Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 – Please contact us if you need to reschedule your appointment. Read More
When it comes to your appearance, it’s best to keep in mind that you get what you pay for. No matter how much of a ‘deal’ you may think you’re getting, you must consider if you’re willing to take a risk by using a non-certified practitioner. Confirming that your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery helps serve as a warranty for the type of training they have received.
Did you know that any licensed physician can legally perform cosmetic procedures and call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, regardless of their training? Or they may present themselves as board certified, but are they board certified in the services they are offering? Surprisingly, there are no laws against a doctor treating someone outside the medical and surgical training they received to obtain their board certification.
Certification in Plastic Surgery can only be awarded by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This distinction is given only after the surgeon finishes a formal residency in Plastic Surgery and passes both a written and oral examination and their practice is reviewed after two years of actually working in their practice. Once a surgeon achieves Board Certification, they must participate in continuing education programs in order to maintain that status. Selecting a board-certified surgeon helps ensure that your doctor is dedicated to staying up-to-date on the latest technologies and changes.
Knowledge and experience are just a few of the reasons Dr. Poulter has earned the trust of thousands of patients. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery (General). He recertifies every two years in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and has earned the Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery Certificate. In addition to those certifications, Dr. Poulter also has advanced professional training in courses like the Masters Injectors Course, and the SkinMedica Product Science Course. He also has hospital accessibility at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center and Carle-Bromenn Medical Center, a privilege reserved to plastic surgeons who have board certification.
In addition to an experienced doctor and an accredited surgical suite, our staff members are also here to guide you through your procedure, providing all the necessary information and answering your questions and concerns. We pride ourselves on providing great service using our extensive experience at all points along the way to help alleviate any of your concerns.
When it comes to your plastic surgery, it’s best to do your research to make sure you’re in the best hands, in the best environment. If you’ve been thinking about plastic surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll-Free at (888) 841-4108.
Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Dr. Poulter has been practicing for over 30 years and thousands of patients have entrusted him with their care. Read on for more about why he chose a career in medicine and plastic surgery, what he enjoys most about his work, and what he enjoys outside of work!
Q: What first sparked your interest in medicine/surgery?
A: I first considered it during my senior year biology class with Mrs. Hove – I like tracking how food was digested and where the nutrients were absorbed in the body. I also had a parent with significant medical problems that left me wanting to be able to help, and I got a job as an ER aide and an EKG tech at the local hospital. In college, I majored in bio-pre med (as I figured I could transfer to something less rigorous if I decided I didn’t like medicine).
I was one of the first male orderlies at Carle Hospital (between my junior and senior years at University of Illinois). When I started medical school, I wanted to be the “Love Boat” doctor, taking care of all illnesses. However, I was paired with a plastic surgeon as an advisor and fell in love with that specialty. I took multiple plastic electives as I went to medical school year-round for four years, with no breaks.
Q: Why did you choose plastic surgery over other specialties?
A: As a medical student, my advisor gave me opportunities to observe and participate in clinics and surgery and the electives he was in charge of. I really liked the ability of the plastic surgeon to improve a patient’s confidence and self-esteem by correcting a congenital deformity, repairing areas of the body brutalized by trauma, reconstructing a breast following cancer, revising a scar that triggers bad memories, and correcting the changes motherhood and weight loss have delivered.
Q: How have you seen plastic surgery change throughout your career?
A: Breast implant options have come and gone and returned with the continued close surveillance on outcomes. The introduction of Botox and fillers completely changed facial rejuvenation. Breast reconstruction options have improved greatly. Surgical procedures for body contouring for massive weight loss patients help make incredible figures accompany the incredible improvement in health.
On the downside, more people are being injured by travel out of the country for surgical procedures, with many patients not returning or significantly harmed by the less controlled environments that of course are less expensive (remember, you get what you pay for!)
Q: What is the best advice you could give to potential patients or those considering surgery?
A: Work at becoming the healthiest patient you can be before plastic surgery and you will recover quicker, heal better, and have improved long lasting results. You might not even need the surgery once you adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Do your homework, get several consultations if needed. Make sure your surgeon is a board-certified plastic surgeon trained in residency to perform the procedure you are interested in and has hospital privileges to perform it as well. Not all cosmetic surgeons are plastic surgeons.
Q: What is your favorite part of what you do?
A: I love the first post-op visit when a patient says “this is just what I wanted to look like!” and “I had so little discomfort; thanks for taking the extra effort to make this happen.” I really enjoy helping brides and family members look their best for the big day. There have been more than a few tears from patients who have lost weight and complete their body contouring journey with surgery and are now able to wear regular sized clothing and not hide in a baggy shirt.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: I enjoy outdoor activities with my wife, like cycling, golfing, kayaking, and walking. I also like playing drums with the praise band on occasion, traveling, relaxing in our back yard with mature plantings, listening to the morning cardinals and watching hummingbirds at the feeders.
