Profile 2024: Oxford’s only plastic surgeon inspired by father’s successes

By Angela Cutrer
Photo by Bruce Newman

Shell Plastic Surgery in Oxford is the only practice offering advanced plastic surgery in the area. However, some may think the medical office is just there for “beautification” services. 

Owner Dr. Dan H. Shell IV would disagree. In fact, on the practice’s website, Shell relates that he “is not trying to transform someone into someone they are not. I just enhance their beauty and natural characteristics.”

Shell’s office “provides reconstructive and aesthetic services to the community,” he added. “Half of my practice is dedicated to reconstructive surgery. These are procedures designed to restore form and function after cancer resection and traumatic injuries. The other half of my practice is dedicated to aesthetic surgery and treatments.”

Dan and Mary Anna Shell – the owners of the practice as well as life partners – both grew up in Memphis, with extended family in Jackson, Miss. From there, they both attended the University of Mississippi in Oxford. “My wife majored in English and has a master’s degree in journalism,” Shell said. “I attended the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis. 

“After graduating from medical school, I completed a general surgery residency at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, and then matched into plastic surgery residency at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. I am board-certified in general surgery and plastic surgery.”

Getting their practice off the ground was a challenge. “Oxford never had a plastic surgeon and we spent a great deal of time educating the public and fellow physicians on what a plastic surgeon does and how we can contribute to the medical community,” Shell said.

“When I was training in Birmingham, we would see quite a few patients from the Oxford area. Recognizing a need and with a desire to live in a town like Oxford, I approached the hospital to see if they had any interest in recruiting me. They were and have been very supportive of my practice.”

Shell is dedicated to the area since it’s a location he and his wife chose. The Shell family slipped into Oxford life easily. The couple has three boys: Dan Shell V, a junior biology major at Ole Miss; William, a sophomore civil engineering major at Ole Miss; and Andrew, a 7th grader at Regents.

The practice provides employment for many. “As a plastic surgeon, my role is to serve the community by providing both reconstructive and aesthetic services,” Shell said. “My practice employs 14 people, including two nurses, one nurse practitioner, six office staff, four aestheticians and one massage therapist.”

Shell’s practice should not be thought of as one where frivolous types of medical treatment are available. Instead, it is one that follows in the footsteps of Shell’s father, who was also a doctor. “I have been around medicine all of my life,” Shell said. “My father, Dr. Dan Shell III, is a plastic surgeon in Memphis. 

“When I was 13 years old he took care of a young girl named Fatima who was from Bolivia. Fatima was bitten by a Bushmaster snake and was facing a near-certain amputation of her leg. She was transported to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, where my dad took a muscle from her back and transplanted it into her leg. When she walked out of the hospital, I knew that I [too] wanted to be a surgeon.”

Shell is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is a published author and has won many awards due to his skill and publications. Shell is currently on active staff at Baptist North Mississippi. 

Shell’s variety of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures include breast surgery (reduction, reconstruction, augmentation and lift); body contouring (tummy tuck and liposuction); facial rejuvenation (surgical and nonsurgical); and wound management and skin cancer treatment. The practice also offers nonsurgical facial procedures such as Botox, Dysport and dermal fillers. 

The Shell Plastic Surgery practice is located at 2680 West Oxford Loop. For more information, contact them at 662-236-6465.