The only female board-certified Plastic Surgeon in Gig Harbor.
Why “board-certified plastic surgeon” matters
Many aesthetic treatments today—such as Botox®, dermal fillers, and advanced skin treatments—are widely available in a variety of settings, including medical spas and aesthetic clinics. In many of these environments, treatments may be performed by licensed nurses or aesthetic providers working under physician supervision.
For individuals seeking routine skincare or maintenance treatments, these options can be convenient and accessible.
The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only ABMS-recognized board for plastic surgery. At Nordhavn Plastic Surgery, we offer patients the added reassurance of receiving care directly from a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Larsen’s training includes four years of medical school followed by approximately six years of specialized plastic surgery residency, a surgical training pathway that fewer than 1% of physicians complete, focused exclusively on reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. She then completed rigorous written and oral examinations to earn board certification.
When researching surgeons, you may encounter terms like 'board-certified cosmetic surgeon' or 'triple board-certified.' It's worth knowing that the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the only board for plastic surgery recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties — the governing body for all legitimate medical specialties in the United States. Dr. Larsen holds this certification.
This depth of training provides a comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy, aesthetic balance, and procedural safety—allowing each treatment to be approached with precision, thoughtful planning, and an emphasis on natural, harmonious results.
Does specialized training matter for injectables like Botox® and dermal fillers?
Although treatments such as Botox®, Dysport®, and dermal fillers are non-surgical, they require precise placement within delicate areas of the face. The facial anatomy is complex, and achieving results that look natural and balanced depends on both technical skill and an in-depth understanding of facial structure.
At Nordhavn Plastic Surgery, injectable treatments are performed by Dr. Larsen. This background provides advanced training in facial anatomy, aesthetics, and procedural safety—allowing each treatment to be approached with careful planning, precision, and an emphasis on refined, natural-looking results.
Are all doctors who perform cosmetic procedures board-certified?
Many physicians who offer cosmetic treatments are board-certified, but the specialty of that certification is important.
Some providers may be certified in fields such as dermatology, general surgery, or otolaryngology (ENT). These physicians are highly trained in their respective specialties, though their residency training may focus on areas of medicine outside of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
Board-certified plastic surgeons, by contrast, complete residency training dedicated specifically to plastic surgery. This training focuses extensively on aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the face, breast, and body, providing a deep foundation in surgical technique, facial and body anatomy, and aesthetic balance.
What makes Nordhavn Plastic Surgery different?
At Nordhavn Plastic Surgery, every treatment—whether surgical or non-surgical—is guided by the experience of a board-certified plastic surgeon. This ensures that each recommendation is grounded in a deep understanding of anatomy, aesthetics, and patient safety.
Our philosophy centers on thoughtful evaluation, natural-looking results, and individualized care. From injectables to surgical procedures, every treatment plan is carefully designed to enhance your natural features while maintaining balance, precision, and long-term outcomes.
