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The below article was published by USA Today on November 4, 2025.
Dr. Stephen Prendiville has always believed that medicine and art share a common purpose: restoration. As a third-generation physician and founder of his namesake facial plastic surgery practice in Southwest Florida, he aims to bring both precision and artistry to every procedure. “I was always encouraged to use my hands and my eye for detail,” he says. “That artistic side of me is what drew me toward facial reconstruction and rejuvenation.”
Raised in Miami, Florida, and part of a long lineage of medical professionals, Dr. Prendiville’s path seemed almost inevitable, but he shaped it in his own way. His uncle, one of the first formally trained plastic surgeons in Ireland, inspired him to pursue a discipline that combined creativity with medicine. “My father and grandfather were both doctors, and I always admired their compassion,” he says. “But I also wanted a field where I could incorporate artistic sensibility.”
He attended a university in Georgetown, drawn to its emphasis on human connection and rigorous education. Initially considering neurosurgery, he found his true calling during his residency in head and neck surgery. “I realized I liked putting things together more than taking them apart,” he says. “Facial plastic surgery allows me to restore what time or trauma has altered. It’s a blend of science and art.” His postgraduate fellowship further refined his approach.
In 2001, Dr. Prendiville moved to Southwest Florida, establishing his own practice two years later. What began as primarily reconstructive work has evolved into a center known for facial rejuvenation procedures, from facelifts and eyelid surgery to brow lifts and rhinoplasty. “Over time, my practice has become more focused on helping patients restore their self-image,” he says. “We are helping people feel like themselves again.”
That philosophy extends beyond aesthetics. Before any surgery, patients undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluations to ensure readiness, both physically and emotionally. “Facial surgery can be deeply personal,” he says. “It may affect how people see themselves every day, so we have to make sure they are doing it for reasons that align with their personal goals.” In an era shaped by social media filters and unrealistic standards, that level of care has become more important than ever.
Dr. Prendiville performs procedures in a surgical facility that aims to meet the rigorous standards of safety and patient care. “Our patients trust us because we focus on doing things the right way, from preoperative testing to surgical protocols,” he says. His approach draws individuals who value health, active lifestyles, and authenticity over fleeting trends.
For Dr. Prendiville, natural results are the benchmark. “Facial rejuvenation today is about precision,” he says. “Beyond noticeable changes, people want to look refreshed.”
He credits advances in medical technology for improving both outcomes and recovery times. From techniques like deep-plane facelifts to the use of innovations such as tranexamic acid for safer, more technically proficient procedures, the field continues to evolve toward precision and care. “It’s remarkable how much progress has been made in the last decade,” he says. “These advancements help us deliver results that are both safer and more natural.”
For Dr. Prendiville, the most rewarding part of his work comes after the procedure, when patients see themselves in the mirror and recognize the person they remember. “They often say, ‘You made me look like me again,’” he says. “That moment never gets old. Seeing someone regain confidence reminds me why I chose this profession.”
As both a surgeon and artist, Dr. Prendiville sees his practice as a partnership built on trust and empathy. “What we really do,” he says, “is help people feel whole again, inside and out.”
