooped.

Dr. Peterson is outstanding. I consulted with three other plastic surgeons in Honolulu for some facial surgery. Each of the other doctors had something that just did not work for me - either the price or the attitude or they did not treat me as a knowledgeable adult. I like Dr. Peterson immediately and the way he listening and provided information created instant credibility and confidence in me. Dr. Peterson listened to my needs, offered his thoughts and gave constructive input. I am someone who wants to know the technical details and he answered each of my questions thoroughly. Other doctors seemed to have the attitude that I did not need to know their technical approach. I had done my research and knew what some of the technical options were and he filled all the details I needed.

I had a lower facelift, neck lift, upper blepharoplasty and fat transfer.

It has been two months since the surgery. Dr. Peterson and his team did an amazing job. I loved the results immediately. I needed no pain meds others than Tylenol. The healing of both the bruising and stitches has been amazingly fast. I have the results I wanted and more.

His staff - Chelsea the RN and Jenn at the front desk and his surgical team again created a caring and confidence building environment. I cannot say enough great things about my experience. I love the results and so does my husband!!! I am telling all my friends about my experience!! When you find a good doctor they are a keeper!!

Thank you Dr. P and the team!!!

This is a brief review, with a longer one to follow my complete recovery. I just feel compelled to write about Dr. Peterson and his staff. I have had such a wonderful experience working with them and it should be noted that they are, truly, top-notch. I had some unattractive abdominal scars from surgery many years ago. I've wondered for a long time if these could be corrected in some manner. I consulted with six different Hawai'i plastic surgeons before making my selection but there was no question that Dr. Peterson was the only choice once I'd met him. I took the whole selection process quite seriously, as I had waited a long time to attend to this and wanted to make sure I was getting the best care possible. Dr. Peterson and his staff are warm, professional, responsive, and caring. I always feel as if they have my best interest at heart. Most of the other doctors I consulted with felt somewhat slick and pushy, sorry to say, as if they were trying to sell me something. From the moment I met him Dr. Peterson was honest and straightforward about my unique situation and what he felt he could do for me. I am only about 10 days post-surgery so am still in the recuperation and follow up stage but everyone on staff continues to be responsive to my questions and needs. I live on a neighbor island and they are always willing to work with me to accommodate this unique situation. I can be a bit of a skeptic, and don't easily put my trust in others when it comes to my body (or my money!). Remember - I consulted (interviewed!) six doctors before A) deciding to even go through with the procedure and B) choosing Dr. Peterson. I have no doubt I made the best choice. It's fair to say Dr. Peterson and his staff go above and beyond. They are, in my opinion, the best! Before/After and more to follow, once things settle a bit. I think it's going to be an amazing transformation!

My experience with Dr. Peterson was nothing short of amazing. I had asian blepharoplasty done, and his drive for perfectly was made perfectly clear when he brought in a fellow doctor and colleague of Chinese descent to give her recommendations on what type of Asian blepharoplasty would look best on a guy. The staff at Athena Clinic was thorough, caring, and attentive when it came to the consultation and post-op follow ups. From the moment I stepped in, I knew I was in good hands!

Dr. Peterson and his staff at Athena Clinic are professional, kind and caring. The facility is kept clean at all times and I felt very comfortable. I liked the location which is in close proximity to another medical facility. The initial consultation was great. I was interested in a complete cosmetic facial makeover. Dr. Peterson was able to carefully explain options and what could be done. I researched his credentials and decided with his many years of top notch experience he would be a very skilled surgeon. Dr. P also has a good sense of humor. Jenn at reception helped with scheduling, and additionally was great at answering all sorts of questions. The entire staff is very experienced with assisting the off island patient. I had multiple procedures, a coronal brow lift, facelift, neck lift, corrugator removal and laser skin resurfacing. Having cosmetic surgery has improved my entire life. I look absolutely amazing, actually I look very pretty, and couldn’t be happier with my natural looking results. My results have exceeded my expectations. I have more self-confidence, and it has enhanced both my career and personal life.

This was a procedure I had wanted for 20 years. I was waiting for the safety of silicone implants to be tested and reviewed, and for the right surgeon. I wanted an experienced surgeon, who respected my individuality, and would be truthful about the reality of outcomes, and potential risks. I did NOT want a surgeon that would put cosmetics above safety, but would perfectly unite the two. I also needed a surgeon with patience as I am stubborn and not always an obedient patient. I knew Dr. Peterson and his office were right for me when they didn't push larger implants on me after I initially selected 240cc implants. I ask a LOT of questions, and Dr. Peterson answered every single one. My consultation lasted over an hour. I scheduled my surgery before I left the office that day. I knew that if he respected my desire for a modest, but noticeable increase AND took the time to answer all my questions that he would take the time to do a very good job. My decision was validated at my pre-op appointment when I changed my mind and decided to go in a totally different direction. I brought in pictures and Dr. Peterson went over them with me and helped me articulate what I wanted... Then decided on the size and profile. I wanted a transauxiliary incision. The surgery was easy. I got to pick the music they played. There was some with me constantly until I was wheeled down to my ride. The day following I felt great, too great. I worried I was over doing it; grocery shopping, house chores, etc. at my day one appointment dr. Peterson wisely advised that I stop taking the pain medicine (this was something I assumed would happen). Even without the pain medicine (and I chose not to take the muscle relaxers), I would say the pain wasn't ever any worse than when you stop breastfeeding. There are so many more positive things I could say, but I will stop there. I love my results. I am so glad I waited.

If you suffer from gynecomastia, this review is for you. About 2 yrs ago I was experimenting with prohormone stack supplements and not really following the directions on post estrogen blockers. Through time, I started to develop gynecomastia. It was extremely embarrassing. Unfortunately, this is one of the few surgeries HMSA does not cover. I had to start looking into a plastic surgeon who was well versed at this procedure. I scheduled consultations with a few offices highly recommend. After visiting them all, I decided to go with Dr. Peterson at the Athena Clinic and I could not be any happier with my results. He is an extremely knowledgable surgeon who has an amazing staff. I was worried about being put to sleep during the surgery but his anesthesiologist was top notch. His Rn and staff make sure you have everything you need and explain down to detail on post surgery recovery. I'm a very meticulous person and I'm so happy I went with the Athena Clinic!! Thank you Dr. Peterson and staff.