Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS

Got a breast lift and it's day 12 of recovery. I feel sore, but not too bad. I did lipo 360 as well and moved the fat to hip dips. Two moles were removed in the posses. feeling like I can move on my own but still a bit shaky and weak. I can't stand or sit too long. Every day gets better and better

From the initial consultation process, to surgery, to recovery, to follow ups, and minor revisions based on my specific preference, Dr. Gutowski was second to none with my tummy tuck and fat transfer to breast procedures.

After nine, yes, nine, consultations with the top named surgeons in the downtown Chicago and suburban area, over a year timespan, Dr. Gutowski was my final choice. I was ultimately led to him by another renowned Northwestern plastic surgeon who did not perform the drain-less tummy tuck procedure and recommended him. Dr. Gutowski’s patience and confidence in the consultation was unmatched. He saw my vision and heard me out.

His office was excellent to coordinate for surgery scheduling and answering all questions prior to and after.

Due to my surgery being more extensive, I elected to be operated at North Shore Hospital which also provided an excellent experience with great care and comfort.

While recovery was not entirely pleasant, it was manageable and the personal check ins from Dr. Gutowski both in person and via personal cell phone were so appreciated. He answered my many questions as it was my first surgery and I was overly concerned about things being normal or not.

Follow-ups at his office were quick and easy and while he encouraged me to be patient with healing, he supported any ideas of potential revisions in the future.

My results were close to perfect minus a few tweaks which he was incredibly understanding of and happy to modify in the next 6 months, for a facility fee, which I thought was incredibly reasonable. The revisions were done in-office and I was very impressed by his personal facility.

My true and complete satisfaction occurred after the minor tweaks as I had the vision I was looking for with a combination of being patient as well as collaborating with the doctor after healing was complete.

Almost one year post original surgery, I could not be happier. While most are not even aware I underwent the procedure due to such natural looking results, I gave myself the biggest gift I could, confidence after my body changed after children and the aging process.

Despite being very physically active and fit, what Dr. Gutowski did for me was something I would have never been able to achieve on my own, despite my dedication to the gym and diet. This is something that I am completely and utterly grateful for.

While originally, I was never a proponent of plastic surgery, this experience has been a living testament of how wonderful of an enhancement it can be when done right and tastefully.

Thank you Dr. Gutowski for the major impact you had on my life and confidence.

Dr G and his staff are fantastic. I wish I had before pictures but I was too embarrassed to take them, but my results have been fantastic.

I had awake lipo from Dr G on my abdomen, flanks, and inner thighs. I am 5’4” and when I started the procedure probably weighed around 140 (already had lost 20 lbs). I had the dreaded “bulge” in these areas- Lower tummy and upper inner thighs.

We did all of this at once, while awake. I had Tylenol and .5 Xanax during procedure. Had to get a ride home on that day. First day- felt amazing. But for the 2 days after the numbing wore off I felt like I was hit by a truck. That quickly changed. I had concerns about some lump areas in my tummy and he offered 2 free sessions of radiofrequency in that area, I continued for 2-3 more paid.

I continued losing weight after lipo due to a variety of health factors, and the results just got better. Except thighs sort of still bulged based on my proportions.

At a later checkup (past 6 mos) he said he thought my thighs could look better and offered a minor revision. My upper inner thighs specifically were still prominent. I did a bunch of research and know that a lot of people have loose skin or irregularities, but after how positive my first experience was I decided to go for it. I had the procedure today. He said I could drive myself and I did. Probably took 30 min (actual procedure) but full revision about 2 hours with numbing and prep. Home now and no pain yet but I imagine I’ll be good by Monday.

I’ve had friends get lipo from other places and they have raised scars. Dr G does stitches so the wound stays small and heals. Between that and some bio-oil, I have no visible marks on my body and I plan to treat the thigh revision the same way.

Dr G has a fantastic practice with kind people and a thoughtful approach. I would recommend him to anyone! If I get my before/after pics I’ll post them.

