Meet Dr. Baker

“I went into medicine to help people.”

Talking with Dr. Baker, you realize that he approaches his work in a very unique way. His genuine concern for his patients and his extraordinary ability to create the most beautiful results are what has attracted the most sophisticated Washington DC patients to his practice.

“It took me years to complete degrees in both dentistry and plastic surgery”

• He is an Associate Professor and Program Director in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Georgetown University Hospital.
• He also serves as Co-Director of the Inova Hospital for Children Craniofacial Program.
• Dr. Baker received his dental degree from UCLA and his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, before completing residencies in both maxillofacial and plastic surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.
• He completed fellowship training in craniofacial surgery at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

“I am proud of the public recognition I have received for my work – particularly in facial aesthetics.”

Dr. Baker pursued advanced training in facial surgery and was awarded regional and national honors for his work in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He practices all aspects of plastic surgery but has special expertise in surgery of the face. 

Dr. Baker is a member of several regional and national societies, which include: The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In addition, Dr. Baker has served on the boards of the Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons. Dr. Baker also serves as a consultant to industry and has several patents pending in the field of plastic surgery.

“I have built my practice primarily from referrals. Knowing my patients recommend me to their friends and family gives me great satisfaction.”

While Dr. Baker's education, residencies, fellowships, and certifications attest to his knowledge and training, his reputation is based upon his outstanding surgical skill and patient care.

“I perform over 1,000 facial, breast, and body surgery procedures each year.”

Dr. Baker is frequently an invited lecturer at national and international symposia on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has extensively researched facial aging and has developed techniques that enhance natural appearances after cosmetic surgery. He has received top honors for his research efforts in fat transplantation, skin cancer, and facial reconstruction. He has co-authored over 50 publications and abstracts in premier scientific journals, including Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nature Medicine, and Annals of Plastic Surgery.

“My clinical research work has been featured on ABC World News Tonight, NBC National News, Fox News, CBS News, CNN, MSNBC, Newsweek, the Washington Post, the London Times, Elle, Allure, and others.”

Dr. Baker has also edited two textbooks in plastic surgery and is regularly recognized for his clinical expertise. For six consecutive years, he has been named Plastic Surgery's "Top Doc" in Washingtonian Magazine and the prestigious Castle Connolly publication, a resource for "America's Top Doctors" for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

“I practice in three separate offices to make it convenient for my patients.”

Dr. Baker has offices in Georgetown, Washington D.C. and suburban McLean, VA. He performs surgery at both Georgetown University Hospital and Inova Fairfax Hospital located in Falls Church, VA.

Professional Credentials

Current Academic Appointment

Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery and Program Director
Georgetown University Hospital
Department of Plastic Surgery
Georgetown University School of Medicine
Washington DC, 2007

Education

• Dental Degree-University of California at Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine 1986-1990
• Medical Degree-University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine 1990-1993

Surgical Training

• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania 1993-1996
• General Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania 1993-1994, 1996-1997
• Plastic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 1997-2000
• Pediatric Plastic Surgery Fellowship, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, July 1999-June 2001
• Craniofacial Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 2000-2001

American Board of Medical Specialties Accredited Specialty Board Certification

American Board of Plastic Surgery 2002

Publications & Presentations

Medical Books Written/Edited

• Rhinoplasty Atlas, McGraw-Hill, New York
• Cleft, Craniofacial, and Cosmetic Surgery.  W. B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA. 2000.

Medical Book Chapters

• 15 and continuing

Medical Journal Articles

• 40 and continuing

National International Plastic Surgery Presentations

• 75 and continuing

Invited Speaker for Plastic Surgery Symposia and Instructional Courses

• 18

Clinical Trials / Research / Inventions

Plastic Surgery Research Grants (Principle Investigator or Co-Investigator)

• 3 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grants
• 1 Plastic Surgery Foundation Grant
• 1 AO Grant

USPTO Patents in Plastic Surgery

• 3 USPTO patents pending

Clinical Trials in Plastic Surgery

• See Research and Clinical Trials

Educational Honors and Awards

• Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award, Georgetown University Hospital, Department of Plastic Surgery, June 2009
• Nominated for the James Barrett Brown Award 2010, American Association of Plastic Surgeons. (the top 6 articles written over a one year period in the 2 leading plastic surgery journals are nominated for this award).
• President’s Award for Outstanding Paper, Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons, December 2006
• First Place, Clinical Category. Central Giant Cell Granuloma. 75th Annual BioCommunications Association Meeting, July, 2005, Portland Oregon
• Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award, Georgetown University Hospital, Department of Plastic Surgery, June 2003
• Third Place Award for National Student Table Clinic Competition at 1988 ADA/FDI World Congress;Washington D.C.
• Dentsply Clinician Award, June 10, 1988
• Second Place Award for Table Clinic, Competition at California Dental Association
  Spring Session; Anaheim, California, 1988

