Dr. Rodney Evan Schmelzer, MD

Dr. Schmelzer and his staff have been incredible to work with. I couldn't ask for a better surgeon. I have had zero complications and I'm enjoying my new body :)

I am sharing my story again after years of staying silent—silenced by fear, intimidation, and direct threats from this surgeon’s legal team warning me against speaking out. Today, I feel empowered to share the facts of my experience, not only because I’ve connected with others who endured similar outcomes, but because I believe in protecting future patients from going through what I did. Several years ago, I underwent surgery with this doctor. The results were devastating. I experienced: A year-long struggle with persistent infections Surgical openings that failed to heal properly A failed tummy tuck Continuous physical pain and emotional distress Despite reaching out multiple times during recovery with serious concerns, my issues were dismissed. I was made to feel that my worries were invalid and that protecting the surgeon’s reputation was prioritized over addressing my medical needs. I am including photos taken a full year post-surgery to document the extent of the… complications. These are not immediate post-op results—this is how my body looked after a prolonged and painful healing process. The long-term impact: I’ve been quoted over $30,000 to correct the complications from the initial surgery I continue to live with physical scarring, and more deeply, with psychological harm including a loss of self-confidence and ongoing mental health challenges related to body image I have done everything I can to manage the aftermath—multiple scar treatments, second opinions, and emotional healing. But the damage remains. I am sharing this not out of anger, but from a place of responsibility. If even one person is able to avoid a similar experience by reading this, then speaking up is worth it. Please do your research. Consult multiple surgeons. Ask hard questions. And trust your instincts. You only get one body—protect it.

Dr. Schmelzer did an incredible job removing a cyst from the back of my head. He was professional, courteous, and made me feel confident and comfortable during the procedure. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing craniofacial or general plastic surgery.

Dr. Schmelzer is amazing! He truly cares for kids. My son has had 3 skull surgeries done by him. He is very knowledgeable and I trust his opinion. He always has the best interest of my son in mind. I will always be grateful for all that he has done for him and my family!

We chose Dr Schmelzer to do a lip revision for my daughter. Her lip is beautiful & many surgeons we've met since moving out of state are impressed by his work.

Dr Schmelzer is a very talented and knowledgeable doctor who definitely has you and your family’s interest at heart.

I’ve never been more appalled at a doctor’s bedside manner. I took my 9 month old in for an evaluation. He was so condescending, dismissive, and rude!! Spent no more than 2 minutes “evaluating” his skill and said “he’s fine, why are you guys even here?” He walked out without looking back or saying anything. So. So. Strange. I wouldn’t recommend him to my worst enemy.

I made an appointment at Primary Children's to get a small growth removed from her finger that was present at birth. Dr. Schmelzer walks in, takes a look at her finger, and says, "Yeah, this is no big deal, we can take care of this easy" and tells me to set up an appointment at his private office (Plastic Surgery Associates) and gives me his card. He then left the room. I thought, "Seriously?! That was a joke." I never made an appointment with them, I made an appointment with the Primary Children's satellite office in Riverton and got in the next day. The doctor there came in, tied a string around the growth and said it should fall off in about a week. Dr. Schmelzer couldn't have done that? She is fine, no big deal right? A few weeks later, I get notification that Plastic Surgery Associates sent a bill to my insurance for a few hundred dollars and that I owe a $30 copay. I called my insurance and they said to take it up with Plastic Surgery Associates. Now, I know that $30… is not a lot of money, but out of principle, I called to contest the bill. I was told that the lady that handles billing was out of the office and that they would have her call when she gets back in. I heard nothing until I got a bill saying there was a late charge of $10 added to my bill. I called them back and got a hold of the lady that does billing. I explained the situation to her. She was no help. She said that there is no way to take care of this other than paying the copay. I am beyond frustrated with this place. Since when do you get to charge someone for doing nothing. Lo and behold, I come to write this review and notice that others have similar bad experiences and the same frustrations. Stay away!!

Rodney is a wonderful plastic surgeon. He was able to reconstruct the left side of my face after an accident.. I am so thankful to him.

After cosmetic surgery, Dr. Schmelzer left me with scars that are very ragged and unsightly.