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Dr. Stephen P. Hardy
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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 With
the increased popularity of “makeover” reality shows such as “The
Swan” and “Extreme Makeover,” many people are beginning to
re-evaluate the concept of making due with what one’s been given. As
more people turn to plastic surgery in an attempt to improve their
outward appearances, Stephen P. Hardy, MD, who is board certified by
the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, cautions
patients. Dr. Hardy says, “Surgery is surgery, no matter what its
aim, and improving one’s quality of life should always be the
primary motivation behind any procedure.”
“These reality shows are deceptive because they only show bits and
pieces of the entire process,” Hardy says. “I think that can
contribute to misunderstanding the true reality and science of
plastic surgery.”
Dr. Hardy, who has lived and worked in Missoula for the past five
years, decided to become a plastic surgeon while at Columbia Medical
School in New York City. He wanted to improve the lives of children
born with congenital birth defects such as cleft palates. He found
these types of reconstructive surgery both challenging and
satisfying.
“I know when I help someone feel better about their appearance, I am
contributing to their self-esteem and that’s a great feeling.”
Dr. Hardy had a very successful academic and professional life in
Madison, Wisconsin., where he served concurrently as Chief of
Plastic Surgery at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans
Hospital, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine. However, he explained
that the rigors of research, teaching and an active clinical
practice affected his family life.
“I decided that my family’s quality of life was suffering as a
result of the demands on my time, and when the opportunity to
practice in Missoula came up, I took it,” Hardy explains.
Dr. Hardy’s practice has substantially increased as the Hollywood
stigma of plastic surgery has diminished. He is currently in the
process of opening a new facility that will offer patients a Medi-Spa
experience. They can have all their surgical and therapeutic needs
met in a calming and relaxing atmosphere.
“Our goal is to put our patients completely at ease,” Hardy says. He
goes on to explain that the new facility will allow his highly
trained staff to better assist him in guiding each patient through
their own personalized evaluation process and procedure, using state
of the art equipment and techniques.
“We understand surgery can be intimidating,” Hardy adds.
In fact, it was that high level of commitment to patient care that
led Kathy Martin to seek treatments from Dr. Hardy.
“I was very concerned about reports that many of the practitioners
performing cosmetic surgery today aren’t even Board Certified
Plastic Surgeons,” Martin says. She was very impressed with Dr.
Hardy’s training and certification, which qualifies him to perform
head-to-toe plastic and reconstructive surgery.
“What it boils down to for me is that this is my face and my body,
and I only feel that I can entrust that to a properly certified
plastic surgeon,” Martin added. “The atmosphere was very relaxing
and comfortable, and the staff was so helpful. Not only that, I
loved my result!”
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