Over 60 years of continuous experience and a reputation built on a high standard of patient care.

Shortly after World War I, a small group of physicians came together in Paris, France, to pool information, experiences and techniques developed through treating injuries during the war.  This small group of physicians eventually founded what was to become the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Among this handful of pioneer practitioners from around the world, was Dr. Claire L. Straith, DDS, MD.

Dr. Claire Straith was a Detroit plastic surgeon who spent a great deal of his practice treating victims of automobile and industrial accidents and improving birth defects.  He was particularly interested in the horrific injuries he witnessed involving automobiles.  His efforts to inform the community included discussions with Walter Chrysler and Preston Tucker.  Eventually, he was instrumental in convincing the automobile industry to improve design flaws and install padded dashboards and safety belts in cars. Due in part to Claire Straith’s efforts, the auto industry eventually adapted many safety features that help prevent millions of injuries and save thousands of lives today. Learn more about Dr. Straith on NOVA.

The Straith Clinic, P.C., was founded in 1952 on West Grand Boulevard, in Detroit.  Dr. Straith’s status as an innovative thinker and pioneer plastic surgeon put Detroit, Michigan, on the plastic surgery map. As his career progressed, his reputation in the plastic surgery community continued to grow as he hosted many plastic surgeons from around the world to watch and learn his techniques.  Dr. Claire Straith devised a suturing method that would leave the least possible scarring which has since been taught to surgeons throughout the United States.  Many innovations have been developed by the medical staff of the Straith Clinic. When specialized instruments were needed which did not exist, they designed them.

Dr. Claire Straith’s son, Richard Straith, M.D, was the next generation of plastic surgeons at the Straith Clinic. Richard Straith, along with several associates including Enrique Sabbagh, M.D., developed a national reputation as leaders in the field of plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The Straith Clinic was home to a training program for plastic surgery and continued to host teaching seminars for plastic surgeons from around the world.

In 1996, due to continuing growth and advances in surgical technology, the Straith Clinic relocated to a new, modern facility in Bingham Farms.  Today, the Straith Clinic is a private medical practice under the leadership of Enrique Sabbagh, M.D.  Centrally located, this 12,000 sq. ft. facility has been designed with each patient's comfort, safety, and convenience in mind.  The Straith Clinic has been in continuous practice since 1936 and it was one of the first clinics in the Midwest to offer cosmetic surgery.  Built upon a tradition of excellence, the Straith Clinic combines experience, top hospitals, board certified surgeons, and a premier facility to provide superior patient care.