At DeNova Reseach, all of our physicians are board certified and involved in every aspect of the patient visit.

Dr. Steven H. Dayan, MD, FACS
Medical Director, Principal Investigator, Founder
Dr. Dayan is a Facial Plastic Surgeon who is board certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. He is a frequent lecturer, physician educator and active researcher. Additionally, he is an adjunct Professor at DePaul University teaching an undergraduate course in the “Science of Beauty and Attraction and Its Impact on Culture and Business.”
With a passion for research, Dr. Dayan founded DeNova Research, providing patients access to the latest in emerging cosmetic treatments and technologies. In addition to seeing over 6,500 patients a year, Dr. Dayan serves as medical director of DeNova Research and is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Illinois. With over 70 published articles, four books, and having trained over 3,500 physicians worldwide, Dr. Dayan remains on the cutting-edge of the aesthetic field.
In 2008, Dr. Dayan received the Foundation Leadership Award from the American Medical Association (AMA), and was awarded the Public Service Award from the Chicago Medical Society in 2009. In March of 2011, he was appointed by the Governor of Illinois to the State of Illinois Medical Licensing Board. He has also been recognized as a “Top Doc” by both the Castle Connolly and Consumer Check Book Guides.
A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. Dayan achieved Phi Beta Kappa honors and attended the University of Illinois Medical School. After graduating with AOA honors, he completed a residency at the University of Illinois, where he served as chief executive resident in his final year. Following his residency, Dr. Dayan completed a Facial Plastic Surgery Fellowship. Among the many committees Dr. Dayan participates in, he is currently a Chicago Public School Advisory Board Member and serves on the editorial board of Facial Plastic Surgery Journal and Cosmetic Dermatology. He is also founder of a non-profit organization, Enhance, that provides resources and educational opportunities for underprivileged Chicago Public School Students.

Dr. Otto J. Placik, MD, FACS
Principal Investigator
Dr. Placik, board certified Plastic Surgeon, completed a residency in general, plastic and reconstructive surgery and fellowships in aesthetic facial reconstruction and microvascular tissue transplantation. He is certified as a diplomat by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. and an active member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and several other local and national professional organizations. Research has been a critical part of his career, specializing in aesthetic studies of the body.

Dr. G. Michael Lewitt, MD, FAAD
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lewitt is a board-certified dermatologist who graduated Summa Cum Laude from a six-year program at the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Medicine, obtaining both his bachelor’s degree and medical doctorate by the age of 24. He did his residency at St. Louis University, and he served as Chief Resident in his final year in training. Dr. Lewitt specializes in complex psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis and the use of biologic treatments. He currently practices in Chicago, Illinois where he is a partner with the Illinois Dermatology Institute. Dr. Lewitt also leads and performs medical dermatology clinical trials with DeNova Research.
In his free time, Dr. Lewitt enjoys ice hockey, playing blues guitar, and spending time with his 2 rescue dogs, Bones and Monroe.