A native of the Chicago area, Dr. Rodger Wade Pielet grew up in Aurora, Illinois, in a family that stressed the importance of education. “I was always interested in medicine, even as a young child,” he says. His fascination with reconstructive surgery continued to grow when he was a medical student. “I was very interested in this concept of helping repair and reconstruct functional problems. It became a form of problem-solving for me which later expanded to include the cosmetic aspect of surgery.”
Patients of Dr. Pielet work closely with the surgeon, himself. Board Certified and distinguished in his field, Dr. Pielet is dedicated to the practice of aesthetic plastic surgery. He is an active member of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He is also a member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Surgeons, the Chicago Society of Plastic Surgery and the Midwestern Association of Plastic Surgeons.
Well-known for his honesty, integrity, passion and skill, Dr. Pielet has received tremendous recognition by the local and national news media for his advanced techniques and innovations in cosmetic and aesthetic surgery. Numerous articles regarding Dr. Pielet have been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and Daily Herald. He has made many appearances on radio and television programs including Fox News, WGN-TV, NBC-5 and Oprah After the Show. Most recently, he was featured in an article in Today’s Chicago Woman for his unique and personalized approach to each individual patient.
While regarded as a respected authority on reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, Dr. Pielet is also a Clinical Associate at the University of Chicago, where he maintains a presence in the academic and clinical training of plastic surgeons. He has also taught laser physics and laser training courses both nationally and abroad. In addition, he is the author of numerous scientific articles and has lectured extensively on the scope of plastic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery. His practice currently focuses on cosmetic and aesthetic surgery, laser surgery and general adult and pediatric reconstructive plastic surgery. He has also written several textbook chapters including the most recent chapter entitled Local Anesthetics and Surgical Considerations for Body Contouring.
In 1999, Dr. Pielet was diagnosed with Lymphoma. After six months of aggressive chemotherapy, he not only survived his battle with cancer but also prospered. After a successful partnership with Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Associates, he embarked on his own, opening the sole practice that bears his name. “I am a 6-year survivor, and I know that my being able to relate to a patient who is struggling with issues is extremely important. I’ve been on the other side.”
In addition to his clinical practice and academic contributions in Chicago, Dr. Pielet donates his time and professional services to help underprivileged children and adults with congenital deformities in Oaxaca and Zimapan, Mexico.
Dr. Pielet is a member of Chicago’s Esteem Makeover Team, where two individuals from the Chicago-area each year were selected to receive fitness training, nutritional counseling, a new hair style, new wardrobe, dental work, eye care and plastic surgery. Dr. Pielet’s surgical team has performed procedures such as a brow lifts, face-lifts, rhinoplasty (nose reconstruction), eyelid surgery, liposculpture, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and total body-lifts on the winners.
Education:
B.S., Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
M.D., Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, NA
Residencies:
1987-1988, Internship, Tulane University Hospital, New Orleans, LA
1988-1991, General Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
1991-1993, Fellowship, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery,
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Academic positions:
1993-1997 Assistant Professor of Surgery, The University of Chicago
1997-present, Clinical Associate, The University of Chicago
Volunteerism:
Annual donation of time and services performing pediatric and adult reconstructive surgery in remote Mexican villages
Board Member of Local Dance Company
Member of Chicago Esteem Makeover
Northwest Medical Teams, Annual missions to provide adult and pediatric reconstructive plastic surgery in Mexico
Interests:
Home improvement
Motorcycles
Cars
Boating on Lake Michigan
Cycling
Art
