Michael A. Howard, MD

Michael A. Howard, MD

4.9 
738 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Plastic Surgery

CALL
Practice Website

HealthBeat

nm-breast-reconstruction_preview

Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy

Learn about the types of breast reconstruction surgery and its impact on mental health and self-esteem after mastectomy.

More HealthBeat Articles

Insurance

For specific plans, see the full plan list. To be sure this medical professional is covered by your insurance plan, please contact your insurance carrier.

View More Insurance Providers

Practice Focus Areas

  • Body Contouring
  • Brachial Plexus Reconstruction
  • Breast Aesthetic/Body
  • Breast Cancer Reconstruction
  • Reconstructive Microvascular Surgery
  • Reconstructive Surgery
  • Targeted Muscle Reinnervation

Education

Medical Education:
MD, Emory University School of Medicine - 1997
Residency:
MedStar Health/Georgetown University - 2003
Fellowships:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - 2004

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Plastic Surgery - Plastic Surgery (Certified)

Faculty Profile

Health System Clinician, Feinberg School of Medicine

View Faculty Profile

Practice Groups and Affiliations

Medical Group:
Northwestern Medical Group
Alignment Category:
Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
On Medical Staff At:
Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Ratings and Reviews

At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.

Read Ratings FAQs

Overall Rating

4.9
4.9 

738 Ratings

Sort By Newest

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

Reviews from Patients

Sort By Newest
100 Most Recent Reviews

August 26, 2022

5.0

He did a tremendous job.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

August 22, 2022

5.0

He's great.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

August 16, 2022

5.0

Amazing! He is a special doctor who is dedicated to the giving his patience time, energy and expertise. I came in full of anxiety about a difficult process and left a feeling I was in the best hands possible.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

August 12, 2022

5.0

Dr Howard is extremely qualified in his surgical procedures

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

August 12, 2022

5.0

Excellent bedside manner and very positive. I also never have to wait a long time to be seen. Thorough and answers all my questions. Great physician!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

August 12, 2022

5.0

He listens and answers all questions.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

August 11, 2022

5.0

He is just a wonderful caring physician.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

August 09, 2022

5.0

He is amazing! I never feel rushed when I have an appt. He REALLY cares about his patients and is so patient with questions!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

August 09, 2022

5.0

My oncologist Dr Heidi Memmel at Lutheran General Hospital referred me to Dr Howard at A fab place Northwestern Hospital in Lake Forest.How lucky am I??!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

August 09, 2022

5.0

He explained all the intrcacies of the surgery and my procedure went as planned. Very grateful to the entire Team!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

August 05, 2022

5.0

Very nice and made us feel comfortable and has a good rapport.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

August 04, 2022

5.0

He’s easy to talk to and understand. I’m comfortable with him and confident in his skill.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 29, 2022

5.0

Dr Michael Howard talk with me about my concerns , I felt that he understood me , he was very knowledgeable and answer me on my questions . He gave me time to think and make another appointment. I felt comfortable with Doctor M. Howard.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 25, 2022

5.0

The results of my surgery

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 23, 2022

5.0

He's caring and honest and answers all my questions.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 22, 2022

5.0

Dr Howard always answers my questions (and I usually have a lot). We discuss options and make decisions with my input. He never rushes me and explains everything explicitly. He is a very talented plastic surgeon and I’m amazed how my breast reconstruction looks from where we started. I highly recommend him!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 22, 2022

5.0

Takes the time to know his patient (and patient’s family) and spends time talking through all the steps and options for surgery and recovery.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 22, 2022

5.0

Very personable caring, encouraging and a great listener

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 21, 2022

5.0

Dr. Howard is very compassionate, knowledgeable and a very skilled surgeon. I have no worries when he performs my next surgery.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 21, 2022

5.0

He listens closely and is responsive to desires and concerns of patients. He is an extremely skilled microsurgeon. He collaborates with other providers to optimize care.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 20, 2022

5.0

Dr. Howard is kind and profit.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 18, 2022

5.0

Professional, explains everything.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 14, 2022

5.0

Dr Howard is always kind and compassionate and does great work

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 12, 2022

5.0

I felt comfortable. He answered all that was concerning my health and confident in his ability to address my situation.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 12, 2022

5.0

He’s a good plastic surgeon

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 12, 2022

5.0

Very attentive and personable. Cares about the work he does.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 09, 2022

