Meet Dr. Gabrick

Dr. Kyle Gabrick

An abundance of talents and passions drew Dr. Kyle Gabrick to the field of plastic surgery, where he enjoys actively engaging patients in their transformative journey. In addition to being a highly skilled plastic surgeon in Destin, Florida, Dr. Gabrick is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking plastic surgery research and advocacy. 

“By prioritizing your safety, comfort, and happiness, I aim to enhance your physical appearance and empower you throughout the surgical journey,” says Dr. Gabrick. “I also have a history and ongoing commitment to research and advocacy for national health policy changes that benefit my plastic surgery peers and, of course, my patients.” 

View Dr. Gabrick’s CV

Explore your cosmetic options with Dr. Gabrick by requesting a personalized consultation online or calling Destin Plastic Surgery at (850) 654-1194. People visit our exceptional plastic surgeons from Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach, Niceville, Panama City, and surrounding Florida communities.

Exceptional Training & Commitment To Advancing His Craft

After earning his medical degree from the University of Tennessee and completing an internship in general surgery at Wake Forest University, Dr. Gabrick was admitted to a rigorous six-year integrated plastic surgery residency program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In addition to consistently placing in the top percentile in case volumes for cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body, he also sought additional training from world leaders in facial cosmetic surgery and rhinoplasty.

Serving as an apprentice for esteemed surgeons Dr. Timothy Martin and Dr. Dino Elyassnia at the prestigious Marten Clinic of Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, CA, Dr. Gabrick learned the art of high SMAS / deep plane facelifting and rhinoplasty. Additionally, at Vanderbilt Dr. Gabrick pursued cross-training in facial plastic surgery, ophthalmology (oculoplastic surgery), and dermatology. He later trained on “no scar on the breast” transaxillary breast augmentation and "no scar on the face” endoscopic brow lifting with Destin Plastic Surgery founder Dr. William Burden, who pioneered these advanced surgical techniques.

As administrative chief resident at Vanderbilt, Dr. Gabrick ran a productive and successful cosmetic surgery clinic and assisted in the education of numerous resident physicians and medical students. After his residency, he received the Bruce Shack Award for excellence in patient care and mentorship to other surgeons.

Dr. Gabrick then embarked on a post-doctorate plastic surgery research fellowship at Yale University, focusing on cosmetic rhinoplasty, craniofacial surgery, and outcomes following breast reconstruction. During this time, Dr. Gabrick contributed over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals, and his body of work received national and international recognition, resulting in industry-sponsored grant funding. This experience triggered his involvement in plastic surgery advocacy, where he spent over 5 years on the Legislative Action Committee with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In this role, Dr. Gabrick presented on behalf of his peers at national and international gatherings and before congressional representatives on Capitol Hill.

AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. GABRICK

Dr. Gabrick with his father.

What inspired you to become a plastic surgeon during your early years in Tennessee? 

Growing up in Memphis, TN, I was greatly influenced by my father, a flight instructor, and my mother, a nurse. At a young age, we kept our horses at a farm owned by a radiologist, who always encouraged me to pursue a career in medicine. I had innate talents for disassembling and reassembling things around the house, including watches, so it was only natural that I pursued a career in surgery. As an undergraduate, I was exposed to plastic surgery and saw that surgeons can have a work-life balance and dedicate time to being husbands and fathers. I was also influenced by my passion for art and science and the desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.  

How would you describe your approach to collaborating with and caring for patients? 

I view the surgeon-patient relationship as the foundation for success, and my philosophy is rooted in empathetic listening and patient-centric collaboration. This means I listen attentively to each patient’s unique desires, concerns, and expectations and work collaboratively to create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with their goals and values. I take great pride in fostering an environment of trust, empathy, and open communication, ensuring that each patient feels heard and actively engaged during their aesthetic journey.  

What led you to become so involved in plastic surgery-patient advocacy? 

My extensive post-doctorate research at Yale led me toward advocacy. It’s immensely rewarding and gratifying to represent our specialty and influence the quality and scope of care plastic surgery patients receive. As an editorial board member of the Annals of Plastic Surgery, I remain committed to furthering the field and promoting the highest standards of patient care.  

Your skills and interests literally “soar” far beyond the operating room! Describe your hobbies, passions, and accomplishments outside of medicine. 

Inspired by my father, a professional pilot and flight instructor for FedEx, aviation became an early passion. My attention to procedural skills and adventure naturally led me to aviation, and it continues to fuel my adrenaline. My father taught me to fly in our V35 Bonanza. After finishing my private pilot training, I completed advanced training in upset stall, spin recovery, and aerobatics. My love for aviation led me to volunteer my time with the Commemorative Airfare, restoring and learning to fly war-era airplanes from the 1930s to the 1960s. Giving back to the community and watching war veterans interact with their old war planes was my inspiration for this.  

I also began riding horses at a young age and progressed to compete on a national level in the USEF Hunt Seat Equitation Finals, ASPCA Equitation Finals, and U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation Circuit. Currently, my wife and I enjoy riding horses for pleasure at our family farm.  

Dr. Gabrick on horseback
Dr. Gabrick flying a plane

Dr. Gabrick with wife, Lauren, and German shepherd, Bear

Who do you spend time with when you’re not catering to your patients’ needs and cosmetic goals? 

My amazing wife, Lauren, and our German shepherd, Bear. I love living and working in Destin, FL, where I spent my childhood summers vacationing on 30A. 

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