Media Recognition

See Media Page

International Volunteer Experience

• Operation Smile (add McGee image/Plaque)
  Georgetown University Hospital gratis case
• Project Hope 
  Krakow Poland, June 2000
• Komedyplast
  Lima, Peru 2006
  Lima, Peru 2007
  Lima, Peru 2008

Professional Board and Committee Positions

• Over 60 and continuing

Professional Societies

• American Association of Plastic Surgeons
• American College of Surgeons
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons
• American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons
• Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons
• Association of Academic Chairmen of Plastic Surgery
• American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association
• American Alpine Workshop in Plastic Surgery

At your initial consult, I will spend a great deal of time to ensure that I clearly understand your goals and concerns and to answer all your questions. Digital photography is a useful tool that allows us to modify your pictures to create your desired look. The ability to predict the postoperative result on the computer is a tool I find useful to ensure that you and I are both visualizing the same result.

Once I understand your goals, we will discuss all of the options that could be safely used to achieve your goals. In almost all cases, there are several options, each with its inherent advantages and limitations. In order to help you arrive at the best approach for you, we will review each option using slide presentations that will show you, in great detail, how each of these approaches is performed and the results you can expect. Through the use of medical illustrations and before and after photos of my patients, you will gain an understanding of each treatment option. After having discussed the different alternatives, we will decide which approach best will meet your needs and fit your lifestyle.

“If you are a patient making a consultation for an aesthetic procedure, there is a fee for the consultation”

Many offices offer free cosmetic consultations and then push procedures and products once they have you in their office. My philosophy is that you are paying for an honest consultation regarding your concerns, and you will receive a comprehensive evaluation by a nationally recognized expert. I never try to “sell” surgery, and our office does not have a “closer.” Surgery is just that, surgery-I am philosophically against the concept of talking patients into surgical procedures. I emphasize safety and predictability in procedures I feel are well-suited for my patients. I will spend as much time with you as necessary to make you feel comfortable with your decision and will see you as many times as necessary at no additional charge to ensure you are educated and comfortable with your decision. I will be honest and tell you when I do not think surgery will give you the results you desire. You are paying for a professional opinion and that is what you will receive.

“Safety is the most important aspect of surgery, especially when it is elective.”

I take great pride in offering the safest possible environment for my patients. All the hospitals at which I operate are certified by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Hospital Organizations (JCAHO) and so are my office facilities. What does this mean to you as a patient? Because my offices under the supervision of Georgetown University Hospital, all of our instruments are sterilized in the operating room autoclaves. All medications (Botox, fillers, local anesthesia, etc) are discarded the day of expiration regardless of how much is left in the bottle. The hygiene, safety, and confidentiality for my patients are held to the highest standard. On a national level, I have served as the Vice Chairman of the Safety Committee of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and have authored peer reviewed journal articles on patient safety within the official journal for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

“The specialty of plastic surgery is popular because the vast majority of patients are very happy with their results.”

However, despite our best effort, there is no crystal ball to ensure that every treatment decision is the right one. Occasionally, decisions are made that in hindsight may not have been the best or problems occur beyond the patient’s or doctor’s control. Complications may arise and they are tough for both the patient and the doctor. The only way that I can sleep at night is to honestly believe that every decision I make is the same for my patients as it would be for my family. The only guarantee I can give to my patient is that I will always give my best effort. If you are interested in discussing your concerns in my office, please call my office for an appointment. I look forward to meeting you and thank you for taking the time to review my website.

A Nationally Recognized Leader in Plastic Surgery – chosen by some of Washington DC’s most upscale patients

Dr. Baker is a full time faculty member and the Program Director of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Georgetown University Hospital with over ten years of experience. He practices all types of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery and has particular expertise in plastic surgery of the face.

Dr. Baker's leadership and experience in academic plastic surgery position him at the forefront of the specialty. As a recognized innovator, Dr. Baker participates in the critical analysis of many new techniques and materials that are continuously being introduced to plastic surgery. He has published numerous articles, chapters, and even a textbook on topics of both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has lectured nationally and internationally as well as been invited as faculty to meetings sponsored by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr. Baker engages in clinical research to develop new techniques that will enhance the quality for patient care, and his innovation has led to US patent applications. This experience allows Dr. Baker to be involved in the early evaluation of new ideas, products, and techniques. Those he values as safe and effective are adopted, those which he views with skepticism are observed until proven safe, and those that are associated with obvious potential complications are discarded.

