Michael A. Epstein, MD

About Michael A. Epstein, MD

Introduction

Dr. Epstein is a Chicago Plastic Surgeon whose goal is to meet your every expectation while insuring that your surgical experience is as comfortable as possible. He and his exceptional staff are dedicated to providing their professional guidance to address your unique circumstances and desires. From the moment your appointment is taken over the phone, through your last post operative visit, you'll be treated with compassion, courtesy, confidentiality and respect.

Education & Training

The University of Michigan - BS 1981
Wayne State University School of Medicine - MD 1985
Internship - The Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center 1985-1986
Surgery Resident - Michael Reese Hospital
Chief Surgery Resident - Michael Reese Hospital
Plastic Surgery Resident - Detroit Medical Center and Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital 1990-1992

Before & After Photos

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Locations

Practice, Michael A. Epstein MD

1535 Lake Cook Rd
#211
Northbrook, IL 60062
United States

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Procedures Performed

Procedure Specializations

Other Procedures Offered

Questions Answered

BRCA1 Gene and Breast Augmentation

Asked 2019-02-26

I’ve been wanting to get breast augmentation for a while now, however, I just found out I have the BRCA1 Gene. My question is, is it bad to get one because I have the gene?

3 Answers

Michael A. Epstein, MD

Answered: 2019-03-03

While having the BRCA1 gene is not an absolute contraindication, it should give pause to both you and your surgeon. Breast cancer can occur in any woman and I believe the rate is now 1 out of every 8 women in the general population. Of course if you are tested positive for the BRCA1 gene your risk is significantly higher, 1 in 2 or even greater. If you review studies on screening for breast cancer in patients with implants and compare them to those without implants, it appears that there was no statistical difference in the ability to detect cancers by mammograms. Some believe that it may actually be easier to feel changes in breast tissue in women with implants because the implant can help bye pushing the breast forward, away from the chest wall but that should not sway you to have augmentation surgery. The bottom line is that it ultimately depends on how badly you want breast augmentation and how diligent you will be at self examination and mammography screening.

Am I a good candidate for a breast reduction?

Asked 2019-02-10

I'm a 17 year old female with size 36G breasts. My right breast is noticeably larger than the left. They cause back and neck pain, sore shoulders, and make me self conscious. I feel they are extremely heavy and uncomfortable. I was wondering if a breast reduction would be right for me considering my…

2 Answers

Michael A. Epstein, MD

Answered: 2019-02-18

It sounds like you are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. It seems like you have symptomatic macromastia. While not always the case, the surgery to correct this condition is often covered by health insurance. Have you spoke with your parents about this at all? If not, it would be necessary since you are only 17 yo and they would have to accompany you during any visits. The first step is having a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that has experience with breast reduction.

How to fix facial assymetry

Asked 2019-01-26

I’m 20 and have a very assymetrical face. The left side is lower than the right. Also the jaw on the left side is stronger and wider, and the cheek is fatter. When I smile, the right side of my mouth comes up further. I’m very self-conscious about this assymetry. It has progressively gotten worse…

1 Answer

Michael A. Epstein, MD

Answered: 2019-02-04

Without seeing photographs, facial x-rays, and examining you it would be impossible for me to give you an opinion. Having no idea to what degree you have facial asymmetry, I must still tell you that that it is normal to have some facial asymmetry. My advice to you would be to make a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that has experience evaluating and treating the head neck. These problems can be treated with injectable fillers, fat grafting, surgically placed implants, or even orthognathic surgery (where bones are shifted into more normal positions.

Breast revision surgery

Asked 2016-01-04

I had a vertical breast reduction 1 month ago. I have lower pole fullness and look droopy with high nipples. I had a medial pedicle. 500 g was removed from each breast. Breasts now end at the crease of my elbow not my belly button but I feel they are to big and my surgeon agrees but what's the…

8 Answers

Michael A. Epstein, MD

Answered: 2016-01-21

First of alll, you should know that it is always somewhat difficult to give clear advice without actually seeing the patient. There are some general rules that should be followed if a patient is unhappy with their surgical results. If you still trust your surgeon, then sticking with your original surgeon is advised because that person will know your post surgical anatomy the best and there may be some nuances that a new surgeon wouldn't know about. It is also best advised to wait a minimum of 6 months from your original surgery before passing judgement on the results and closer to one year postop before having revision surgery. It may be that all you need is some additional breast tissue removed horizontally along the bottom of the breast. This would lower the nipple and reduce you even further..

Additional Information

Gender

Male

Office Hours

Monday: 8 AM – 7 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Wednesday 8 AM – 6 PM
Thursday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Friday: 8 AM – 2 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Insurance Options

Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
Humana PPO
Aetna PPO
Cigna PPO
United Health Care PPO

Brands Offered

Allergan, Botox, Juvederm, Latisse
Galderma, Restylane, Dysport, Sculptra

Devices Offered

InMode: Facetite, Fractora, Morpheus8, Lumecca (IPL), DiolazeXL
C P.I.N (Microneedling)

Board Certifications

American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

Society Memberships

The Aesthetic Society
American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF)
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Fellow of American College of Surgeons (FACS)
Illinois Plastic Surgery Society
The Rhinoplasty Society

Hospital Affiliation(s)

Evanston Hospital
Glenbrook Hospital
Highland Park Hospital

Surgical Facilities

Northbrook Plastic Surgery is accredited by the prestigious AAAASF. Providing the ultimate in discretion and privacy for his patients, Dr. Epstein's operating room is equipped with state of the art monitoring and safety devices.

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