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Jeffrey Weinzweig, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Home   >  Jeffrey Weinzweig, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Address:
Chicago, Illinois, 60611
GPS:
39.0401, -95.6306
Telephone:
(312) 642-0400
Email:
lllapa@chicagoprs.com
Web:
http://www.chicagoprs.com
Contact owner

Overview


Doctor's Website

Web Photo

You've already taken the most difficult step toward learning more about plastic surgery and feeling better about yourself the first one. Patients seek plastic surgery for a myriad of reasons, some for reconstructive needs or cosmetic concerns, some for both. And both should be addressed with the same compassionate, meticulous approach with attention to detail and to each patient's individualized interests and concerns.

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Media

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Dr. Weinzweig is a contributing author to Chicago Now where he writes for the "Ask Dr. Jeff" column and also has his own radio program with the publication. He also established Komedyplast, a non-profit international foundation that provides a unique approach to the international care of children with congenital anomalies.

Office

Dr. Weinzweig established The Chicago Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery with that as the Center's primary objective to provide a tailored approach for each patient, guiding, educating, and reassuring them as each strives to reach a decision that is an extremely personal one. An extremely important one. Whether Dr. Weinzweig performs your surgery, guides you toward non-operative solutions to your concerns, or simply answers your questions, you and he will share in the reward of knowing that you have made the right choice for you.

Dr. Weinzweig has offices in Lincoln Park, Downtown Chicago (Water Tower Place), and Lakeview. Below you can see the offices and Dr. Weinzweig and his Komedyplast team.

Associations

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Testimonials

Testi "Dear Dr. Weinzweig,

Just a note to say hello, wish you well and let you know how grateful I am for the incredible surgery you performed almost a year ago. I was determined to have you as my surgeon and would travel through a snowstorm again if necessary. Since having the breast reduction surgery, my confidence and desire to improve my physical health have increased greatly. I am beginning to value me and prioritize where my care is concerned. I am exercising, forming a healthier relationship with food, and enjoying shopping for clothes! I am working with a nutritionist and doing strength training. I would be remiss if I did not let you know how much your encouragement and kindness have meant to me. There is no doubt that you are one of those special and gifted physicians who makes it a priority to care for those who are less fortunate. God bless you in your life, work and in all endeavors. I will never forget you!"
V.R.
Testi "Dear Dr. Weinzweig,

Thank you for everything you did for us during a very difficult time! Your compassion and caring didn’t go unnoticed!"
E.M., B.M. & D.M.
Testi "Dear Dr. W.,

Thank you for everything, your passion and understanding in making people look their best."
C.M.
Testi "Dear Doctor Weinzweig,

This is your favorite patient, ML! I’m writing to you because I want to thank you for your special care over the past 5 years. I’m thankful that I ended up in your gifted hands after my car accident tat nearly took my life in April of 2003. I feel that no one else could have done the terrific job you did. I was I amazing hands. You also saved my self-esteem. No girl going on 19 would want a face full of scars. The neurosurgeon who was working with you had planned to shave my head but you found another way that saved me from being bald (Thank God!). When people hear the extreme damage that my head and face suffered in the accident, they compliment me and tell me how beautiful my face is, and that you could never tell what happened. I imagine that for the most part patients don’t write letters of thanks to their physicians, but I feel it is important to thank you and compliment you on being a terrific surgeon. I wanted you to know how thankful my family and I are with the excellent care and concern that you still offer us after all the years since my accident. Love & thanks."
M.L.
Testi "Dr. Weinzweig,

Thank you for the marvelous care you gave both Ed and me. We will never forget you and wish you the very best in the New Year."
L.G. and E.G.
Testi "Dear Dr. Weinzweig,

If I was ten years younger, I’d be jumping up and down – my nose is looking really great!! Now that I’ve taken a closer look at home, it is exactly as it should be. I look like myself but very much improved. I’m so pleased with your work and I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know."
S.T.
Testi "The first time we met, Dr. Weinzweig’s waiting room was chock full but he took his time and talked to me on a person-to-person level. I could have found a specialist in Boston, but after that meeting, my mind was totally made up. Most surgeons will walk in and say, ‘Here’s what we’re doing. See you at the surgery.’ And that would be it. Dr. Weinzweig told me, ‘If you have any questions – no matter how small – call me.’ I‘ve never seen that in a surgeon."
J.B.
Testi "Dr. Weinzweig is an excellent surgeon with skills that are only exceeded by his compassion for his patients and their families. He was highly recommended by a Respiratory Therapist who had the pleasure to work with him for many years at a hospital in our area. And that Therapist was my spouse. My wife and I would not hesitate for a moment to fly anywhere in the country to see Dr. Weinzweig because he would be our only physician of choice both for his expertise and compassion."
D.G.
Testi "Dr. Weinzweig,

