Affiliations & Memberships

Hospital Affiliations

St. John's Hospital - The region's newest hospital is adjacent to the office.

Society Memberships

Dr. Teitelbaum is a member of many professional societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Ultrasonic Surgeons, the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, and many others.

He also is actively involved in these societies, serving as current co-chair of the Legislative Affiairs Committee of the California Society, as well as a member of the Ethics Committee. He also serves on the legislative committees of ASPS and ASAPS.

Additional Information

Patients sometimes will ask me what they "need." My attitude about aesthetic surgery is that people do not need it in the same way that a bone may need to be fixed or a suspicious growth removed. In other words, it is not possible to simply look at a photograph of a patient and determine without talking to them what operation is right for them. Frequently, there is an array of surgical options available to a patient, involving different costs, risks, recoveries, scars, and results. I make it a goal to explore these issues as thoroughly as possible with a patient at their consultation, so that they can make a truly informed choice about what they want done. Whether they have the surgery done by me, someone else, or not at all, they leave their visit with a dramatically enhanced understanding of their situation.

Far too often I hear a patient from another surgeon complain that they did not get the result they wanted or were expecting. Sometimes they wanted to be less pulled, or not to have had such a big implant. While there are aspects of surgery that are unpredictable, I make sure that a patient knows what to expect as much as possible. If I do not agree with what a patient wants to do - either because I think it is unsafe, or aesthetically undesirable, I discuss it. But a patient of mine will know ahead of time what to expect.

That being said, there are certain subtle intangibles that result from a surgeon's own personal aesthetic sense. I am up front about mine, and I think it is important for patients selecting an aesthetic surgeon be sensitive to these details. I believe in classic, natural, soft beauty. I think that visual clues to aesthetic surgery are often worse than the deformity that was corrected. For instance, I would err on pulling a face less rather than more, in order to avoid an unnatural swept or pulled look. I believe that huge breast implants look and feel unnatural, and cause long-term problems. Outer thigh liposuction is desirable to achieve a smoother, more svelte contour, but I believe that often plastic surgeons remove too much fat, leaving an androgenized, even masculine appearance. Much of what is important to you about how I see things is something you have to observe, and feel for yourself; it is not something I, or another plastic surgeon can fully explain. Certainly, my aesthetic sensibilities will not be shared by all prospective patients; what you must do is be alert to the signs of a surgeon who shares yours.

Safety and predictability is of paramount importance. New techniques come and go, and I do not rush to adopt them unless a clear advantage is shown. Meticulously executed proven techniques serve most patients better in most situations than the "technique du jour" But when a patient needs an unusual procedure that I am not adept at, I do not hesitate to help them find the right doctor. This is not to say that I do not perform the latest techniques, because I certainly do. What it means is that I have a tendency to be more circumspect, rather than aggressive about offering new techniques. I also think it is important to stay in close contact with a patient after surgery. While our office is very busy, I make sure to frequently see all my patients after surgery. Very careful postoperative care is very important in achieving the best possible result.

Sometimes a patient will come in for a consultation and express that they feel nervous. I always tell them that they needn't feel nervous- that this is voluntary surgery. That they should keep seeing doctors until finally everything clicks- that they like the doctor, they like the office, they like the staff - and that they start to get enthusiastic about surgery. It is natural for an intelligent person to always have some apprehension, but eventually the nervousness will be gradually replaced by enthusiasm, and when - and only when that happens - should they proceed with surgery. I am anxious to help you in your process to decide if and what aesthetic surgery is right for you!

Thank you for your interest in Dr. Teitelbaum and our plastic surgery center. Please call us at (310) 315-1121 to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Teitelbaum. There is a $100 fee for the consultation, but this is applicable to surgery, so it is essentially free. If you have any questions we encourage you to call the office to speak with Marie or Rebecca. But if you prefer, you may email us at stevetbaum@aol.com, and you will receive a prompt reply. All information is kept totally confidential.

Testimonial

Dr. Teitelbaum,
I'm about 12 weeks post breast augmentation and I am so pleased with EVERYTHING! Not just the beautiful results but also the process, surgery time, and most of all -recovery time!,
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The night after surgery, I went out to dinner with my husband and son. I drove myself to your office for my next day follow-up, ok that was not advised but I was feeling great! On week 2 my son, a 40lb 2.5 year-old, could sit on my lap and lean back as he normally would while I read to him.,
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I was certain that you would have me looking exactly the way I envisioned but I honestly did not believe the recovery would be this fast. You did an amazing job. You "nailed" the size I wanted and I've never felt better. ,
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I will see you for a follow up soon and I hope you enjoy your week! Thank you for everything!,
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~~ joy w.