5.0

He is an excellent surgeon and a caring doctor.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 05, 2022

5.0

Friendly, caring and concerned. Presents options.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

July 01, 2022

5.0

Attentive, knowledgeable, on time, great attention to feelings, concerns

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

June 29, 2022

5.0

I feel comfortable with him!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

June 29, 2022

5.0

His clinical manner was so fun and he answered all my questions. My son wasn’t scared and never worried.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

June 29, 2022

5.0

very personable

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

June 28, 2022

5.0

Professional, thorough, kind, and friendly!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

June 24, 2022

5.0

Dr Howard is an exceptionally good listener. He clearly explains the pros and cons of the procedures I am weighing. He understands that this is a difficult decision I am about to make.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

June 22, 2022

5.0

Can’t really score him, as he was stuck in emergency surgery, but the staff were very clear and explaining options to me, waiting, rescheduling, or having the PA do the procedure. I chose the latter and was completely comfortable in doing so.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

June 20, 2022

5.0

Dr. Howard is a wonderful, compassionate doctor

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

June 20, 2022

5.0

Great knowledge, expertise, and skill

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

June 19, 2022

5.0

He takes his time with me on every visit and answers all of my questions. And trust me, I come with a list of them.I’ve been very happy with my DIEP flap reconstruction!!!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

June 11, 2022

5.0

I have been a patient of Dr. Howard’s for over 15 years. He is the reason I came to Northwestern. He is highly skilled and very caring. It is very obvious that he loves what he does and genuinely cares about his patients. I can’t imagine being a cancer patient without him.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

June 10, 2022

5.0

I have had major setbacks with my original surgery. Dr Howard and his team couldn’t be more wonderful at their job. Not once have I questioned my decision. They go above and beyond with their care and compassion.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

June 08, 2022

5.0

Detailed explanations; pleasant attitude; patience

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

June 03, 2022

5.0

#NAME?

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

June 01, 2022

5.0

Dr. Howard is kind, friendly, and thorough. He put my four year old daughter at ease and the appointment could not have gone better.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

May 31, 2022

5.0

Dr. Howard is very professional and caring about his patients. I like his bedside manner and outgoing personality. He listens to what you have to say as a patient.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

May 27, 2022

5.0

Calm, reassuring and caring demeanor to accompany outstanding skills

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

May 27, 2022

5.0

I have been going to Dr. Howard since my first mastectomy in 2007. I followed him to Northwestern from NorthShore because he is highly skilled and kind.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

May 24, 2022

4.0

Seemed very knowledgeable and experienced and they were nice even though I have not seen an outcome yet

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

May 23, 2022

5.0

Excellent treatment

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

May 20, 2022

5.0

He was great. Friendly, professional and gave me 3 options for treatment.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

May 15, 2022

5.0

Everyone of his office staff has been wonderful and caring! Love his work.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

May 14, 2022

5.0

Dr Michael Howard was knowledgeable, caring, listened to all my concerns, gave me several options for treatment and took all the time needed to answer all my questions. I have never seen a doctor so approachable with a very compassionate bedside manner.

Was this helpful? Yes (1) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

May 14, 2022

5.0

His expertise is excellent as well as his treatment and care

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

May 13, 2022

5.0

Dr Howard is maybe the most compassionate and caring doctor I have ever had. My parents have exceptional drs at Rush downtown, and he is above them.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

May 13, 2022

5.0

He wants the absolute best for his patients and will work with them towards their goal

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

May 13, 2022

5.0

Very professional and skilled. I never feel rushed when speaking to him.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

May 11, 2022

5.0

Facing reconstruction after upcoming breast cancer surgery. I'm very frightened. Doctor Howard was extremely kind and compassionate.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

May 11, 2022

5.0

Excellent surgeon

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

May 04, 2022

5.0

Haven’t had surgery yet but he’s been great at explaining things.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

May 03, 2022

5.0

See above I thought was excellent and a very listener. He had realistic goals for restoring my breasts. He seems very capable.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 28, 2022

5.0

He made me feel like a person and not just a patient. Appreciated his kindness and reassurance.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 26, 2022

5.0

Listens to you and provides all the details.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 26, 2022

5.0

The BEST!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 21, 2022

5.0

His professionalism, unique and very friendly, he makes you feel very confident in your first consultation, I will recommend Dr Michael 1000%.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 15, 2022

5.0

Dr. Howard was amazing!! I would absolutely recommend him!!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 15, 2022

