Dr. Michael Salvino has had his private practice, Salvino Plastic Surgery, for the last 11 years, specializing in aesthetic surgery in particular. What sets him apart? Besides his double board certifications in both surgery and plastic surgery, he strives not only to help transform patients’ lives, but to further their own education on plastic surgery as well.

“I run a very personal, comfortable, patient-centered practice,” says Dr. Salvino.

Grounded in the belief that comfort is key when it comes to plastic surgery, Dr. Salvino thinks a patient should have a positive experience prior to undergoing surgery, and be comfortable with their surgeon—creating the foundation for successful outcomes.

In addition, Dr. Salvino genuinely wants to know each of his patients well. He takes the extra time to connect with patients so they can establish and attain their goals together. Given the amount of time he will spend with his patients, between consultations, the actual surgery, and follow-up, he understands that it’s important to have that mutual trust and for patients to feel completely relaxed and at ease in his care.

“I treat all my patients the way I would like to be treated if I were undergoing surgery,” says Dr. Salvino.

A large part of that treatment includes patient education. Not only does Dr. Salvino educate patients on the surgical processes and options, but he also shares his own educational background with them so that his patients have an opportunity to get to know him better.

With an abundance of information about plastic surgery available at patients’ fingertips comes an abundance of misinformation as well.

“There are many misconceptions about plastic surgery and what we do,” he says.

Dr. Salvino is adamant that the most important first step when choosing to undergo plastic surgery is making sure you work with a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon.

The expansion of cosmetic practitioners has unfortunately given rise to a number of misinformative and often deceitful practices. Many patients don’t know the specific differences between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon/practitioner.

The difference, Dr. Salvino explains, is that plastic surgeons have extensive training in both surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures.

“We are trained, tested, and eventually certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to perform cosmetic surgery, whereas cosmetic surgeons/practitioners have far less training,” he explains.

After eight years of surgical training at Northwestern and Loyola Universities, Dr. Salvino earned double board certification by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery—the only accredited certification offered in plastic surgery by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

“I’ve performed all aspects of aesthetic surgery, many times over, and there is no substitute for experience. I also know how to handle complex situations,” Dr. Salvino explains, adding that education, training, and experience are paramount. “If you don’t know what you don’t know, it’s a real danger.”

Education on plastic surgery is absolutely essential, especially since its exponential growth within the last six months. In the midst of a global pandemic, aesthetic surgery is more attractive than ever, with less travel and the ability to recover comfortably at home without having to worry about rushing back into the office.

At the end of the day, you want someone you can trust to help see you through this process, and with Dr. Salvino’s commitment to successful outcomes, making patient comfort and education among his top priorites, there really is no need to look any further.

Salvino Plastic Surgery is located at 911 N. Elm Street, Suite 216, in Hinsdale. For more information, call 630-929-6565 or visit salvinoplasticsurgery.com.