Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery A Division of U.S. Dermatology Partners

September 3, 2024

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Story by Jeanie Edgmon

Daniel Bortnick, MD | Chris Surek, DO | MyChi Le, MD

Sculpting Beauty with Precision and Passion

U.S. Dermatology Partners’ central plastic surgery division boasts a trio of exceptional surgeons who bring outstanding aesthetic and reconstructive care to the region. This elite team consists of Daniel P. Bortnick, MD, FACS, MyChi Le, MD, and Chris Surek, DO, FACS – each bringing unique expertise and innovative techniques to their individual practices.

Dr. Bortnick, a Kansas City native, has built a stellar reputation for his work in cosmetic and aesthetic surgery. He is recognized for his decades of dedication to education in the industry serving as an Adjunct Professor of Plastic Surgery at KU. Dr. Le brings fresh perspectives and years of advanced training to the team, while Dr. Surek is nationally recognized for his research in facial cosmetic surgery and his contributions to medical education.

Together, these surgeons offer a comprehensive range of procedures, from breast augmentations and facelifts to complex reconstructive surgeries. Their combined skills cover the full spectrum of plastic and reconstructive needs, ensuring patients receive cutting-edge care tailored to their individual goals.

MyChi Le, MD

Dr. MyChi Le

Plastic surgery is where art and science converge, and it is the perfect setting for Kansas City native and board-certified plastic surgeon MyChi Le, MD. More than a plastic surgeon; Dr. Le is a true artist dedicated to helping her patients unveil their best selves.

A graduate of the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Dr. Le always knew she wanted to do something surgical and fell in love with the depth and breadth of plastic surgery.

“I enjoyed that it combined the complexities of surgery and loved the cosmetic artistry. I also found it rewarding to work with patients who have gone through some challenges, whether related to medical conditions like breast or skin cancer, or emotional well-being to help them feel like themselves again and be comfortable in their own skin,” Dr. Le shared. Dr. Le has also been named a Regional Top Doctor by Castle Connolly.

Her love for the field has only increased with medical advances and discoveries that has allowed her to continually learn and grow as a surgeon, even after 15 years in the field, to better serve her patients

“There is always intense research being invested in plastic and cosmetic surgery thereby expanding our capabilities. Breast implants, for example, are one of the most studied medical devices, and have been proven safe time and time again. Another example is that we believed for a long time that it was difficult to do a breast augmentation and breast lift at the same time. Now, I do this regularly.”

While surgical advances have expanded capabilities, Dr. Le warns of opting for at-home cosmetic options or not working with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

“There is a huge market for skincare and rejuvenation products. Working with professionals who understand the products and their applications is important. When considering surgical cosmetic procedures, it is critical to work with board-certified plastic surgeons who have heavily invested in honing their knowledge and skills and have gone through 6 or more years of dedicated plastic surgery training, rather than 6-12 months of ‘cosmetic surgery training,” she advised.

In addition to her surgical excellence in a wide range of procedures such as the “mommy makeover” and her expertise in non-invasive cosmetic procedures, what sets Dr. Le apart is her innate ability to connect with her patients, especially having gone through the emotional and physical challenges herself after having children. She understands that behind every consultation is a unique story—each individual carrying dreams, insecurities, and aspirations.

“One of the most exciting things about this work is that every day is different. Every patient is different. I value everyone’s personal perception. What is beautiful and pleasing to one, may not be to another. This is why I invest a tremendous amount of time with my patients discussing expectations and possible limitations of each option. Every day is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of others, and that is what makes my work so humbling and gratifying.”

Whether it’s enhancing a silhouette with a breast augmentation or restoring confidence through reconstructive surgery, Dr. Le approaches each case with a blend of artistry and empathy. Her goal? To ensure every patient feels seen, heard, and empowered throughout their journey.

Chris Surek, DO, FACS

Dr. Chris Surek

Chris Surek, DO, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has rapidly become a leading figure in aesthetic and cosmetic surgery. Based in Kansas City, Dr. Surek has earned a reputation for his exceptional skills in facial, breast, and body procedures, as well as his expertise in non-surgical treatments. Dr. Surek has also been named a Regional Top Doctor by Castle Connolly.

Dr. Surek’s journey in medicine began at Kansas City University (KCU) where he completed medical school. He then went on to complete his plastic surgery residency training at the University of Kansas Medical Center. His pursuit of excellence led him to the Cleveland Clinic, where he undertook an additional sub-specialty fellowship in facial & body cosmetic surgery, honing his skills under some of the most renowned surgeons in the field.

Dr. Surek’s passion for education and innovation has set him apart in the plastic surgery community. He has received national recognition for his research in facial cosmetic surgery, earning two awards for his groundbreaking work. Additionally, he has co-authored four textbook chapters on various aspects of cosmetic surgery and is the co-author of a top-selling textbook on aesthetic plastic surgery.

Dr. Surek has had the honor of co-chairing the national Facial & Rhinoplasty Symposium for the past three years as well as co-chairing the national Nuances in Injectables Meeting for the past four years, both sponsored by the Aesthetic Society (aka American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, ASAPS). Last year Dr. Surek was elected to the society’s board of directors.

