Retirement FAQ

Is there still time if I want Dr. Yamahata to do my surgery?
Dr. Yamahata’s surgical calendar still has limited space available between now and his retirement on November 30, 2026. If you’re interested in being seen by him, please call (916) 929-1833 for an inquire about availability for an appointment. He will continue providing post-op care through December 31, 2026. If you’d prefer to consult with one of our other surgeons, you can reach The Plastic Surgery Center at the same number to discuss your options.

Is The Plastic Surgery Center closing?
The Plastic Surgery Center is not closing. Dr. Yamahata is retiring, but Dr. Patrick Hancock will be taking over his practice. Our other surgeons will also continue seeing patients and accepting new consultations without interruption. You can continue to reach us at (916) 929-1833 for scheduling, records requests, or any other needs.

Will Dr. Yamahata still practice medicine?
No. Dr. Yamahata will be fully retired as of December 31, 2026, and will no longer be practicing medicine in any capacity after that date.

Can I obtain my medical records?
Yes. Your medical records will remain on file at The Plastic Surgery Center and will continue to be managed by our office following Dr. Yamahata’s retirement. If you’d like a copy of your records, you can submit a written request to our office, and our staff will process it as usual. If you’re transitioning your care to one of our other surgeons, your records will automatically be available to them — no separate request is needed.

Can I obtain a copy of my clinical photos?
Clinical photographs may have been taken as part of your care. These images form part of your confidential medical record and are securely maintained.
They may be released to another physician upon written request for continuity of care.

For patients with breast implants:
Breast implants are not lifetime devices and may require monitoring or future management. If you experience swelling, persistent pain, fluid accumulation, or changes in breast shape, please contact our practice at (916) 929-1833 to schedule an evaluation with one of our surgeons.
Implant information and operative records can be obtained upon request from our office.

What about my post-operative care after Dr. Yamahata’s retirement?
Dr. Yamahata will continue to see patients for post-operative care through December 31, 2026. If you have a follow-up appointment scheduled before this date, no action is needed — please keep your appointment as planned.
If you require post-op care after December 31, 2026, our practice will ensure continuity of care by transitioning you to Dr. Hancock, another surgeon on our team. Dr. Hancock has been working closely with Dr. Yamahata for over a year and will be able to provide the same quality care you have received with Dr. Yamahata. Please contact us at (916) 929-1833 to schedule your continued follow-up, and our staff will coordinate the transfer of your records and care plan.

What if I have an urgent post-op concern after Dr. Yamahata’s retirement?
If you experience an urgent post-operative concern, please call our office line at (916) 929-1833. During business hours, our staff will assist you directly. After hours, your call will be routed to our answering service, where on-call medical personnel are available to help with urgent concerns. This process remains the same regardless of which surgeon performed your procedure.
If you are experiencing a true medical emergency — such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or heavy uncontrolled bleeding — please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Can I choose which surgeon I see, or will I be assigned to one?
All of Dr. Yamahata’s patients are being transferred to Dr. Hancock for all follow-up care. Our staff can also help match you with another surgeon at the Plastic Surgery Center based on your procedure or care needs if you’d prefer another recommendation.

What if I need a prescription refill related to my care with Dr. Yamahata?
Please contact our office at (916) 929-1833 for prescription refill requests. Our team will coordinate with one of our other surgeons to review your request and ensure your medication needs are addressed without interruption.