Christopher J. Spittler, MD in Baltimore: Surgical Cosmetic Procedures with Emphasis on Facial Reconstruction

Christopher J. Spittler, MD is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Baltimore whose practice combines cosmetic procedures with surgical reconstruction, serving patients seeking everything from elective facial refinement to post-injury or post-surgical restoration. His scope is broader than aesthetics-only clinics, which affects both the technical approach to complex cases and the typical patient mix.

What the practice actually is

Spittler operates as a solo plastic surgeon practice, meaning decisions about surgical technique, implant selection, and revision approaches rest with him directly rather than being distributed across a large group. Board certification in plastic surgery (verified through the American Board of Plastic Surgeons) is the credentialing standard; it requires five years of accredited surgical training beyond medical school, plus passing examinations. His dual focus on reconstruction and cosmetics is common among surgeons trained in academic medical centers, where complex trauma, burns, and congenital cases shape the technical foundation that then applies to elective work.

The practice operates in Baltimore proper, which matters for wait times and continuity. Patients seeking cosmetic surgery in the region can choose between high-volume, advertising-heavy chains (many based outside Maryland), smaller independent surgeons, and academic centers affiliated with University of Maryland or Johns Hopkins. Spittler's model sits between those options: experienced single surgeon, established local presence, no multi-state franchise structure.

Services and pricing

Spittler's practice handles rhinoplasty, facelift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), breast augmentation and reconstruction, and body contouring including liposuction and abdominoplasty. Reconstructive cases (post-mastectomy breast reconstruction, scar revision, skin cancer excision with repair) are part of the scope; some patients are insured for these, others are self-pay.

Pricing for elective cosmetic procedures in Baltimore ranges widely by surgeon and complexity. Rhinoplasty runs roughly $8,000 to $15,000; facelift $12,000 to $25,000; blepharoplasty $4,000 to $8,000. These are market ranges, not Spittler-specific figures. Surgeons charge differently based on facility costs, anesthesia setup, and geographic location within the region. Reconstructive procedures covered by insurance operate under different billing; self-pay reconstruction is negotiated per case. Verify current fees directly with the practice, as cosmetic pricing adjusts annually and varies based on the complexity of the proposed surgery.

Financing options are common in cosmetic surgery practices. Many surgeons offer payment plans through third-party lenders (CareCredit is standard) to spread costs over 12 to 24 months; interest rates and terms vary. Insurance rarely covers elective cosmetic work, but it may cover medically necessary reconstruction or revision of prior surgical problems.

How Spittler compares to other Baltimore cosmetic surgeons

Board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgeons is the floor criterion, not a differentiator. Most established surgeons in Baltimore carry it. The real differences are in volume, specialization, and referral patterns.

High-volume cosmetic chains like those operating from offices in Canton or Inner Harbor typically handle 400+ procedures annually and emphasize speed and standardization; they advertise heavily and accept many payment plans. Single-surgeon practices like Spittler's do 100-200 cases annually and invest more time in custom planning. Academic surgeons at Johns Hopkins or University of Maryland do elective cases alongside resident training and research; they often handle the most complex reconstructive work and are go-to sources for revision surgery.

Choose a high-volume chain if you want a quick turnaround, flexible scheduling, and certainty about cost. Choose Spittler or a comparable independent surgeon if you value continuity (same surgeon throughout consultation, surgery, and follow-up), are willing to wait 2-4 months for an appointment, and are having a procedure complex enough to justify higher personalization. Choose academic centers if the surgery is revision work, involves unusual anatomy, or includes reconstruction alongside cosmetics.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

Spittler's practice suits patients seeking primary cosmetic surgery (first-time rhinoplasty, first facelift) who can wait for a consultation appointment and prefer working with one surgeon through the full journey. It also suits patients with reconstruction needs, including those navigating insurance claims, because the practice has experience translating aesthetic goals into insurable diagnoses where applicable.

It does not suit patients who need surgery in under four weeks, cannot travel to Baltimore consistently for pre- and post-op care, or are looking for the lowest advertised price. High-volume chains often book faster and offer lower starting prices. It is not ideal for patients seeking the newest or most aggressive techniques; independent practices tend to use proven methods rather than chase emerging technology.

What the first visit involves

A consultation includes a physical examination, discussion of goals and limitations, imaging (photos and sometimes 3D scans), and a proposal that includes the surgical plan, facility, anesthesia, expected recovery, and cost. Spittler will show before-and-after examples of his own work, not stock images. The surgeon also assesses whether the patient's expectations align with realistic outcomes. Some patients are counseled that a requested procedure will not deliver the improvement they imagine; that honesty is a sign of a careful surgeon.

Expect the consultation to last 45 minutes to an hour. Bring reference photos if you have them (specific noses or faces you like). Ask about his preferred technique for your particular goal; different surgeons favor different approaches to the same problem, and technique affects outcome and healing.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Verify current hours directly with the practice; surgical practices often have limited front-desk hours separate from operating-room schedules. Parking in Baltimore varies by neighborhood. Ask the practice office which parking option they recommend. Most Baltimore surgical offices are in midtown or Harbor East, where street parking is limited and lot parking (often $5-15 for a few hours) is standard. Allow extra time for parking on your first visit.

Post-operative follow-up includes in-person visits at one week, two weeks, one month, and three months. Plan for someone to drive you home on surgery day; general anesthesia requires supervision afterward. Take one to two weeks off work for most cosmetic procedures, longer for facelifts or body contouring.

Spittler's practice is where to look if you want reconstructive surgery with cosmetic refinement or a primary cosmetic procedure backed by a surgeon who will manage your care through healing, not delegate follow-up to a nurse coordinator.