Dr. Surek believes in giving back through teaching and has the privilege of mentoring and educating plastic surgery residents from his alma mater program at the University of Kansas Medical Center where he serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery. Additionally, he serves as an Assistant Professor of Anatomy at KCU.

“What excites me about this field is that it is forward-thinking. We are seeing considerable development in surgical techniques in both body contouring and facial sculpting. Fillers and neurotoxins continue to advance and offer non-surgical options for more subtle results,” Dr. Surek explained.

In the operating room, Dr. Surek specializes in a wide range of procedures, including facelifts, eyelid surgery, Rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty and body contouring. His approach combines surgical precision with an artistic eye, allowing him to achieve natural-looking results that enhance each patient’s unique beauty.

Beyond his surgical skills, Dr. Surek is also an expert in non-invasive facial rejuvenation techniques. He has advanced training in treatments such as neurotoxins, dermal fillers, and chemical peels, offering his patients a comprehensive approach to aesthetic enhancement.

Ultimately, his passion for the field is driven by his deep care for his patients.

Dr. Surek explained, “Every day, I strive to give patients the best version of myself. We provide a boutique atmosphere and treat each patient like family. My approach to each patient is predicated on attention to detail and customizing the result to their desired aesthetics. We believe our patients deserve the highest level of care, compassion, and consideration.”

Dr. Surek also knows that this comprehensive approach to high level care cannot be done without the amazing team around him. “I have an incredible staff that go above and beyond for our patients every day, we are lucky to have such a great team and culture in our office”

Dr. Surek’s combination of technical expertise, artistic vision, and genuine care for his patients has established him as a trusted name in plastic surgery.

Daniel P. Bortnick, MD, FACS

Dr. Daniel P. Bortnick

Daniel P. Bortnick, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has established himself as a leading figure in cosmetic surgery in the Kansas City area. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Bortnick combines surgical precision with an artistic eye to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals.

A Kansas City native, Dr. Bortnick’s medicine journey began with early exposure to the field. His father was a well-known area facial plastic surgeon, now retired, and at 91 is a prolific watercolor artist. Growing up, Dr. Bortnick saw his father’s dynamic passion for the field and caught the passion early.

He attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he earned his BA-MD degree. He then completed a five-year general surgery residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center, which included a post-doctoral fellowship in molecular genetics and microbiology. His training culminated with a two-year plastic surgery residency at the University of Georgia Medical College.

“I am fortunate to have a father that loved the profession. I was greatly impacted by seeing the difference he made in people’s lives and how that ultimately impacts a community. Now looking back, after 30 years as a plastic surgeon, I can honestly say that this journey has been absolutely and profoundly rewarding,” he shared.

Family and community play a key role in Dr. Bortnick’s life. He and his wife have four adult children who are all high-level athletes, one of whom is currently in medical school. “The sacrifices from my wife, Lila enabled me to pursue a devotion to plastic surgery without losing touch with my family,” he explained.

“Plastic surgery is unlike other areas of medicine. The surgeon gets to create and solve with both their hands and their minds. We, and the patients, get immediate gratification. We are rewarded by seeing how a procedure brings a renewed sense of self, and in turn, restores and builds the patients self-confidence.”

Dr. Bortnick has developed a reputation as a local and regional expert in several areas of plastic surgery. His specialties include cosmetic body contouring, such as Mommy Makeover, liposuction, breast augmentation, Rhinoplasty and facelifts. He is also recognized nationally for his expertise in facial fillers and non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques such as chemical peels and lasers.

His patients benefit from a comprehensive approach to aesthetic care. The practice combines state-of-the-art plastic surgery with advanced skin care services, offering a full spectrum of treatments. This unique integration allows patients to receive all their treatments and procedures under one roof.

Believing in the life-changing difference that plastic surgery can make, Dr. Bortnick has devoted nearly 30 years to giving his time as an Adjunct Professor of Plastic Surgery at KU. The formally required rotation in aesthetic surgery, with Dr. Bortnick, is consistently rated as one of the top training rotations of the Chief Plastic Surgery Residents.

Throughout his career, Dr. Bortnick has been recognized for his contributions to the field. Dr. Bortnick has been recognized multiple times by Newsweek as one of America’s Top 100 Plastic Surgeons. Every year since 2012, Dr. Bortnick has been named a Regional Top Doctor by Castle Connolly and has received multiple “Top Doctor” accolades in Kansas City. He has served as the President of the Kansas City Plastic Surgery Society. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and holds memberships in prestigious organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Above all, Dr. Bortnick acknowledges the difference others have made and continues to make in his practice.

“Jamee, our Chief Nurse has been with me for 13 years. She has four children, recently welcoming a new baby boy. She balances work and family with equal care, compassion, and dedication. Desi, who fills in twice a week, provides equally outstanding care and attention to detail. They keep things running superbly, and without them, this would be impossible. They deserve tremendous credit for our success,” he said with the full weight of conviction.

Drs. Bortnick, Le, and Surek continue to be at the forefront of plastic surgery, combining innovative techniques with a deep understanding of aesthetics. Their commitment to patient care, coupled with their extensive experience, make them a trusted choice for those seeking to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence through plastic surgery.