David W. Chou, MD

The face is the primary way we connect with our friends, family, and community. Since medical school, I was always drawn not only to the delicate, intricate anatomy of the face but also to the psychosocial impact of facial expression and communication. I love that in the field of facial plastic surgery, we are able to have an immediate and visible positive impact on patients’ lives.

My approach has always been to first connect with my patients on a human level before ever even diving into treatments and surgical options. I find it most important to understand where my patient is coming from and what their goals are, and from there we craft a plan that will help them look and feel their best in the safest way possible. Especially in the field of cosmetic and aesthetic surgery, I find it as important as ever to be honest and forthright with my patients, making sure they understand exactly what they’re signing up for.

I love to stay connected with my fellow facial plastic surgeons across the country. Whether that’s informally over a phone call or formally at a national conference, we’re always exchanging ideas and discussing the latest advances in our field. It’s an amazing community that constantly strives to collaborate and bring each other up. Beyond that, I am a bit of a nerd when it comes to scientific research, so I enjoy keeping up with new peer-reviewed journal publications and also serve as an eBoard member and article reviewer for the AAFPRS’ official journal Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine.

As a lifelong artist, photographer, and musician, facial plastic surgery is the perfect blend of my passions and skill sets. For one, I love connecting with my patients and listening to their unique stories and insights. In the OR, I get to use my aesthetic eye and work with my hands on truly delicate and beautiful anatomy. No two days are alike!

It’s completely normal for people to feel nervous about surgery. I always leave plenty of time in my consultations to answer questions and make sure my patients walk out of the office feeling fully confident and comfortable with our plan. I much prefer an open and honest discussion prior to surgery to minimize the chance of any surprises down the road.

I enjoy the full breadth of facial plastic surgery from ear reconstruction to facial rejuvenation. I find rhinoplasty perhaps one of the most exciting because even the slightest changes can have a profound impact on a patients’ confidence and breathing function. With all the various ways you can modify the cartilage, bone, and soft tissue, the nose presents an incredibly complex structure to operate on (despite being so relatively small).

Living in the Bay Area is an incredible privilege because there are so many fun ways to spend a weekend. Locally, I enjoy sampling the delicious food we have here and partaking in outdoor activities from hiking to golf to pickleball. I also love going on road trips along the coast, camping in state and national parks, and snowboarding in Tahoe in the winter!

Definitely drummer for a rock band. I was in a number of bands growing up that played local shows around Philadelphia, but sadly we never made it big. I still live out my rock and roll dreams in my home music room though!