5.0

He is the best. Best bedside manner.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 12, 2022

5.0

Happy with my results.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 12, 2022

5.0

He is thorough and personable.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 12, 2022

5.0

Very straight forward about what they want to accomplish for you. Very easy to talk to.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 08, 2022

5.0

He did my breast reconstruction. He's very polite, listens well and explains everything well

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

April 05, 2022

5.0

He was extremely personable and made me feel confident

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 22, 2022

5.0

Dr. Howard was very informative and has a nice personality.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 22, 2022

5.0

Dr. Howard empathically listens to my concerns, provides all the options in order to make the best decisions. I'm so lucky to have him as part of my team.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 22, 2022

5.0

He’s is top notch

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 21, 2022

5.0

Dr. Howard is fabulous to work with. He explains things very well, goes through all the options and listens to concerns.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 18, 2022

5.0

I cannot say enough about Dr. Howard. I left HMO to go to PPO just to follow him to Northwestern and have the chance for him to do my DIEP. He knows what he’s doing and is really good at individualizing the procedure based on medical history, etc. He’s attentive and sees his patients as human beings with emotions and he takes the time and attention to listen to my fears and concerns. I trust his expertise and experience and know that he wants me to be pleased with the results and feel good about myself. And his work speaks for itself and every time (I’ve had 3 surgeries with him) I have felt really good about the results!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 16, 2022

5.0

I have complete trust in Dr. Howard and his team. He is thorough in his work. And reassures my concerns.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 15, 2022

5.0

He takes the time to listen to and answer questions with logical explanations. He is compassionate and very knowledgeable about breast reconstruction.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 12, 2022

5.0

What a nice man! Listened without hurrying me. He’s the kind of doctor a person would like as a friend.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 11, 2022

5.0

Highly recommended to me and so far I’m pleased

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 11, 2022

5.0

He is very kind and patient

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 08, 2022

5.0

Listened, answered all questions. I did not feel rushed. Was friendly. Was confident he was knowledgeable and experienced. Felt like he would be good to work with.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 08, 2022

5.0

Very knowledgeable! Listens to his patience.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 08, 2022

5.0

Very thorough and caring. Assesses the situation and addresses concerns. Wonderful communicator.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

March 03, 2022

5.0

Dr. Howard has excellent and professional care for his patients. He explains everything in a way that is easy to understand and follow

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 21, 2022

5.0

Dr. Howard was easy to communicate with

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 21, 2022

5.0

He is knowledgeable, professional, has a sense of humor, and listens to the patient to be certain all questions are answered and the plan for action is agreeable.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 17, 2022

5.0

My son was very nervous and Dr Howard immediately put him at ease with a joke. Very friendly and informative

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 08, 2022

5.0

Dr.Howard is fantastic!!! He is one of the kindest most skilled doctors I have ever been to. His team is caring and wonderful as well.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 08, 2022

5.0

Very nice & knowledgeable & honest

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

February 06, 2022

5.0

Por la atención y muy buenos resultados

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 29, 2022

5.0

Dr. Howard makes you feel comfortable the moment you meet him. He answered all my questions and I never felt rushed. He came highly recommended by several people and I couldn’t be happier.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 28, 2022

4.0

Disappointed in his answers

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 25, 2022

5.0

Amazingly talented

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 25, 2022

5.0

Spent time answering all my questions and I didn’t feel rushed

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 22, 2022

5.0

He is very talented and skilled in his profession. Also kind and caring, listening then addressing any concerns I had. Always treated me with dignity and respect.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 21, 2022

5.0

Dr Howard communicates extremely well with his patients and presents options based on his experience and talent that are not available elsewhere

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 16, 2022

5.0

I liked Dr. Howard's bedside manner and how he explained everything. He was very approachable as a doctor to his patient.

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 15, 2022

5.0

He has both skills and bedside manner beyond compare!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 14, 2022

5.0

Dr Howard is a talented surgeon and does amazing work. I had DIEP breast reconstruction from being flat for 14 months due to breast cancer. He made me whole again!

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!

January 12, 2022

5.0

Exceptional

Was this helpful? Yes (0) No (0)

Thanks for your feedback!
View more reviews

Disclosures

Industry Relationships

Ownership or Investment Interests

Faculty member had an ownership or investment interest in the following companies

  • EO2 Concepts

External Professional Relationships

Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.

View More Disclosures