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Home | Dr. Steinwald | Why Choose Us?

Why Choose Dr. Steinwald

I know that when prospective patients in northern Illinois and even southern Wisconsin are trying to choose an appropriate, qualified plastic surgeon, Chicago provides many options, which can result in a challenging and even confusing situation. Choosing a plastic surgeon and entrusting your health and body to that person is also an intensely personal process. That's why I understand that you need to be comfortable not only with my training history, professional credentials, technical skills and surgical results, but also my personality, "bedside manner" and character in general.

Chances are you've done your pre-consultation research, and have narrowed down your choices to a select few plastic surgeons who you may wish to meet in person. Please allow me to give you some reasons why you should consider my practice among your top plastic surgery options in the Chicago area.

1. My Passion for Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is a fascinating field, one that allows me to relate to a great variety of patients' needs and desires, and provides the challenge of matching these goals to the best-suited surgical plans. Through my intensive training (and since), I have had the opportunity to study detailed anatomy, learn the approaches that experts use to individualize and optimize surgical results, and then put this knowledge into practice during hundreds of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and body. Plastic surgery also allows an expression of my passion for artistry, symmetry and meticulous detail, and it is hugely fulfilling when a positive surgical result (and change in the patient's life) is realized.

2. My Background

Although my father was an Illinois-area plastic surgeon throughout my formative years, and therefore the specialty was "in my blood," it was not automatic that I would follow in his footsteps. In fact, I resisted the option for awhile, even though I was very enthusiastic from an early age about being a physician in general. I chose to focus on a surgical career early in my professional development, recognizing that very few fields (in or out of medicine) would allow me to use my head, hands and heart in such equal measure. Ultimately I gravitated to a career in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, drawn to the field's challenging variety and reward for attention to detail. Finally, it's a fun, upbeat and even somewhat entertaining field (not lost on Hollywood), which can effect a dramatic, positive change in a patient's appearance and/or self-esteem, seemingly overnight.

3. My Surgical Philosophy

My surgical philosophy is fairly straightforward: to compassionately apply the most effective, proven techniques (that I would provide for a friend or family member), and to devote the same amount of personal attention and care in the post-operative period as I do on the day of surgery, to minimize the recovery period and optimize long-term results. I am wary of "latest and greatest," most marketable techniques – often promoted by companies rather than surgeons, and that promise more than they deliver – and therefore I am fairly circumspect about newer techniques until their efficacy, safety and track record regarding lasting results has been proven.

I also firmly believe in patient education and empowerment. I believe in having honest, forthright discussions with prospective candidates before surgery, letting a patient know early on if I feel that they are not really a good candidate for a given procedure, or if I cannot deliver what they are seeking. If they are a good candidate, I believe in giving them all of their options, and then time for thoughtful consideration of their options and potential risks or limitations, since the decision to undergo plastic surgery is a serious one. It is also a highly personal one, which should not be subjected to pressure or coercion from any outside, inappropriate sources. Finally, I also strongly believe in the concept that "the essence of caring is presence", which is why I insist on seeing my patients at each and every post-operative appointment (rather than turn that duty over to nurses or assistants), to ensure continuity and quality of care. I think my philosophy is a significant factor in why I have received so many positive letters and testimonials from my patients over the years.

4. My Professional Surgical Background

With regard to my credentials, there are very few plastic surgeons in the Chicago area who offer the unique profile of complete, bicoastal training in both the broad field of general surgery, as well as the specialty of plastic surgery. I made a point to take the most challenging, highest quality options available to me at each crossroads in my education and training. I do believe that "nothing worth achieving comes easy," and I think this track-record speaks to a lifetime pursuit of excellence, which I am committed to offering to each and every one of my patients. I have earned certification from both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery – it's worth taking a moment to learn the importance of board certification when you are evaluating plastic surgeons.

5. My Personal Style

With regard to my personal style, my patients say that I have an affable, compassionate and reassuring bedside manner. I believe that my core Midwestern values are complemented by the fact that I have lived and trained in many different parts of the country, which enables me to effectively interact and connect with people of virtually all personalities and backgrounds. My goal upon meeting you as a prospective patient here in Illinois is to have a forthright, honest discussion about the proposed procedure(s) and make you as comfortable as possible during both the pre- and post-operative periods, while delivering an experience and results that exceed your expectations. Only through open, honest communication will you be empowered to make the best possible decision, to help ensure that the entire surgical process is a positive, mutually rewarding experience.

It is an honor and privilege for me every day to be part of the partnerships I have established with my patients, and my staff has been hand-picked and trained to help provide you with the "ultimate patient experience." I'd much rather "show you than tell you" about all of these things, however, so if you are a prospective patient interested in cosmetic surgery in the Chicago area, and you like what you've seen and heard from this website so far, I encourage you to request a consultation. After meeting, if we are indeed a good match, I hope to be given the opportunity to work with and for you as well. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Sincerely,
Paul M. Steinwald, MD