When it comes to facial plastic surgery in Salt Lake City, few names carry the reputation and depth of expertise that Dr. Derrick Gale has built at Gale Facial Plastics. As a fellowship-trained, board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with deep roots in otolaryngology (ENT), Dr. Gale offers patients something remarkably rare: a surgeon who understands the face from the inside out, both functionally and aesthetically. Whether you’re considering a cosmetic procedure, reconstructive surgery, or treatment for a sleep-related condition, Dr. Gale and his team at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center of Utah are equipped to lead you every step of the way.
What Makes Dr. Gale Uniquely Qualified?
Dr. Gale’s qualifications set him apart in meaningful ways. He completed his undergraduate studies in Biology and Zoology at Southern Utah University before earning his medical degree from the University of Utah School of Medicine — one of the nation’s respected academic medical institutions. He then completed his otolaryngology, head, and neck surgery residency at Washington University in St. Louis, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
His training didn’t stop there. Dr. Gale pursued not one but two clinical fellowships:
- Clinical Fellowship in Sleep Surgery — Endormir Sleep and Sinus, Texas Center for Facial Plastics and Laser Surgery
- Clinical Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery — Texas Center for Facial Plastics and Laser Surgery
He also received specialized training in jaw surgery under the expert direction of Dr. Alan Sclaroff, DDS, and Dr. Jose Barrera, MD, two highly regarded names in facial surgery. This multi-disciplinary foundation means that when Dr. Gale evaluates a patient, he considers the full picture of facial anatomy, function, and aesthetics, not just the surface.
How Does an ENT Background Benefit Facial Plastic Surgery Patients?
This is one of the most important questions a prospective patient can ask. The answer lies in a basic truth about the face: everything is connected. The structure of the nose affects breathing. The jawline influences the airway. The eyelids frame facial expression and even affect vision. An ENT specialist who is also a trained facial plastic surgeon has an unmatched understanding of how form and function intersect.
Dr. Gale’s ENT background makes him especially well-suited for procedures like rhinoplasty, where the goals of improving appearance and breathing often go hand in hand. Patients who have struggled with chronic nasal obstruction, deviated septums, or sleep apnea may find that a functional rhinoplasty with Dr. Gale can address both their aesthetic concerns and their breathing challenges simultaneously.
This joint expertise also means Dr. Gale approaches each case with an extensive understanding of facial anatomy, giving patients confidence that their outcomes aim to be as proportional and balanced as possible.
What Cosmetic Procedures Does Dr. Gale Offer?
Dr. Gale’s signature cosmetic procedures are carefully chosen to address the most meaningful areas of facial appearance. Each is performed with a focus on natural-looking, individualized results. Here’s an overview of what’s available at Gale Facial Plastics:
- Rhinoplasty — Rhinoplasty reshapes and refines the nose to improve symmetry and balance with other facial features. Dr. Gale’s ENT training makes him particularly trained to handle both cosmetic and functional nasal concerns.
- Facelift — A facelift is designed to restore a more youthful and revitalized facial appearance via addressing loose skin and a loss of definition. Dr. Gale uses discreet incisions along the hairline and behind the ear to achieve smooth, natural-looking results.
- Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) — The eyelids are often among the first features to show signs of aging. Blepharoplasty with Dr. Gale aims to create a more alert, refreshed appearance and may also help patients whose sagging eyelids are affecting their field of vision.
- Chin Augmentation — A well-defined chin is an important part of overall facial balance. Chin augmentation with Dr. Gale aims to bring definition to the jawline and create a more harmonious profile.
- Otoplasty — For patients seeking to address the size or positioning of the ears, otoplasty is a refined procedure that aims for natural proportion and symmetry.
What Reconstructive and Functional Services Are Available?
Beyond cosmetic surgery, Dr. Gale’s practice covers a wide range of reconstructive and functional procedures, an area where his ENT and reconstructive training truly shines.
- Facial Reconstruction Surgery — For patients recovering from facial trauma, injury, or cancer treatment, Dr. Gale and his team extend comprehensive facial reconstruction. His fellowship training in airway reconstruction, combined with his extensive reconstructive experience, allows the team to handle even the most complex cases.
- Mohs Reconstruction — Following Mohs surgery for skin cancer, reconstructive work is often necessary to restore the appearance and integrity of the affected area. Dr. Gale provides precise Mohs reconstruction aimed at both utilitarian and cosmetic restoration.
- Jaw Surgery — Dr. Gale is highly proficient in orthognathic (jaw) surgery, addressing issues with skeletal alignment of the face and jaw. This is a specialized area that requires deep anatomical knowledge and is exactly what years of ENT and reconstructive training provide.
- Sleep Surgery — As a fellowship-trained sleep surgeon, Dr. Gale is among the few facial plastic surgeons in Utah who also offers surgical management of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. His understanding of airway anatomy brings an added layer of expertise to everything from rhinoplasty to jaw surgery.
Why Do Patients Choose Gale Facial Plastics Over Other Practices?
The answer comes down to an amalgamation of expertise, bespoke care, and a rare breadth of services all under one roof.
At Gale Facial Plastics, every consultation is individualized. Dr. Gale takes the time to listen carefully to each patient’s goals and concerns, then formulates a treatment plan tailored specifically to that individual. No two patients are the same, and no two treatment plans are identical.
The practice also preserves what Dr. Gale describes as a “down-to-earth and comfortable atmosphere,” understanding that facial surgery can feel overwhelming for many patients. His team works to put patients at ease from the very first appointment through post-procedure follow-up.
Additionally, the team at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center of Utah includes head and neck, microvascular, oculoplastic, and facial plastic surgeons, meaning complex and multi-specialty cases can be handled collaboratively with the right expertise in the room. This is a level of integrated, multi-disciplinary care that is difficult to find at a private practice anywhere in Utah.
Where Is Gale Facial Plastics Located?
Gale Facial Plastics is conveniently located inside the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center of Utah in Riverton, Utah, approximately 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. Dr. Gale also performs surgeries at multiple hospitals and surgical centers throughout the region, including:
- Riverton Hospital
- Salt Lake Regional Medical Center
- Intermountain Medical Center in Murray
- A dedicated surgical center in downtown Salt Lake City
The practice welcomes patients with a wide range of cosmetic and functional concerns and accepts most insurance plans.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re exploring a cosmetic procedure like a rhinoplasty or facelift, or seeking reconstructive or functional care, Dr. Derrick Gale and the team at Gale Facial Plastics are ready to help you explore your options in a comfortable, judgment-free environment.
To schedule your customized consultation, call the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center of Utah at 801-506-6344 or contact the practice online. Dr. Gale looks forward to listening to your goals and building a care plan designed just for you.