By Roy Nelson
In a world where rapid career changes and sudden industry shifts are becoming the norm, Desiree Collins’s journey stands out. Over a decade ago, she stepped into the world of plastic surgery as a medical assistant, driven by a passion for helping others and a deep-rooted commitment to patient care. Today, she holds the position of CEO at Smith Plastic Surgery, a leading plastic surgery center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her remarkable rise through the ranks is a story of resilience, dedication, and balancing a high-powered role with the responsibilities of family life.
The Early Days: A Passion for Patient Care
Desiree’s introduction to healthcare began with humble beginnings. As a medical assistant, she quickly became known for her compassion and commitment to every patient who walked through the doors. Early on, she learned the importance of making patients feel comfortable and understood, especially in the world of plastic surgery, where emotional care is just as critical as physical transformation. Her genuine warmth and dedication became her signature, setting her apart in a field often driven by clinical detachment.
From her very first days, Desiree established deep, meaningful connections with patients. “It was about listening,” she says. “Every person who comes here has a story, a reason for wanting to enhance or change something about themselves. My job was to make sure they felt heard, that they weren’t just another face in the clinic.” This philosophy has remained at the heart of Desiree’s approach, even as her role has expanded exponentially.
A Mother’s Balancing Act
Behind the CEO title, Desiree is also a dedicated mother who brings the same commitment and care to her family life. In addition to her demanding role, she coaches her son’s soccer team, demonstrating that her dedication isn’t limited to her career. Juggling her professional responsibilities with family life is no easy feat, but Desiree manages it with grace, finding fulfillment in both her personal and professional pursuits. Her son is her inspiration, a constant reminder of why she strives to excel in her career—to set a positive example for him about hard work, resilience, and compassion.
Her role as a coach offers her a unique opportunity to influence her son’s lives and those of other young athletes. “Coaching is about building confidence,” she says, “and helping each child understand their potential. It’s about much more than just winning or losing.” For Desiree, this philosophy of nurturing growth applies as much to her son as it does to the team that she leads at Smith Plastic Surgery.
Climbing the Ranks: From Assistant to Leader
Throughout her years at Smith Plastic Surgery, Desiree’s focus and dedication caught the attention of her colleagues and superiors. Her career path wasn’t a straight line but a series of steady, well-earned promotions. She moved from medical assistant to administrative roles, gradually taking on more responsibilities and showcasing her skills in management and patient care coordination. Her natural leadership qualities shone through, and she became instrumental in shaping the patient experience at the clinic.
Desiree’s journey was also a testament to her willingness to keep learning and adapting. She wasn’t satisfied with the status quo, constantly seeking new ways to improve operations and foster a more supportive environment for both staff and patients. Her dedication and adaptability made her a prime candidate for higher leadership roles, culminating in her promotion to CEO.
A Discreet Guardian of Celebrity Clients
One of the more unique aspects of Desiree’s role as CEO is managing high-profile clients. Las Vegas, with its glitz and glamour, attracts celebrities from around the world, many of whom seek discreet cosmetic enhancements. Desiree has become the quiet force behind ensuring these clients receive not only the finest care but also the privacy and respect they demand.
Desiree understands that maintaining privacy is paramount, especially when dealing with clients in the public eye. “It’s not just about looking beautiful,” she explains. “It’s about allowing our clients to feel secure and respected. Their trust is sacred to us.” For Desiree, managing these relationships is as much an art as it is a science, balancing transparency in medical care with the discretion her celebrity clients require.
In addition to confidentiality, Desiree takes pride in the customized care plans offered to each client. “No two procedures are the same because no two patients are the same,” she says. Her approach to celebrity clients is the same as for any patient—personalized, patient-centered, and empathetic. Whether it’s a minor cosmetic enhancement or a major transformative procedure, Desiree ensures each client is treated with respect and kindness, fostering trust and loyalty among a clientele that could easily go elsewhere.
Guiding Smith Plastic Surgery into the Future
As CEO, Desiree is now responsible for overseeing every aspect of the practice. Under her leadership, Smith Plastic Surgery has continued to thrive, with services expanding to meet the diverse needs of a growing patient base. The clinic, led by the renowned Dr. Lane Smith—a multi-board-certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for excellence—is known for offering cutting-edge procedures and an unmatched level of expertise. Desiree’s contributions have further cemented the clinic’s reputation as one of the premier plastic surgery centers in Las Vegas.
The Heart of Her Success: Relationships
At the core of Desiree’s success is her ability to build relationships, both with her team and her patients. She is known for her collaborative leadership style, which has fostered a culture of respect, innovation, and empathy within the clinic. By prioritizing teamwork and open communication, Desiree ensures that every member of the team feels valued and supported—a philosophy that translates directly into better patient care.
This relationship-driven approach has also made Desiree a trusted figure in the clinic. Staff members know they can count on her, not only as a leader but as a mentor and ally. “It’s important to me that everyone here feels like they’re part of something bigger,” she says. “We’re all working towards the same goal, and that’s providing the best possible care to our patients.”
Looking Ahead
Desiree’s journey from medical assistant to CEO is an inspiring example of what dedication and perseverance can achieve. For young professionals in the healthcare industry, her story serves as a powerful reminder that hard work and a commitment to patient-centered care can open doors, even in fields as competitive as plastic surgery. She has proven that you don’t need to have a traditional path to reach the top; sometimes, all you need is the determination to keep climbing, one step at a time.
As Desiree looks to the future, her focus remains on continuing to elevate Smith Plastic Surgery. She hopes to expand the clinic’s services, bring in new technological advancements, and continue providing the high level of care that patients have come to expect. But more than anything, she wants to maintain the sense of community and compassion that has been the hallmark of her career.
Desiree’s story is more than just a professional success story—it’s a testament to the power of empathy, dedication, and the belief that one can create a meaningful impact, one patient at a time.
About the Author: Roy “Big Country” Nelson is a Las Vegas native and is a former 4x MMA Champion, UFC TUF Champion, Renzo Gracie Blackbelt, who now is partnered with Choice Life Care and their ambassador program.
For more information, please visit and follow: roynelson.com
(Facebook, Twitter & Instagram handles) @roynelsonmma
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