In the never ending quest for perfection of craft, few surgeons will stretch the limits or go to extreme lengths, as does Michael H. Freedland, M.D., board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Looking for new and innovative ways to update old and practiced procedures has become an integral part of his evolving practice. This bold stance has set him apart and placed him in the forefront of cosmetic surgery. A University of Michigan Medical School graduate, he completed his residencies in general surgery and plastic & reconstructive surgery prior to going on to specialize in craniofacial surgery. This expertise has also helped him look at the body more globally and to visualize and conceptualize the ideal for his patients. These days in his busy Troy office, Dr. Freedland sees many patients seeking his particular cosmetic surgery expertise. He credits having studied and specialized in craniofacial surgery with giving him the edge on understanding the basic underlying three-dimensional structure of the face. "You have to understand how the bones come together," says Dr. Freedland. In trauma cases, without prior knowledge of how the face once looked, he must rely on visualization and imagination. "During these procedures, you are dealing with a part of us that is as unique as a thumbprint, which differentiates us from all others - the character that manifests itself in facial features," he says. This has been a large part of his education - the drama of the necessary being the precursor of the elective. Dr. Freedland eagerly explains that each cosmetic surgery procedure is stimulating and challenging because "It's like looking at a three dimensional puzzle. And how do you figure out how to do it? How do you explain to someone how to do a Rubik's cube?" he says. "The principle is the same for each," he explains. "If you focus on the principle, the details become superfluous." In discussing how these rules apply to specific procedures, he elucidates "If you are doing a basic rhinoplasty and you understand the structural basis, then form follows function. It is no different if you are playing piano or if you are painting." Reflecting on the current trends in this type of surgery, he points out, "It is very difficult to get a nose to look like it hasn't been operated on. The last thing I want is for someone to look at my patient and know that they have had a nose job. The nose has to be in balance with the face." Dr Freedland goes on to illustrate that "The analysis of the face and nose is absolutely critical in order to solve the problem." For the patient, he points out, "That's the difference between a good nose and an awesome nose." "There are all these calculations that you do first based on the nose and its relative proportion to the rest of the face," he adds. "After you have done your homework and done the math then the art comes in. You have to start with a goal which is based on mathematic proportion." All of this is about being bold. But being bold also requires that you bring to the table the requisites of knowledge, confidence and practiced skills, in order for it to work. To do something ordinary is easy, but to stretch the limits and demand more, you need all the elements of imagination, utter conviction, certainty, and aplomb. Much has been written about Dr. Freedland and his charity work in the local press and it is something from which he seldom shies away. When a 6 year old girl from Mexico was recently flown in by Healing the Children Foundation, to a prominent Detroit hospital, Dr. Michael Freedland was the surgeon of choice. He was solicited for his craniofacial expertise, to help rebuild her face following surgery to remove a meningoencephalocele. This is a rare neurological growth that protrudes through the eye sockets and nasal cavity causing an unsightly and massive deformity. Such requests are not unexpected by Dr. Freedland, as he has served and donated his time and skills to many missions of mercy through his volunteer work with Operation Smile. This well-known and well-respected agency sends highly specialized surgeons to perform much needed surgeries in third world countries where such expertise is either unavailable or too costly. Dr. Freedland prefers that his cosmetic surgery cases be performed within the confines of a leading hospital. This gives the patient the utmost care and confidence that only the huge resources of a prominent hospital can provide. Most of his surgeries are performed at Beaumont Hospital's Suite 200 outpatient surgery center. In order to provide the assurance of top-quality care during and after the surgery, Dr. Freedland points out, "The patient has an added degree of protection and one other overseer." Well liked by both patients and hospital staff, Dr. Freedland will put in extra time and effort, calling patients at home, and is always ready to take on the more difficult cases. According to one operating room assistant, who has worked with him for many years, "There is more time spent talking to the patient before and after than it takes to do the case. He makes patients feel comfortable." Dr Freedland goes on to illustrate that "The analysis of the face and nose is absolutely critical in order to solve the 3290 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 410 Troy, MI 48084 fax: 248/816-6335