Q: What is your favorite type of music?
A: Although classic rock will always win, I have allowed others in the OR to have a turn picking the music as well, which has opened my tastes to the whole gamut of available music. My children live in Texas and there are not any other radio stations there other than country, so I’m being trained well for when we relocate upon retirement!
Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Your eyes are one of the first things people notice about you – especially in the age of masks! Droopy upper eyelids, sagging lower eyelids, or dark under-eye circles can all make you look older than you really are.
Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, eyelid surgery can help rejuvenate your eye area. Surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or both.
Eyelid surgery can treat a number of issues. It can help with loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the eyelid (sometimes impairing vision), fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids, bags underneath the eyes, drooping lower eyelids (that reveal white below the iris), or excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid. The results can provide a more rested and youthful appearance, which can lead to more self-confidence.
If you have a low eyebrow, a brow lift may also be recommended to help complete the improvement of the upper lids. A brow lift lifts the eyebrows and reduces lines and furrows on the forehead by treating the brow muscles and forehead. The use of injectables such as Botox or Juvederm can also be used to enhance your surgical result.
Dr. Poulter specializes in procedures such as eyelid surgery, combining his surgeon’s skill with an artful eye to create beautiful, natural looking results. He is very conscientious of where incisions are placed. For an upper eyelid surgery, the incision goes in the eyelid crease (so you do not see it at all when the eye is open). The lower lid incision is well-hidden, just below the lashes.
If you’re considering a blepharoplasty or other procedures for around the eye, schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.
Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Your face naturally loses volume as you age – in fact, the average person loses a teaspoon of volume in their face every year. Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are a fantastic way to look rejuvenated and brighten up your look with minimal to no downtime.
Dermal fillers sit under the skin to provide volume and fullness. Fillers can be used to treat various signs of aging, such as plumping thinning lips, filling in shallow areas on the face, decreasing wrinkles under the eyes, and more. They can be used to treat multiple areas of the face, ears, and neck, and many last for up to two years.
Juvederm is one example of these injectables, which can be used to treat various signs of aging, such as plumping thinning lips, filling in shallow areas on the face, decreasing the shadow or wrinkles under the eyes, and more. Some fillers lift and smooth out the folds and wrinkles in targeted areas by adding a subtle amount of volume, while Voluma acts as structural support to help lift the entire cheek and minimize the need for individual wrinkle treatment. Volbella can be used to provide subtle volume and is used for filling vertical lip lines as well as soft hydration. It can be used to smooth undereye hollows and add subtle volume the delicate area below the eye.
Who is doing your injections is just as important as what product is being injected. Dr. Poulter holds the Master Injector designation from Allergan and has over 30 years of filler and 20 years of Botox experience. As a surgeon injector, meaning he can not only inject the areas of concern but has also operated on those muscles. This allows him to better understand the variations in muscle anatomy and take the time to evaluate the function this variation produces so your injections are individualized to your specific needs. He can also advise when injections may not be the best answer for your concerns.
During your consultation, Dr. Poulter may assess your midface and eye area, looking for volume characteristics such as deficits (valleys) or excess (hills), along with characteristics such as color, texture and elasticity to determine the best approach for your goals. The amount of filler necessary to make a difference varies from person to person depending on your unique characteristics and the look you’re looking to achieve.
Patients can get a more complete facial rejuvenation when filling all the areas in need at once rather than by adding a syringe at a time. The fillers last up to two years so the results are longer lasting than most patients are aware of. Dr. Poulter offers a multi-syringe discount using a cannula; with this, patients have less discomfort and are done more quickly with less bruising and risk of injury to vessels and nerves. Dr. Poulter will choose what fillers to include, optioning for the longer lasting fillers when appropriate and all of them have local anesthetic in them.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter to discuss what’s best for you! Call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108 and freshen up your look in 2023!
Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
As we enter 2023, you may have made one or two New Year’s Resolutions. Maybe you want to read more or take better care of yourself. Most people want to put their best face forward and make sure their outer appearance matches how they feel inside. If you’ve been thinking about cosmetic surgery, make this your year!
There are many reasons why this is an ideal time to undergo just about any type of procedure. For example, the cooler temperatures make it easier to stay indoors, allowing your body plenty of time to recover. Getting a sufficient amount of rest is essential to a safe and successful recovery process. Additionally, post-surgery dressings or bandages can be easily covered with sweaters or layers of clothes. Getting your procedures done when it’s cooler may also mean avoiding the warmth of the compression garments and less swelling than you may have in the summer.
By the time summer comes around, the results of your procedures will be fully realized, allowing you to enjoy the warm weather with increased self-confidence.
