PHOENIX (April 23, 2008) –   Dr. Stephen P. Beals has been named the top plastic surgeon in the Valley by local physicians and medical professionals. “I am very grateful to have been considered for this award.  Arizona is fortunate to have some of the best plastic surgeons in the nation and I feel privileged to be a part of this distinguished group,” said Dr.Beals. “It means a lot to be honored by my peers for whom I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration.”

Phoenix Magazine’s 14th annual edition of “Top Doctors” is on newsstands now and features 460 of the Valley’s best physicians in 38 specialties. The “Top Doctors” are determined by a survey of more than 5,000 local physicians and medical professionals who are asked to nominate doctors who are best in their field. Dr. Stephen P. Beals has appeared in the listing eight times, and this year was named the Top Doctor in the field of plastic surgery.

Dr. Beals is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has been in private practice for more than 23 years. He specializes in Craniofacial, Cleft and Cosmetic Plastic Surgery including breast lift and augmentation, abdominoplasty, and liposuction. Craniofacial Foundation of Arizona Board Member, Robin Espinoza says, “Dr. Beals is a skilled craniofacial surgeon who works tirelessly and selflessly to improve the lives of his patients.  He is an exceptional surgeon with a quiet demeanor and a professional determination that instill confidence in the hundreds of patients he has served.”

“I have seen so many lives improved through reconstructive and cosmetic surgery and I feel privileged that I can be a part of these transformations,” stated Beals. “Individuals who are comfortable with their self-image are more likely to be self-assured, successful in work and social situations, and comfortable in their personal and professional relationships.”

Many research studies have shown that plastic surgery promotes a positive self-image where even a slight alteration on the outside can create a remarkable change on the inside.

Dr. Beals also currently serves patients in Paradise Valley by offering medical skin care services at his Wellness & Medical Spa.  Procedures offered include laser skin resurfacing and hair removal, customized facials and chemical peels, as well as Botox, Restylane and similar fillers.  All procedures are performed by licensed and certified technicians and nurses.

“We have seen the number of patients requesting minimally-invasive procedures rise significantly in the past few years,” said Beals.  “Procedures such as Botox, chemical peels and microdermabrasian are a quick and easy way to improve a patient’s appearance at a negligible cost.”

Dr. Beals is also a well-respected educator and functions as an Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences at Arizona State University. He founded the Craniofacial Foundation of Arizona and the Barrow Craniofacial Center where he is currently the director.