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You’ve changed my life! Seriously, you’ve changed my life. My neck and back pain are gone, I fit into any clothes I want, including lingerie (my husband thanks you too!), and I feel so much better about myself on a daily basis. Thank you so much!"
J.R.
Testi "Dr. Weinzweig,

Thank you for everything. My life is even better now!! It has been a year since the surgery and I am very happy with the results to say the least! It is so wonderful not having that extra worry in the back of my mind…do I look OK, and wondering what other people think. Now I can just relax and enjoy life. It’s amazing what a little bump can do! Ok, or a large bump in my case. Anyway, I almost feel like I’m twenty again. I enjoy myself so much more now and most people’s reaction has been "that haircut really looks great on you!” I just giggle. Thank you for making life even better. Thanks again. In another 20 years when I feel the need to look young, I will look you up!"
A.M.
Testi "Dr. Jeff,

Thank you so much for helping my little sister!"
C.S.
Testi "Dear Dr. Weinzweig,

We recently became aware of your wonderful surgical care of Steven who tells us that you knew of Dad’s career in reconstructive surgery. We want to add our thanks and appreciation for your surgical wizardry that helped to reconstruct Steven’s face after the accident. He tells us that he looks "good as new” which, considering the attack he sustained, is a high compliment indeed. We are grateful that he was brought into your care and was made whole again."
L.B.

Qualifications

“Image improvement and functional restoration are the core elements of plastic and reconstructive surgery.”
- J. W.

Dr. Weinzweig received his training from Colombia University, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, University of Chicago, ad Brown University. With fellowship training in craniofacial surgery from the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and fellowship training in hand & wrist surgery from the University of Connecticut, Dr. Weinzweig is uniquely qualified to treat all types of craniofacial and hand disorders and anomalies affecting both adults and children. His commitment to achieving outstanding results extends to his special interests in reconstruction of the face and body, and aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery.

Dr. Weinzweig is currently the Chief of Craniofacial Surgery at Illinois Masonic Medical Center and Director of the Chicago Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. In his former roles as Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery, Director of the Plastic Surgery Residency Program, and Director of the Institute of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery at the Lahey Clinic near Boston, Dr. Weinzweig achieved numerous accomplishments, including expanding the department’s scope of practice, earning reaccreditation of the residency program, and developing a nationally-recognized research program. With the establishment of The Chicago Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Weinzweig welcomes new challenges and the opportunity to offer personalized and individualized patient care in an environment that is conducive.

Dr. Weinzwieg combines the application of art and science to the refinement of surgical approaches as he strives to achieve the best possible result for each of his patients. With exceptional training and the ability to readily connect with his patients, closely incorporating them into every decision throughout their course, he is grateful to be able to transform their lives in a very tangible way.

Research

As a dedicated researcher for more than 30 years, Dr. Weinzweig has conducted a multitude of investigative studies in his laboratories, and with numerous collaborators, at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Brown University, Harvard University, the USDA, the University of Michigan, and the Lahey Clinic. Fields of interest of his over the years have included fetal surgery, biotechnology, biomechanics, medical implant development, and computerized craniofacial surgery simulation.

Pioneering Fetal Research
Dr. Weinzweig and his research team have pioneered the development of a congenital cleft palate model in the goat which they have subsequently repaired in utero and studied extensively over the past decade. In fact, his team is the only one that has actually repaired a true congenital palatal cleft in utero. Current work utilizing this model, which closely resembles the human cleft palate, includes elucidating the mechanism of clefting in an effort to prevent clefting in humans. Working closely with colleagues from the USDA and the University of Michigan has resulted in numerous fascinating findings that may one day permit functional predictions for patients with cleft palate, and possibly cleft prevention entirely.

Novel Biotechnology Advances
Dr. Weinzweig and plastics engineering colleagues from the University of Massachusetts have developed a novel adhesive, resorbable, plating system consisting of a PLA/polyester co-polymer construct that eliminates the need for screws. This disruptive technology has innumerable applications and significant ramifications for craniofacial surgery, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery, and is the focus of multiple patents.

Software for Simulating Surgery
Dr. Weinzweig and Dr. Smith, a colleague from the University of Pittsburgh, have designed novel computer software that utilizes 3D CT images and sophisticated algorithms to predict surgical outcomes for soft tissue movement of the face based on movement of the underlying facial skeleton. This software permits simulation and refinement of surgical procedures and forms the basis of a pending patent.

Committment
As the editor of 5 textbooks, Dr. Weinzweig has orchestrated a world-wide collaborative effort in recruiting the contributions of more than 300 renowned surgeons from 15 countries and four continents to provide the most current information on virtually every aspect of plastic and reconstructive surgery within these books. As the author of almost 200 journal publications and book chapters, Dr. Weinzweig has developed an international reputation as an outstanding clinical surgeon and scientific researcher.