The first and most important choice in plastic surgery is selecting a board-certified surgeon you trust. Board-certified plastic surgeons are extensively trained and have a comprehensive education to ensure a patient’s safety. The extensive training provides technical skills, as well as the aesthetic judgment needed to provide the best care and results. Dr. Poulter has been in practice in central Illinois for over 30 years and is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). He was also board-certified by the American Board of Surgery (General Surgery). He also holds certification in Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery and the Platinum Practice Designation by Allergan.
Thinking about making the ultimate New Year’s resolution this year? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll-Free at (888) 841-4108, and get on the road to a new year, new you!
Although it’s cold outside now, you may be thinking of warmer weather activities like fun at the beach or the pool. Planning ahead now can help you be recovered – and look great – in time for spring and can help motivate you to head into the new year with new goals and a fresh start.
Winter is an ideal time to undergo just about any type of cosmetic surgery. During warm weather, most people want to enjoy the sunshine, making it tough to sit home and stay indoors. Winter is a great time to plan a ‘stay-cation’ to recover from your surgery. With colder weather, you’ll likely be mainly indoors and looking to take it easier. Many people take time off during November and December for the holiday season. Scheduling plastic surgery during this time provides you with a unique opportunity to minimize vacation days during your recovery.
And while many of us dislike that there are fewer sunny days in winter, this is actually a good thing for your recovery. Patients are generally advised to avoid direct sun exposure after their procedure, and having the sun safely hidden behind the clouds makes that easier. Plus, warmer, bulkier clothes make it easier to conceal changes.
Body contouring and breast augmentation can both take a few months to recover fully. Many procedures require you to avoid swimming, soaker baths and hot tubs until your incisions have healed. Giving yourself plenty of recovery time can help ensure that you’re ready for warmer temperatures – and spring break fun.
While many patients are back to work and other activities within a few weeks after surgery, it might take longer for the full results of your procedure to take effect. Scheduling your procedure soon will give you plenty of time to heal. As next spring and summer draw closer, an increasing number of people may be looking to get their procedures done in time to be ready for the beach. By planning ahead and having your procedure during the winter months, you can avoid the early spring rush.
Looking and feeling your best can make a new year all the more fulfilling, as not only do you have a clean slate from the previous year, but you have a brand-new look as well. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.
When it comes to your plastic surgery, you’re looking for experience, knowledge, honesty, and artistry. At our practice, your well-being is the primary focus, and our mission is to go above and beyond the norm to assure that you are safe, comfortable, and absolutely thrilled with your results.
When it comes to anesthesia options, general anesthesia causes the patient to be completely unconscious, so they do not feel discomfort or remember anything during surgery. “Twilight sedation” (or IV sedation) causes the patient to be sedated, but awake and responsive. Twilight sedation also doesn’t numb the body or block pain, so a local anesthesia would still need to be used. While twilight anesthesia may be used for more minor procedures, individual needs may vary, and it may not be recommended for your particular treatment. General anesthesia is extremely safe (with less than a .001% chance of serious complications) and provides the best option to reduce potential movements or awareness during the surgery.
Dr. Poulter offers state-of-the-art options for safety and comfort such as top-of-the-line patient warming systems and special stockings and compression boots to aid in the prevention of blood clots. He also utilizes a multimodal therapy for pain management, including a long acting (3 day) local anesthetic injected at the time of surgery and coordinated medications that affect different pain centers. Limiting postoperative pain allows you to heal quicker, prevent postoperative complications, and get back to routine activities sooner.
Knowledge and experience are just a few of the reasons Dr. Poulter has earned the trust of thousands of patients. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery (General), American Board of Plastic Surgery, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery. In addition to those certifications, Dr. Poulter also has advanced professional training in courses like the Masters Injectors Course, and the SkinMedica Product Science Course. He also has hospital accessibility at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, a privilege reserved to plastic surgeons who have board certification.
Our surgical suite is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF) and employs the highest surgical standards as well as the latest equipment and technology. A facility accredited by the AAAASF must follow the most stringent set of applicable standards in the country, as well as meeting strict requirements for staff credentials. An accredited facility is re-evaluated through an annual self-survey, and an on-site survey every 3 years. Dr. Poulter has also been an inspector for AAAASF, helping other surgeons provide safe surgical experiences.
When it comes to your plastic surgery, it’s best to do your research to make sure you’re in the best hands, in the best environment. If you’ve been thinking about plastic surgery, schedule a
consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.
We know how busy things can get, especially in the summer. Juggling activities and vacations can make it difficult to set aside time just for you. But now the kids are back in school, fall is around the corner….and this is the perfect opportunity to take some time for yourself!