Chosen top 1% of doctors nationwide

Dr. Baker has been listed as a "Top Doctor" by Washingtonian, Castle and Connolly (top 1% nationwide), U.S. News, Virginia Living, and Northern Virginia Magazine. He has also made the list of America's Best Doctors, America's Best Surgeons, and America's Best Plastic Surgeons. As a note, Dr. Baker has never advertised in any of these sources.

An Expert Approach to Facial Analysis

Dr. Baker performs over 500 facial procedures every year. His unique training, experience and knowledge in facial surgery give him unparalleled expertise in assessing facial form. In every patient he evaluates facial proportion and structure of both the soft tissues of the face and the underlying skeletal structures. Having expertise in the anatomy and interaction of the facial structures allows Dr. Baker to develop the optimal plan to achieve his patient's desires. Most patients desiring facial rejuvenation will benefit from soft tissue procedures only. However, often underlying bony abnormalities of the chin, nose, or jaws may play a role in the patient's concern and thus, surgical outcome. There are few plastic surgeons in the United States with Dr. Baker's combined level of expertise in the facial skeleton and the overlying soft tissues. Educating the patient about the entire face as it relates to each patient's expectations is Dr. Baker's primary goal. Typically, a well-educated patient will have a pleasant recovery and be happy with the result.

A surgeon well-versed in a multitude of advanced techniques

The reconstructive challenges that Dr. Baker faces have given him experience and confidence in techniques that are difficult to develop when treating only cosmetic patients. His experience in complex facial surgery provides him the versatility to safely employ a broad range of techniques in his cosmetic patients to safely and predictably achieve superior results.

Almost all of the world's best cosmetic surgeons began with reconstructive practices. In fact, almost all of the groundbreaking techniques in cosmetic surgery have reconstructive origins. In reconstructive cases, the patients' problems are typically greater requiring more advanced and difficult techniques. However, as the surgeon achieves comfort and predictability with these advanced reconstructive techniques, they become powerful tools that can be adapted to the cosmetic patient. If a surgeon only performs cosmetic surgery, it is difficult, if not imprudent, to experiment with these advanced techniques in the cosmetic patient. A smaller repertoire of techniques will likely result in an improvement for most patients, but a surgeon well-versed in a multitude of advanced techniques has a much higher likelihood of safely achieving a spectacular result.

A Personalized Treatment Designed for You

Dual income households are not uncommon in the Washington DC Metropolitan region, and many patients do not have the luxury of a prolonged recovery. Dr. Baker will inform you of the factors that contribute to your aesthetic concerns but will also present a variety of treatment plans so you have the option to choose the one that best fits your lifestyle. More extensive procedures provide results with greater longevity, but if you prefer a shorter recovery, Dr. Baker offers procedures that get his patients back to work quickly with minimal bruising and swelling.

“I offer minimally invasive procedures for all types of facial rejuvenation and combine these techniques with soft tissue fillers that restore the volume of the youthful face that is gradually lost with age.”

In fact, Dr. Baker is on the cutting edge of research in the area of fat grafting for facial volume augmentation. The combination of less invasive surgery with volume augmentation gives excellent results that give the patient a rested, youthful appearance without the longer recovery of traditional approaches.

Patients typically associate facial rejuvenation only with soft tissue procedures. However, frequently a patient's cosmetic concern is actually related to a skeletal abnormality of the cheeks, chin, jaw, or nose. A patient needs to understand the contributions of both the soft tissue and the underlying bony foundation to fully comprehend the surgical options and the anticipated result. A simple example is a patient with a weak chin who presents with a desire for liposuction or a lift of the neck. In this patient, augmentation of the chin would probably produce the best result-either with or without a lift or liposuction.

“I evaluate all aspects of facial structure to provide the patient a comprehensive treatment plan with various options tailored to meet the patient's goals and expectations.”

Dr. Baker is facile in all techniques for aesthetic facial surgery whether it requires simply placing an implant or moving the soft tissue into a more desirable position. Dr. Baker's background makes him uniquely qualified to provide a sophisticated, comprehensive evaluation of the soft tissue and skeletal elements of the face.

We Welcome Out of Town Patients

Dr. Baker's practice is comfortable treating patients from overseas who come to Washington D.C. for their surgery.  He has telecommunication services to correspond to your local physician.  Interpreters will be arranged through the Georgetown Department of International Services, and accommodations for family or a postoperative patient can be made near Georgetown University Hospital.  Patients and their families may enjoy concierge service at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Georgetown or the Marriott Hotel, which is part of the Georgetown University Hospital complex. Because of Washington D.C.'s international population, Dr. Baker has expertise in facial cosmetic surgery in patients of varying ethnicities. In fact, he has lectured on this topic and even been quoted in the Washington Times regarding ethnic variations in cosmetic surgery.

