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Worthy Convos: Dr. Matthew Steele on Reflecting His Patients’ Inner Beauty
We started Worthy Convos to highlight people doing good and interesting things in our community. Dr. Matthew Steele, a longtime Tanglewood Moms friend, is a beloved plastic surgeon here in Fort Worth whose patients are treated like family. He kindly took the time to participate in this Worthy Convo.
Tanglewood Moms: What made you decide to pursue both plastic surgery and otolaryngology?
Matthew Steele, MD: My first residency was otolaryngology (ENT), and I really enjoyed the surgery and anatomy. During my ENT residency, I was exposed to plastic surgery and I liked the variety of procedures and not being limited to just head and neck.
TWM: How do these specialties complement each other?
MS: There is a fair amount of overlap with facial plastic surgery (ENT) and the field of plastic surgery. For example, both specialties perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgery on the face/neck. Both specialties require a lot of attention to detail because of the complex anatomy.
TWM: Many people think plastic surgery is only about aesthetics. How do you explain the relationship between reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery?
MS: The goal of reconstructive plastic surgery is to restore normal form and function as closely as possible. Having an aesthetic eye only improves the reconstructive outcome.
TWM: Your website describes your practice as “patient-first.” What does that mean for a new patient?
MS: As soon as a prospective patient calls the office or walks in for the first time, we want everyone to be treated like family. Our practice is small, and it allows us to make sure the patient is heard and their goals are understood and met.
TWM: How do you help a patient balance their desired outcome with what is possible and practical?
MS: We have a very frank discussion about what is realistically possible and the associated risks and benefits of every procedure.
TWM: What trends in plastic surgery do you think will still be popular five years from now?
MS: With the increased use and indications of GLP- 1 medications, I expect we will continue to see the popularity of the procedures designed to correct the effects of weight loss: facelifts, breast lifts, and body contouring.
TWM: How have technological advances changed your specialty over the years?
MS: Better understanding of the blood vessel anatomy has allowed the development of advanced reconstructive techniques using the body’s own tissue. Additionally, the improvements in technology resulted in energy-based treatments that can get better results with a less invasive approach.
TWM: Reconstructive surgery affects more than just a patient’s appearance. How does a good reconstructive surgery affect quality of life?
MS: Procedures such as a breast reduction greatly improve a woman’s self-confidence while reducing back and neck pain and allowing better clothing options. My goal is to have the patient’s inner beauty and confidence reflected in their outward appearance.
TWM: Is there one story that stands out in your career that you can share with us?
MS: While I no longer perform cleft lip/palate surgery, it was always incredibly rewarding to feel the joy and gratitude from the patient’s family.
TWM: And finally, what are the top three most popular procedures in your practice?
MS: Breast surgery (augmentation, lifts, and reductions), skin cancer reconstruction, and body contouring surgeries.
