John A. Bates

John A. BatesDr

4.6(5 reviews)1220, Blanding Street, Richland County, Columbia, SC 29201

Profile

Dr. Bates is a native of Columbia. He and his wife, Diana, are happy to be back home in South Carolina among family and friends.

Dr. Bates completed extensive training in all areas of plastic surgery including body contouring, facial aesthetics, and breast and body reconstruction. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and attended the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. After graduating from medical school, he spent the next 8 years in Detroit, Michigan where he successfully completed a rigorous general surgery residency at Beaumont Health in Farmington Hills. His residency was immediately followed by his fellowship training in plastic surgery at William Beaumont University Hospital. During his training, he served as a clinical instructor at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. In addition, Dr. Bates completed special training courses in facial trauma, rhinoplasty, microsurgery and free flaps.

Dr. Bates is pleased to be back in Columbia and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on the latest surgical techniques and evidence-based practices, which enable him to provide the best care to his patients. He has several publications in peer-reviewed journals and has lectured at Michigan Academy of Plastic Surgery and ACOS Annual Clinical Assembly.

In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, playing golf, and enjoying the outdoors.

Locations (1)

Columbia, SC

1220, Blanding Street, Richland County, Columbia, SC 29201

Procedures (26)

ProcedureRank in US
#0
#2082
#1497
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#725
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#446
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#425
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#1958
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#175
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#1120

Reviews (5)

4.6

5 reviews

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4
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3
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3.0
Jan 21, 2026
My review isn't about the surgeon's skills, but about a patient service experience that felt very poorly managed. I scheduled a breast reduction consultation with high hopes, specifically choosing Dr. Wassermann for his expertise. When booking, I explicitly stated my availability and asked twice, once during the initial call and again during the confirmation, if I would be done by a certain time to pick up my daughter from school. I was repeatedly assured I would have plenty of time. ​I arrived at 10:00 for my 10:30 appointment as requested, only to be shown to the room 30 minutes late. The doctor didn't enter until 11:10, just as I was about to leave out of frustration. He apologized, citing an equipment failure and the consultation itself lasted 20 minutes. I felt rushed, with no time to fully process the information or ask necessary questions. ​What disappointed me most was that while they were ready to book the surgery, no one offered a second consultation to make up for the delay. This lack of patient care, combined along with some facilities appearing a bit neglected, led me to choose another clinic. RESPONSE TO OWNER: Thank you for your response. However, I will not be taking down this review as it is an accurate and honest account of my personal experience. My original review was very detailed the specific times and the reasons for my frustration. Therefore, I do not believe a phone call to "verify" my appointment is necessary, your records should clearly show the 40 minute delay I experienced and I'm sure the staff can remember about me walking out the room with the vest they gave me asking for the doctor. This was not a "misunderstanding" but a failure to respect the scheduling constraints that I had communicated and confirmed with your staff multiple times prior to my arrival. While Dr. Wassermann may typically spend more time with patients, in my case, he was significantly late and the consultation lasted less than 20 minutes. My concern was never about who provided the quote, but about the lack of quality time with the surgeon to discuss such a major procedure. A phone call now cannot rectify the fact that I felt rushed and unheard during the actual appointment. I believe reviews are a vital tool for patient transparency. Instead of asking me to delete my feedback, I would have appreciated an acknowledgment of the scheduling error. I am keeping this review active to share my experience with others.

A. B.

5.0
Jan 13, 2026
Dr. Bates is the best. He makes you feel so comfortable and always answers your questions. He gives you a step by step synopsis throughout your visit. Highly recommended Dr. Bates.

Amy Coker

5.0
Nov 21, 2025
Dr. Wassermann is amazing from start to finish, and his staff efficient and kind. My implant replacement surgery went very smoothly with great results… I feel lucky to have been in such good hands.

Beth Busby

5.0
Oct 20, 2025
I can't believe how happy my daughter is after her rhinoplasty with Dr. Wasserman! She was so nervous going in, but he made the whole process smooth and reassuring. Her new nose isn't just beautiful-it's given her this amazing boost in self-confidence. Now she struts around with a smile, owning her look like never before. For a young woman, that kind of transformation? It's like unlocking a whole new level of positivity. She's more outgoing, more comfortable in her skin, even trying new makeup and hairstyles! Dr. Wasserman didn't just fix her nose; he helped her find herself. Highly recommend-truly life-changing!

Fred Kean

5.0
Aug 12, 2025
My experience with Plastic Surgery Consultants of Columbia, South Carolina, and Dr. Bates was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment of my initial consultation, the team demonstrated an outstanding level of professionalism and efficiency. I was promptly called in for my appointment with virtually no waiting time, which immediately set a positive tone for the entire process. Dr. Bates was thorough and transparent in explaining the procedure from start to finish. He took the time to ensure I understood every step and made certain that all of my questions were answered. Throughout our consultation, he remained patient, compassionate, and understanding of my personal circumstances. Most importantly, he created a comfortable and respectful environment, never making me feel uneasy or self-conscious about my body or the procedure. The staff at Plastic Surgery Consultants were equally impressive. They were courteous, attentive, and consistently professional. Their willingness to assist—whether it was helping with my bra or surgical dressings after the procedure—did not go unnoticed and contributed significantly to my overall comfort and peace of mind. I am more than pleased with the results of my surgery and deeply appreciative of the care and support I received throughout the process. I look forward with great anticipation to seeing the final results as I continue to heal. Without hesitation, I would highly recommend Dr. Bates and the entire team at Plastic Surgery Consultants to anyone considering cosmetic surgery.

Rosa Mcknight