SURGICAL MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Role Scope & Responsibilities | Multiple Practice Locations — Bay Area
Greenbrae, CA
Walnut Creek, CA
WHAT WE'RE ABOUT
Aesthetx is a specialized plastic surgery and dermatology practice serving Bay Area clientele from Silicon Valley to Marin — and we're not your typical clinic. We've built something different: a team of highly trained experts who are obsessed with outcomes, grounded in science, and deeply committed to the patient experience. Every treatment, every touchpoint, every hire is held to that standard.
Our vision: To set the standard for aesthetic medicine where scientific innovation, collaborative care, and outcomes define exceptional, personalized patient care.
We hire people who take their craft seriously — clinicians, operators, and leaders who want to be part of building something exceptional. If you're a surgical MA who has put in the years, knows what it takes to support a high-volume surgical practice, and wants to bring that experience to a team that will actually use it — you'll find your people here.
WHAT DRIVES US:
- High-Touch Collaboration: We succeed together. Across sites, departments, and disciplines — no siloes, no egos.
- Scientifically Backed: Every treatment and decision is grounded in evidence. We don't cut corners on outcomes.
- Patient Obsessed: The patient experience is never an afterthought. It's the filter every decision runs through — including what happens in the procedure room.
ROLE SUMMARY
The Surgical Medical Assistant (SMA) is a senior clinical team member who works directly alongside Aesthetx plastic surgeons throughout the full patient journey — from surgical consultations and pre-operative visits through in-clinic procedure support and post-operative follow-up care. This is not an entry-level MA role. The SMA brings a deep understanding of plastic surgery workflows, patient preparation, and clinical support that allows surgeons to operate at the top of their scope.
Two things happen without exception on every shift: every room and patient is fully prepared before the surgeon walks in, and every patient interaction — whether they're coming in for a consult or a week-two post-op — reflects the Aesthetx standard of care. This role requires someone who has earned their skills in the field and is ready to use them.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
SURGICAL CONSULTATION SUPPORT
- Prepare patients and exam rooms for surgical consultations — patient history gathered, forms completed, room configured, and all materials ready before the surgeon enters
- Assist surgeons during consultations by documenting relevant clinical notes, capturing measurements or markings as directed, and ensuring the patient's questions and concerns are recorded accurately in the EMR
- Educate patients on what to expect before and after surgery — walk through pre-op instructions, answer questions within scope, and escalate anything requiring provider input immediately
- Coordinate with the front desk and scheduling team to ensure consultation flow is smooth, on time, and that all required paperwork and imaging is complete before the appointment
- Maintain a complete and accurate consultation record in the EMR — history, physical notes, surgeon recommendations, and follow-up plan documented before the patient leaves
PRE-OPERATIVE CARE
- Conduct pre-operative patient visits: review surgical instructions, verify medical clearances, confirm medication holds, and document all required pre-op assessments in the EMR
- Prepare pre-op packets, consent forms, and surgical marking documentation per surgeon preference — ensure nothing is missing before the day of procedure
- Communicate pre-op instructions to patients clearly and empathetically — they're about to have surgery; this interaction sets the tone for their entire experience
- Coordinate with surgeons and clinical leadership to flag any pre-op concerns, incomplete clearances, or patient anxiety requiring additional support before the scheduled procedure date
- Set up and stock in-clinic procedure rooms per surgeon preference — correct instruments, supplies, and sterile field configuration ready before the patient arrives
IN-CLINIC PROCEDURE ASSISTANCE
- Provide direct surgical support during in-clinic plastic surgery procedures — assist with instrument handling, maintain sterile field, and support the surgeon throughout the procedure
- Anticipate the next step in a procedure and have instruments, sutures, and materials ready without being asked — this is the standard for someone with 2–3+ years of surgical MA experience
- Maintain strict sterile technique during all in-clinic procedures without exception — identify and immediately address any breach
- Assist with specimen handling, labeling, and documentation per established protocols
