Kelly Tjelmeland, M.D. FACS - Meridian Plastic Surgery

I had my first surgery in 2007, the “Mom makeover” tummy tuck and breast augmentation and lift. My cup size most of my life was a B but having children and breastfeeding at 39 and 44 really wreaked havoc on my breasts. I had chosen a pretty normal sized implant as I didn’t want to be large breasted. I had to have nipple revisions pretty quickly as the incisions were horrible! To top it off, my NEW belly button wasn’t centered after healing. My implants became encapsulated pretty quickly, I wasn’t in the habit of asking friends with implants if they too had hard implants, not sure why I thought that was normal. Anyway, I lived with the hard rocks, gaining almost 50 lbs and in 2021 I went to see Dr. Tjemeland again to ask about the removal of my implants. I was an “H” cup at that time, what the “F”!! Dr. T. immediately said that he could not guarantee symmetry and really scared me into thinking I should just do an implant exchange. I also asked if he could do anything to center my belly button and also correct some dog ear issues at my hips. The Dr. said he would address those issues no problem. I selected the next to the smallest implant you can select and based on his recommendation, agreed to an exchange. July 2021, at first look post exchange my breasts looked pretty good however , my belly button was extremely painful and I was sure it was herniated but when I expressed my concern to Dr. T, he had a very cavalier response of “of well” it is what it is. Within the first year, the implants became encapsulated again. I expressed my concern to Dr. T., he said “it hasn’t even been a year yet, let’s give it some more time. I went to see my GYN Dr. August 2022 and during exam, he confirmed my implants were fully encapsulated. I scheduled appt with Dr. T. And at that consultation, he said to me very nonchalantly, we can just remove them. No mention of symmetry concerns and certainly NO memory that removal was my initial wish in July of 2021. At the appt. I remember my blood pressure rose instantly, realizing that I‘d been ill advised in doing that implant exchange. They gave me an estimate for the reduction, LIFT REDO, told me there was consideration $$ in the pricing and they weren’t charging me for something. What a crock of shit!! I knew at that time I would never let this Dr. operate on me again. Here we are March, 2025. After losing 50 pounds over the last 12 months, I am three weeks out from my surgery to finally REMOVE my implants. I was a still a DD prior and having these rocks removed and I feel as though a 1000 lb weight has been lifted. Funny thing, the cost of my removal/ full lift procedure with a different surgeon was very close to the “considerably discounted” cost Dr. T. was going to charge me. Less than 10% of women experience encapsulation with implants and because I had it happen once, I am convinced that the Dr. knew it probably would most likely happen again. So many people asked if I had any legal recourse and truthfully, I didn’t even give that thought. I just wanted the implants out. I trusted you Dr. Tjemeland, I will never forgive you for the pain and suffering you’ve cost me. I hope this review helps others that might face any similar issues.

I have had 2 surgeries under Dr. Tjelmeland’s care. The first was in 2012, and one week ago (Nov 2024). I cannot even begin to tell you how much gratitude I have for this incredible staff! My first surgery was the hardest to decide on what doctor. I had friends who had other surgeons, but 2 close friends that recommended Dr. Tjelmeland and a sister in law who was Head Nurse at Seton on the Med-Surg floor for over 15 years who had seen his work numerous times. I was younger without much knowledge in the field and felt a bit uneasy going in for my consultation. Although I was nervous, I quickly realized I was in a very professional office. One that took my unique case seriously and confidentially. Cindy was very thorough, welcoming, compassionate, kind, knowledgeable, and professional. During my initial consultation, Dr. Tjelmeland was very forthright and sincere explaining to me what my best option was. I appreciated his candidness, professionalism, and knowledge. He didn’t over explain, make me feel inferior in the world of medicine, nor did he shy away from any questions I asked. I went ahead with the procedure and he gave me exactly what I asked. I walked around with much more confidence and continued to frequent Meridian Skin Care Clinic for many different facial and skin treatments, and recommended this clinic to many friends. Fast forward to 12 years later, I needed surgery again. I had since moved away from Texas and had several consultations from very highly sought after surgeons in my area. I called Cindy and she gleefully helped me via phone calls, emails, and photos. This reassured me that I should go with Meridian the second time. I cannot tell you how comforting it is that this surgery center is still operating with most of the same staff! I was able to schedule my surgery when I would be visiting family. This surgery I asked for something a little different and Dr. Tjelmeland and Cindy were happy to discuss the process, the healing benchmarks, and reassured me to call or email if I had any questions no matter what they were. Cindy has answered each one and kept up with me since the surgery date. Jerri, Patricia, and Michelle all took such good care of me! I teared up with gratitude a couple days later because as a Mom, I’m constantly taking care of others and it was such a blessing to be taken care of so well! Like most things in life, I feel much more comfortable going through a similar surgery a second time and knowing what questions to ask because I know what to anticipate. My advice is to educate yourself to the best of your ability, trust your gut, and don’t stop interviewing doctors until you feel good about it before making a decision. I highly recommend Meridian Surgery Center and their Skin Clinic for your surgery and facial treatments. They will take care of you like no other!

Dr Tjelmeland and his team are extremely tenured and knowledgeable. They truly care about educating their patients and collaborating on the most effective and affordable services that meet your needs. I am now a routine customer for the Diamond Glow Facial and laser hair removal with Olivia :) My only regret is that I didn’t make my first call sooner. I thoroughly recommend Dr Kelly and his team!

These are great people! Dr Tjelmeland and his amazing P.A. Cindy took care of me for most of a year following a breast surgery disaster at the hands of another Austin surgeon. Thankfully, I have recovered and I am profoundly grateful to everyone at Meridian.

I rarely will take the time to leave reviews, but this experience I had with Meridian was worth sharing. I interviewed many places before deciding to go with Dr. T and his staff for a breast aug and a few other minor face procedures. His attention to detail was recognizably different from the moment we sat for the consult. I found their pricing to be reasonable against the competitors but don’t base this type of thing on cost by any means. The nursing staff pre, during and post surgery are so warm and welcoming and go above and beyond to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. I wish I could have taken them home with me the day of surgery, they are amazing! My results were further proof that he is amongst the best surgeons Austin has to offer as they look amazing and I get compliments (by girlfriends) all the time how natural they look. Overall an amazing experience, I highly recommend considering this practice for any work you want done!