An Academic Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Baker is an Associate Professor and Program Director of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Georgetown University Hospital. His academic appointments at Georgetown University Medical School and Georgetown University Hospital keep him at the forefront of plastic surgery and require him to practice to the highest standard. Although he sees all types of patients, his referral base from plastic surgeons and other physicians includes complex problems that require more advanced techniques. This high volume of complex cases provides Dr. Baker the experience necessary to develop and maintain his surgical expertise.

A Member of Plastic Surgery's Most Prestigious Societies

Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery-the ONLY board of the specialty of plastic surgery.

A member of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons-The most elite official society of the specialty. A candidate is only eligible after being board certified for five years and then membership is voted on by member surgeons based on excellence within the specialty of plastic surgery.

A member of the American Alpine Workshop in Plastic Surgery. This is a small group of plastic surgeons from the United States and Canada who are all leaders in national and international plastic surgery. This membership is by invitation and meets annually to discuss complex cases with the North American thought leaders in plastic surgery.

An Accomplished Author

Dr. Baker has edited two textbooks and written over fifteen chapters and thirty articles. He has presented locally, nationally, and internationally over fifty times and has been invited to speak at courses or symposia over fifty times.

An Award Winning Clinician

Dr. Baker has won awards for both his clinical and academic results at national plastic surgery meetings and is engaged in active research and is considered a national leader in plastic surgery and lectures across the country. He currently has three patents pending for inventions related to plastic surgery.

Recognized for Excellence by the Media

Dr. Baker's clinical results have been featured with his patients on the official website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)-both for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. His research has also been featured on the ASPS website. Dr. Baker has been featured in major national and international media for his expertise and philosophy of treatment in plastic surgery content.

Dr. Stephen Baker's extensive background and accomplishments have generated a lot of media attention. Nationally recognized publications and television stations have featured interviews and works by Dr. Baker.

Please see the list below to download many of the featured spots in articles and television.

ABCNews
Like Liposuction, Without the Surgery

The Fat-Busting Potential of Neuropeptide Y

Allure Magazine
Fat Chance

Elle Magazine
Fat Fixer

The Washington Post
Way to Shrink, Grow Fat is Found

Why are more men opting for cosmetic surgery?

Newsweek Health
The Real Story of the Lunch-Hour Boob Job

MSNBC
Fat assets:Your behind’s foe is your face’s ally

Georgetown Medicine
Implications for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

The Times of London - Raconteur
The Business of Beauty

AARP

Face Time: More Men Getting Plastic Surgery

 

Also Featured In:

Television
ABC World News Tonight
NBC National Nightly News
ABC Nightline
CNN
The Learning Channel

Quality Checks
Washingtonian Magazine’s Top Doctors 2005 to present
America’s Top Doctors
America’s Top Plastic Surgeons
Castle and Connolly Best Doctors in America

Other Video Media
Ambassador DVDs made by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Print
The London Times
The Washington Post
LA Times
75th Anniversary of Plastic Surgery (commerative book published by ASPS for the society)

Online
Newsweek
MSNBC

Bloomberg News Network

Obesity, Fitness and Wellness Journal
Hartford Courant online
Houston Chronicle online
Long Beach Press‑Telegram online
Los Angeles Times
Digital50.com (Annapolis, MD)
MacroWorld Investor (Charlotte, NC)
National Hispanic Corporate Council (Arlington, VA)
Physorg.com (Tilburg, Netherlands)
RedOrbit.com
StreetInsider.com (Birmingham, MI)
Yahoo!News India
Centre Daily Times online (State College, PA)
Wilmington News Journal online (Wilmington, DE)
GayWired.com (Los Angeles, CA)
Forbes.com
Genetic Engineering News online (Larchmont, NY)
Investors Business Daily online (Los Angeles, CA)
PR Newswire
Seattle Post‑Intelligencer online (Seattle, WA)
EurekAlert.com
HealthNewsDigest.com
Interest Alert online
Quote.com
US Newswire
Santa Rosa Press Democrat online
South Florida Sun‑Sentinel online
Bio.com
MedCompare.com
MediLexicon.com (Cancun, Mexico),
Senior Journal online (San Antonio, TX),
247gay.com (Los Angeles, CA),
Bloggossip.com,
Scienceblog.com
Hong Kong Standard online
Associated Content online (Denver, CO)
Environment News Service (Honolulu, HI)
MedPage.com
Baltimore Sun Online
Diabetes in Control online