- Break down and clean the procedure room after each case — proper sharps disposal, instrument decontamination, and surface disinfection per clinic standards; restock and reset for the next patient
POST-OPERATIVE CARE & FOLLOW-UP
- Conduct post-operative patient visits: assess incision sites and healing progress as directed by the surgeon, remove sutures or drains per protocol, and document all findings in the EMR
- Review post-op care instructions with patients at each visit — ensure they understand wound care, activity restrictions, signs of complications, and when to call the clinic
- Identify and escalate any signs of post-operative complications, patient concerns, or abnormal findings to the attending surgeon immediately — do not delay
- Complete all post-visit documentation accurately and in real time, including wound status, patient-reported symptoms, and any changes to the care plan directed by the provider
- Proactively follow up with surgical patients between scheduled visits when directed — check in on healing, answer questions within scope, and escalate anything that needs provider review
COMPLIANCE, SAFETY & DOCUMENTATION
- Maintain full HIPAA compliance in every patient interaction, documentation entry, and conversation within the clinic
- Follow all infection control protocols, sterile technique standards, and clinic safety policies without exception
- Identify and report any patient safety concern, near-miss, or compliance gap to the Clinical Supervisor the same day it occurs
- Complete all required compliance training and certification renewals on schedule
- Ensure all clinical documentation — consult notes, pre-op records, procedure notes, post-op entries — is complete, accurate, and timely; no blanks, no assumptions
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED
- High school diploma or GED required; Medical Assistant certificate or diploma from an accredited program required
- Minimum 2–3 years of hands-on surgical MA experience in a plastic surgery, aesthetic surgery, dermatology, or equivalent surgical outpatient setting — this is a non-negotiable baseline
- Current BLS/CPR certification
- Demonstrated proficiency in sterile technique, instrument handling, and infection control protocols for in-clinic surgical procedures
- Direct experience supporting surgical consultations, pre-operative visits, and post-operative care in a high-volume clinical environment
- Proficiency with EMR documentation — Nextech experience a strong plus
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills — able to support patients through anxiety, answer clinical questions within scope, and communicate clearly with surgeons and clinical staff
PREFERRED
- 2+ years specifically in plastic surgery or aesthetic surgery clinic — hands-on experience with rhinoplasty, abdominoplasty, breast procedures, liposuction, facelifts, and related post-op care
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA — AAMA) or equivalent clinical certification
- Experience with surgical wound care, suture and drain removal, and post-operative assessment documentation
- Familiarity with cosmetic dermatology procedures: Botox, fillers, laser treatments, chemical peels
- Bilingual (Spanish / English) a plus
FULL-TIME BENEFITS
- Generous PTO + 8 Paid Holidays — take the time you need to rest and recharge
- Medical, Dental & Vision — 100% employer-paid for your individual coverage, so you can prioritize your health without thinking twice
- 401(k) with Employer Match — we invest in your future the same way you invest in ours
- FSA & HSA options to maximize your healthcare dollars and reduce your tax burden
- Life Insurance provided at no cost to you — protection for the people who matter most
- Short & Long-Term Disability coverage — income protection if life takes an unexpected turn
- Legal Plan — access to legal guidance when you need it, without the out-of-pocket cost
EMPLOYEE PERKS
- The treatments you help deliver, available to you — complimentary aesthetic services including Botox, facials, and more, plus discounts on our full product and treatment menu*
- A lunchroom that actually earns its name — gourmet coffee, fresh snacks, and a fully stocked kitchen ready every day
- Frequent team lunches, catered and on us — because great work deserves a great meal
- A calendar full of fun — themed employee events and celebrations throughout the year that make this a place people actually want to be
*As outlined in the employee discount office policy
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $27.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
Application Question(s):
- I understand this role is located in Greenbrae, CA and occasional days (1x per week) in Walnut Creek, CA.
Experience:
- Medical Assistant: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