Fall can actually be a great time to undergo just about any type of cosmetic surgery, for a number of reasons. Recovery can be easier in the fall – the weather is cooler, and it’s likely that you’ll be mainly indoors and looking to take it a little easier. Once you do start moving around and going outside again, thicker clothes and layers can help hide any post-surgery scars, dressings, or garments. Additionally, most people are settled into their post-summer routines, which can make it a little easier to plan for consultations, surgery, and post-op visits.
If you’ve been considering a body contouring or breast augmentation procedure, scheduling your procedure in the fall gives you ample recovery time so you can show off the new you – and your improved confidence – during the holiday season!
While body contouring procedures can be done in different areas, one of the most sought-after results is a flatter and smoother abdomen. Abdominoplasty (aka. tummy tuck) and liposuction are both body-contouring procedures that aim to change the appearance of your midsection and make the stomach appear flatter and tighter. Liposuction may be a good fit if you are looking to remove fat deposits (commonly found on the hips, thighs, buttocks or stomach area), while a tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the core muscles. This is a good option for those with loose abdominal skin or muscles that have some separation.
When it comes to breast enhancement, two of the most popular procedures are breast lift and breast augmentation/enlargement. If you want larger breasts, then augmentation is the procedure for you, and your plastic surgeon can help walk you through the advantages of different types of implants, incision location, implant placement, and more. A breast lift, on the other hand, can help correct drooping caused by loss of breast volume that can occur with age, fluctuations in weight, or childbirth. There are different techniques for lifts, and the one that is right for your depends on the amount of breast volume, tissue, and the degree of droop.
When it comes to your appearance, you want to make sure you are in the very best hands. Dr. Poulter is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and proven skill in the full range of cosmetic procedures. With his 30+ years of experience, he can provide solutions that will help keep you looking and feeling your best.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108 and enhance your confidence!
Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Your skin is the largest organ you have and taking good care of it is important to maintaining a youthful and vibrant look. Skin care is part of a healthy lifestyle and when you look better, you feel better! Having a good skin care routine with quality products can help prevent acne, remove dead skin cells, and prevent problems down the road.
Everyone’s skin is different, and your skin needs can change as you get older. Some people may need to do more to keep their skin looking healthy. The following products can help create a good, effective routine:
Our office is proud to offer SkinMedica, a scientifically based, medical grade skin care line of products. SkinMedica was founded in 1999 by pioneers in the science of skin rejuvenation, including co-founder Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick, a renowned dermatologist.
These products have a higher concentration of active ingredients than over-the-counter products, and have received numerous accolades and awards – the TNS Advanced+ Serum has been ranked Best Growth Factor Product from NewBeauty in both 2020 and 2021, a Best Beauty Splurge in 2020 and Best Breakthrough Product in 2019 by Allure, and the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser was voted a Best Beauty Buy by InStyle in 2021!
Products with quality ingredients, like SkinMedica, can help improve your skin, prevent environmental damage, help fight the effects of aging, and exceed standards (more refined with fewer impurities).
To learn more about the importance of a quality skin care regimen and what products would benefit you, schedule a consultation today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.
Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
While plastic surgery is an important decision, we also know that it shouldn’t be a complicated process. That’s why we believe in offering convenience to fit your life – while still providing quality care. We offer a number of services designed to accommodate your life and your schedule.
We offer remote consultations to accommodate you, no matter where you’re located. You can do these online visits from the privacy and comfort of your own home, using your computer or smartphone. Dr. Poulter and a member of our medical team will be on the virtual visit to provide information and answer any questions you have, making sure you feel comfortable and cared for.
We also use Klara, a HIPAA-compliant, secure video technology for patient communication. We can provide quality patient support via secure messaging and video calls, and you can use it to reach us for questions about scheduling, appointments, and more.
Our surgical suite combines the safety of a fully equipped hospital with the comfort and amenities of a high-end spa. It is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF). We utilize the latest equipment and technology while holding ourselves to the highest surgical standards. For your convenience, the Campus at Eastland Medical Plaza also offers a pharmacy, X-ray department, complete medical laboratory, physical therapy department, facility for overnight accommodations for further monitoring (if needed), emergency and intensive care units, and a cafeteria, gift shop, and coffee/smoothie shop.
Dr. Poulter offers state-of-the-art options for safety and comfort such as top-of-the-line patient warming systems and special stockings and compression boots to aid in the prevention of blood clots. He also utilizes a multimodal therapy for pain management, including a long acting (3 day) local anesthesic injected at the time of surgery, and coordinated medications that affect different pain centers. Limiting postoperative pain allows you to heal quicker, prevent postoperative complications, and get back to routine activities sooner.
When it comes to your plastic surgery, we want to make the process as seamless and convenient as possible. If you’ve been thinking about plastic surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.
Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
The Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery, LLC. - © Copyright 2022