I’ve had two surgeries with Dr Gutowski as a lipedema patient. I live in KS but drove to his office in Glenview specifically to work with him. He is wonderful surgeon who took the time to listen to my concerns and addressed them accordingly. For my first surgery he even came to my hotel room for a follow up visit so I wouldn’t have to take an Uber to go to his office. I can’t recommend him enough.

Dr Karol Gutowski is a wonderful plastic surgeon and a very caring and compassionate doctor. I originally found him years ago after having plastic surgery in another country and the doctor there wanted me to follow up with a doctor when I returned to the USA. My internist tried to refer me to plastic surgeons he knew to no avail. One doctor refused to see me because he did not perform the original procedure and one had an opening weeks too far away. 2 others told me on the phone to go to the ER and this was not an emergency, just a follow-up. I found Dr Gutowski on-line, called his office, and he saw me that day.
I have regularly seen him since then for other procedures, including Xeomin. I grind my teeth, and he uses Xeomin to relax my grinding muscles; it is a real game changer. I trust him and his skills implicitly. I regularly asked him for suggestions for procedures or asked about specific cosmetic treatment, and more often than not, would not recommend it for me and/or say I didn’t need it. His office offers so many treatments and procedures. I always feel great when I leave the offices.

I moved out of state but when I know I will be visiting Illinois, I will schedule an appointment for more cosmetic care. I miss him, his staff, and the beautiful medical spa in Glenview Illinois.

It was worth the wait to have my "body renovated" by board-certified Dr Karol Gutowkski. I have had three life-changing surgeries with him starting in June 2022 and finishing in February 2024. His attention to detail is phenomenal and his bedside manner, care, and concern for his patients is world-class. Everyone on his staff from Ellen on is very easy to work with. His pricing for cosmetic aspects is very fair.

I am more comfortable in my body, more active, and happier with my life in general thanks to "Dr. G's" training and skill.

Had a drainless extended TT and couldn’t be happier! Even my lymphatic massage therapist said it’s the best she’s seen (and she’s been doing post op care for years!) Scar is healing beautifully and had no complications or significant pain afterwards.

Dr. Gutowski is the mot patient, kind and skilled doctor you will find. I saw Dr. G for Stage 2 Lipedema, affecting my upper arms, full legs, butt and abdomen. He created a plan for me and supported my on my journey. Surgery 1 was lipo to full legs and upper arms with an arm lift. Surgery 2 was lipo to the butt and abdomen. Prior to surgery, I had significant pain, swelling and heaviness in the affected areas which has been greatly reduced. Dr. G was available to discuss any questions and concerns and truly cares about his patients.
Ellen supported me with getting these surgeries paid for by insurance. Dr. G and Ellen are truly incredible advocates for those impacted by this chronic disease. They have changed my life for the better and I am forever grateful.

Dr. Gutowski has improved my quality of life so much! I have lipedema and Dercum's Disease and these are things he is very knowledgeable and experienced with. I have had several procedures with him and along with the removal of so much pain, I have also gone from a 4x compression garment to XL. I never imagined wearing these sizes again. Although pain removal is my #1 concern, I would refer anyone to him for any procedure you are wanting or needing. Dr. Gutowski has my full respect and trust and I wouldn't want to go to any other plastic surgeon. If I could give him ten stars I would!
Updated on 29 Nov 2023:
I have only good things to say about Dr. G and his office. He listens to you, tells you what he can do to help you, then surgery both awake in office and in the hospital is done with complete care and follow-up. I think he is the best surgeon for any plastic surgery you are wanting or needing. There are many reasons myself and others have given him 5 stars and it is because he is the best!

I just completed Lipedema Liposuction with Dr. Gutowski in July. Dr. Gutowski was so well informed on my Lipedema medical condition and so understanding of what I needed done surgically to achieve my goals. Dr. Gutowski, Ellen, and the entire Freshmed Spa team are so kind, professional, and caring. I felt like I was walking into an establishment of friends every time I went in. My husband and I were impressed by Dr. Gutowski's expert knowledge of Lipedema and his patience with us as we asked questions. He did a fabulous job with my surgery and I am beyond grateful!!! He and his team are a "gift", my life is forever changed and improved.