Dr. med. Dominik Schmid

Internationally renowned plastic surgeon

Dr. Dominik Schmid has taken over the renowned practice in the heart of St. Gallen from his long-term practice partner and mentor, Dr. Jan G. Poëll. Dr. Poëll had successfully run the practice since 1986, with the highest quality standards and clear principles. Most recently, he was President of the professional society ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) - the world's highest office in aesthetic plastic surgery. Now Dr. Poëll has increasingly devoted himself to humanitarian projects and handed over the reins to his younger colleague.

Focus areas breast surgery, body lifting, face lifting, eyelid surgery and tumor surgery

This is not a quick 'Botox clinic', explains Dr. Schmid, 'we place value on comprehensive personal consultation, regardless of whether a small or larger procedure is to be carried out.' Dr. Dominik Schmid studied medicine in Bern, obtained not only the Swiss specialist title but also the European specialist title for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, was among others a senior physician at the University Hospital in Basel and a consultant at the Swiss Paraplegic Center Nottwil and perfected his craft at home and abroad. In complex cases at the Swiss Paraplegic Center, Dr. Schmid is still called in today.

In St. Gallen, about an hour's drive from Zurich, Dr. Dominik Schmid offers a wide range of his specialty with a focus on breast surgery, body lifting, face lifting, eyelid surgery, and tumor surgery. Procedures with local anesthesia are performed in the practice, larger ones requiring anesthesia at the Hirslanden Clinic Stephanshorn.

"We place great importance on comprehensive personal consultation, regardless of whether a small or larger procedure is to be carried out."

DR. DOMINIK SCHMID

Support for cost coverage by health insurances

He performs about 100 breast reductions per year. Many are young women who suffer mentally and physically: cases in which the surgeon persistently strives to ensure that the patients receive their rights - and that the health insurance companies cover the costs. Plastic and aesthetic procedures such as breast augmentations, facelifts or eyelid surgery require comprehensive consultation and the establishment of a solid trust relationship between patient and surgeon. That's why Dr. Schmid also sends some patients home again, so the decision can mature.

He rejects others where he does not consider surgery appropriate. 'As a surgeon, you have to be selective, that may sound arrogant, but the chemistry between doctor and patient has to be right, that's the prerequisite for successful treatment.' He also gladly puts together a list of other specialists for uncertain patients to obtain a second opinion.

Strengthened self-esteem

Plastic surgery can accomplish a lot. It is impressive to see how such an operative procedure can help patients to strengthened self-esteem. For the success of a treatment, in addition to consultation and surgical perfection, the smooth collaboration of a professional team is necessary. As a passionate sailor, Dr. Schmid knows that joint effort, collective energy, and special attentiveness as characteristics of teamwork are indispensable as a principle of success.

When asked about the future of aesthetic surgery, Dr. med. Dominik Schmid hopes for one thing above all: that the "Comité Européen de Normalisation" (CEN) will finally establish standards to regulate who is allowed to operate and what prerequisites justify surgery. For the protection of patients.