Komedyplast

Seeing the need for an organization that could provide treatment for complex congenital craniofacial abnormalities in developing countries, in 2001, Dr. Weinzweig established Komedyplast, a 501(c)(3) non-profit international foundation that provides a unique approach to the international care of children with congenital anomalies. Komedyplast conducts surgical missions to Lima, Peru for (a) the treatment of pediatric patients that combines a volunteer surgical team with an entertainment team; (b) the training of local plastic surgeons in Lima, providing them with the necessary skills and techniques to care for their own children; and (c) the development of a craniofacial surgery Center of Excellence to serve as a training and treatment referral center for South America.

A true team effort, Komedyplast benefits from the talent and dedication of world-class specialists, including craniofacial surgeons, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and entertainers. Komedyplast strives to develop international Centers of Excellence to serve as training and treatment referral centers in other parts of the world where there is significant need but no access to this expertise. Komedyplast recently returned from Lima, Peru, having completed its 5th successful mission since 2005, and having thus far treated 96 children with complex craniofacial anomalies.

As a scientific researcher for more than three decades, Dr. Weinzweig appreciates the significant role that research plays in the advancement of surgical principles and clinical treatment strategies. In 2009, the Komedyplast Craniofacial Research Grant Program was established in cooperation with the American Society of Craniofacial Surgery (www.ascfs.org) to provide annual grants for clinical and basic science research that strives to elucidate mechanisms of craniofacial pathogenesis and develop strategies to treat resultant craniofacial anomalies. The launch of the Komedyplast Craniofacial Research Grant Program represents a major step forward for Komedyplast , supporting its triad mission of treatment, training, and research.


Education

Columbia University, New York, NY, 1984, B.A.
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 1988, M.D.


Residencies and Fellowships

Craniofacial Surgery Fellowship: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Hand Surgery Fellowship: Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT
Plastic Surgery Residency: Brown University, Providence, RI
General Surgery Residency: University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL


Certification

American Board of Plastic Surgery, 2000


Previous Hospital & Academic Appointments

Brown University / Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, 1999-2004
Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Chairman, Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Burlington, MA, 2004-2009


Current Hospital Affiliations & Appointments

Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 2009 to present; Chief of Craniofacial Surgery
Little Company of Mary Hospital, 2009 to present
West Suburban Medical Center, 2009 to present
MacNeal Hospital, 2009 to present
NorthShore University Health System, 2009 to present


Medical & Academic Societies

American Association for Hand Surgery
American Association of Plastic Surgeons
American Society of Craniofacial Surgery
American Association for Academic Chairmen in Plastic Surgery
American College of Surgeons
New England Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons
Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons
Association of Academic Surgery
American Cleft Palate - Craniofacial Association
Plastic Surgery Research Council
International Wrist Investigators Workshop
The Wound Healing Society
American Medical Association


Honors & Awards

New England Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Founder’s Award, June, 2008
Society of Plastics Engineers Annual Technical Conference, Best Technical Paper Award, March, 2008
International Congress of Physiological Sciences / Experimental Biology, The Frederick A. Coller Surgical Society Award, April, 2005
The Robert H. Ivy Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2nd Place Award for Best Clinical Paper, March, 1999
American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Finalist, The Robert H. Ivy Society Award, October, 1998
Plastic Surgery Senior Residents' Conference, The Blair O. Rogers, MD Best Paper Award in Research, April, 1998
Plastic Surgery Senior Residents' Conference, Best Paper Award in Research, April, 1996
American Association of Plastic Surgeons, The James Barrett Brown Award , April, 1991
Midwestern Association of Plastic Surgeons, Basic Science Investigators' Category Second Prize , June, 1990
Midwest Surgical Association - 32nd Annual Meeting, First Prize for Best Paper, August, 1989 Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Honorary Diploma denoting Distinction for Outstanding Research in Surgery, June, 1988
Plastic Surgery Research Council, Clifford Snyder Award for Best Paper, May, 1988

Procedures

Breast Surgery

  • Breast Reduction
  • Breast Augmentation
  • Breast Implant Removal
  • Breast Lift
  • Gynecomastia Correction

Aesthetic Surgery

  • Rhinoplasty
  • Eyelid Lift
  • Ear Surgery
  • Facelift
  • Chin Surgery

Body Contouring

  • Abdominoplasty
  • Liposuction
  • Arm Lift
  • Body Contouring After Massive Weight Loss

Reconstructive Surgery

  • Craniofacial Surgery
  • Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery
  • Cleft Lip & Palate
  • Skin Cancer Surgery
  • Tissue Expansion
  • Scar Revision

Hand & Wrist Surgery

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Dupuytren’s Contracture
  • Arthritis
  • Ganglion Cyst
  • Trigger Finger