About Dr. Christine Kelley

Perhaps it was the gentle teasing of my father, who noticed the precision I used in trimming the meat on my dinner plate as a child. It could have been my high school teachers and advisors, who encouraged me to do something grand with my life based on my scholastic work. In fact, both were a guiding force that led me to consider the medical profession.

Just as importantly, I have always had a keen interest in science and nature. I thought about a career in chemistry or biologic research. I am introverted and shy, however, and I was concerned that I would be too prone to social isolation and continued awkwardness in a lab environment. I decided to push myself to grow into a more complete person by learning how to communicate with people more comfortably. I concluded that becoming a physician would be the most effective path to exercise these interests and goals.

I was fortunate to live in Missouri, where a groundbreaking medical education program had been developed at the University of Missouri – Kansas City. This still rather unique approach to cultivating physicians combines undergraduate study in biology and chemistry with medical education completed over the course of six years instead of the typical eight. In 1985, I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and Chemistry with Distinction. In 1986, I completed the program by earning my Doctor of Medicine degree.

During my medical school experience, I decided the field of surgery was most engaging to me. In addition to the passé answer that I enjoy working with my hands, I appreciated that surgery often represents a definitive solution to a problem by directly interacting with the structures of the body. Following the example of my engineering-oriented dad, I like to solve problems and fix things. I also realized that surgery requires a steady mental and physical focus, or a "flow state", that is natural and rewarding.

I completed my five-year general surgery residency at the University of Kansas in Wichita. While there, I received the honor of appointment to administrative chief resident. I also received the George Mastio Award for surgical excellence, which recognizes the outstanding graduating trainee.

I found that the field of plastic surgery allowed me to work with all ages and with a broad range of problems in nearly all body areas. I really liked the fact that plastic surgery is such a positive, life-improving process for many patients. Most importantly, however, I relish the complex thinking that is required to evaluate, plan and execute most plastic surgical procedures.

From 1991 to 1993, I completed a specialized program in plastic and reconstructive surgery at St. Louis University, where I was again appointed administrative chief resident in my final year of training.

I entered the United States Air Force in 1993 to fulfill my military scholarship service commitment. I honed my patient consultation and surgical skills as the staff plastic surgeon at Scott Air Force Base Medical Center. I earned the rank of Major and was honorably discharged in 1996, earning an Air Force Commendation medal for my performance. My board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery followed in November of 1996.

I have maintained my board certification status through the Maintenance of Certification Program of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Among my professional affiliations, I am a current member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Indiana State Medical Association and the Indianapolis Medical Society. I am also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Since 1999, I have practiced in the Indianapolis area, currently as an associate with Meridian Plastic Surgeons. I specialize in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries for the full body, with a particular interest in breast and torso surgery. I also have a background in complex wound care as a former Medical Director of the St. Vincent Wound Treatment Center.

As technologies and patient preferences have changed over the years, I have developed an interest in minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments to improve aging concerns on the face and body with less downtime and recovery. When surgery is required, I have stayed current on new and emerging techniques to reduce bruising, swelling, pain and scarring.

In December of 2015, I treated my first patient for complaints of Breast Implant Illness. Hundreds of others followed, and explant surgery has become a significant and fulfilling part of my practice. In September of 2019, I was privileged to begin collaboration with Dr. Mithun Sinha and others at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Together, we are trying to better understand the mechanisms responsible for inciting an undesirable host immune response to breast implants. This collaboration has received prestigious grant support and awards and has produced several insightful manuscripts published in well-respected journals.

I was primed to help BII patients in large part due to my willingness to listen and accept patient reported experiences, and to be curious about them. I have learned much from my patient's stories. I am also intrigued by research involving wellness, skin health, and longevity. Through that reading I have adopted the viewpoint that much of modern "dis-ease" derives from chronic inflammation, with each of us having varied individual susceptibilities and manifestations. In so far as plastic surgeons accept that breast implants can cause inflammation in the local implant environment, leading to capsular contracture for instance, I believe it is reasonable to conclude that local inflammation can lead to systemic impacts in some implanted patients. Through my inquisitive efforts to understand the physiologic basis of BII, but also through health experiences of my own and my family, I have learned to value the knowledge and insights articulated in functional and integrative medicine. Consequently, I have adopted strategies from those healing paradigms in my own life, and in the care of my patients. I continue to learn, and I am open-minded to patients who prefer to incorporate natural and holistic therapies.

In addition to my medical career, I am also a wife to my husband, Terry, and a mother to two adult sons. This experience gives me great insight into the priorities and often-frantic schedules of my patients. As time passes, I am also learning to age well. I enjoy long walks in the woods in the company of our two Golden Retrievers, Bodhi and Sage, and my Corgi grand dogs, Teddy and Dusty. Nature is my source of inspiration, rejuvenation and renewal. Much of my free time is spent outdoors. I like to hike, bike, kayak, sail, and snow ski. My husband and I have become fond of the natural beauty of nearby Michigan, where I especially love the forests and beaches adjacent to the Great Lakes. I love standing atop towering, perched dunes gazing at the mesmerizing colors and patterns of the lake and sky with the backdrop and song of the mature forest behind me.

As my family responsibilities fade and I am exposed to the natural beauty and native creativity of Northern Michigan, I have embarked upon a new journey exploring the arts. Art allows me to practice the same visual analysis and meticulous detail I enjoy as a plastic surgeon. I regularly attend gallery exhibits locally and in Michigan, and I am enjoying beginner classes in several media. Wool is my favorite material currently; I enjoy the combined art and craft required to create fiber paintings through needle felting.

Having been a physician for 40 years now, I am confident that I made the best decision for my life journey. I have appreciated the trust that so many have placed in me as I help guide them on their journey to physical transformation, whether it be for renewal or recovery. I love seeing my patients grow in joy and confidence because of their surgical experience and their interactions with me and my staff. If this story resonates with you, I invite you to schedule a consultation to explore options for your own personal journey.