Why Patient Safety Comes First in My Practice
A Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon’s Commitment to Patients in Baltimore
By Steven J. Rottman, MD
When patients consider plastic surgery, it’s natural to focus on results. But as a board-certified plastic surgeon in Baltimore, I believe the foundation of every beautiful outcome is something less visible—but far more important: patient safety.
In my practice, safety is not a talking point or a checkbox. It is the guiding principle behind every recommendation, every surgical plan, and every decision made before, during, and after surgery.
Board Certification Matters—For Your Safety
Not all surgeons offering cosmetic procedures have the same training. Board certification in plastic surgery reflects:
- Completion of extensive, accredited surgical training
- Rigorous oral and written examinations
- Ongoing continuing medical education
- Adherence to the highest ethical and safety standards
For patients in Baltimore seeking plastic surgery, board certification is one of the most important indicators of a surgeon’s commitment to safety.
Careful Patient Selection Is a Safety Measure
Sometimes the safest decision is not to operate—or to delay surgery.
Before recommending any procedure, I carefully evaluate:
- Overall health and medical history
- Body mass index and weight stability
- Smoking status and lifestyle factors
- Realistic expectations and goals
Surgery is safest when the right patient undergoes the right procedure at the right time.
Accredited Surgical Facilities and Trusted Teams
All procedures are performed in fully accredited surgical facilities that meet strict national safety standards. This ensures:
- Proper anesthesia monitoring
- Emergency preparedness
- Sterile operating environments
- Highly trained surgical and anesthesia professionals
A safe outcome is always a team effort.
Thoughtful Surgical Planning Reduces Risk
Every surgical plan is customized. That includes:
- Choosing the appropriate procedure (not the most aggressive one)
- Limiting operative time when possible
- Avoiding unnecessary combinations of surgery
- Planning incisions and techniques that promote healing
This approach reduces complications and improves recovery.
Anesthesia Safety Is Non-Negotiable
Anesthesia is one of the most critical components of patient safety. I work only with qualified anesthesia providers who specialize in plastic surgery cases and understand the nuances of cosmetic procedures.
Continuous monitoring before, during, and after surgery is essential—and never compromised.
Recovery and Aftercare Are Part of Safety
Patient safety doesn’t end when surgery is over.
Postoperative care includes:
- Detailed recovery instructions
- Clear communication about what is normal—and what is not
- Close follow-up during healing
- Rapid access to care if concerns arise
Preventing complications is always better than reacting to them.0
Why Safety Leads to Better Results
Patients often assume that focusing on safety limits results. In reality, the opposite is true.
When surgery is performed responsibly:
- Healing is smoother
- Scarring is minimized
- Results last longer
- Revision surgery is less likely
The most natural, refined outcomes come from a practice that never cuts corners.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Baltimore: What to Look For
If you’re considering plastic surgery in Baltimore, ask these questions:
Is the surgeon board-certified in plastic surgery?
Where will the procedure be performed?
Who provides anesthesia?
How are complications prevented and managed?
The answers matter.
A Personal Commitment to My Patients
Every patient who trusts me with their care deserves honesty, transparency, and unwavering attention to safety. My goal is not just to help patients look better—but to ensure they feel confident, protected, and cared for at every step of the journey.
Schedule a Consultation With a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Baltimore
If you are considering plastic surgery and want a surgeon who prioritizes patient safety above all else, I invite you to schedule a consultation.
Together, we will create a thoughtful, individualized plan designed to achieve beautiful results—safely.
Steven J. Rottman, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Baltimore, Maryland
Refined. Restored. Reimagined.