As a plastic surgeon I am dedicated to improving the quality of life of my patients by providing compassionate, sensitive care. My commitment to patients is that I will offer the most comprehensive and effective treatment plan to achieve their reconstructive and aesthetic goals.

With nearly 20 years as an academic plastic surgeon I have provided clinical care, leadership and education to treat the most complex reconstructive cases after cancer and trauma. With the transition to Colorado Springs, I offer the excellence of experience with proven results.

As a plastic surgeon, I specialize in reconstructive surgery for patients with traumatic injuries of the face (e.g., facial fractures) and defects caused by cancer (e.g., Head and Neck, Breast, and Skin). My research interests focus on the surgical outcomes after complex microvascular head and neck/facial reconstruction, including the treatment for facial paralysis and after-tumor surgery. Breast surgical outcomes, after implant –based and autologous reconstruction (e.g, DIEP Free Flap), are a priority.

As a plastic surgeon, I specialize in reconstructive surgery for adults and children with traumatic injuries of the face (e.g., facial fractures) and defects caused by cancer (e.g., Head and Neck, Breast, and Skin). My research interests focus on cleft genetics and surgical outcomes after complex microvascular head and neck/facial reconstruction, including the treatment for facial paralysis and after-tumor surgery.

Awards

  • Top Doctors in Plastic Surgery 2007, Castle Connoly’s
  • Top Doctors in Plastic Surgery 2008, Castle Connoly’s
  • Top Doctors in Plastic Surgery 2009, Castle Connoly’s
  • Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery 2011, U.S. News
  • Denver’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery (Head and Neck) 2011, 5280 Magazine
  • America’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery 2011, Castle Connoly’s Guide
  • Denver’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery (Head and Neck) 2012, 5280 Magazine
  • America’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery 2012, Castle Connoly’s Guide
  • Denver’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery (Head and Neck) 2013, 5280 Magazine
  • America’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery 2014, Castle Connoly’s
  • Denver’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery (Head and Neck) 2014, 5280 Magazine
  • America’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery 2015, Castle Connoly’s Guide
  • Denver’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery (Head and Neck) 2015, 5280 Magazine
  • America’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery 2016, Castle Connoly’s Guide
  • Denver’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery (Head and Neck) 2016, 5280 Magazine
  • Denver’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery (Head and Neck) 2017, 5280 Magazine
  • Colorado Springs Style, Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery – selected for inclusion 2019
  • Healthcare Heroes, Springs Magazine, Awarded 2019
  • Colorado Springs Style, Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery – selected for inclusion 2020

Locations

UCHealth Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic - Colorado Springs (Primary)

Phone Icon719.364.5080
Fax Icon719.364.5081
View info
1625 Medical Center Point
Suite 220
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Monday: 8am - 5pm
Tuesday: 8am - 5pm
Wednesday: 8am - 5pm
Thursday: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 3pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Qualifications and experience

Specialties
Plastic Surgery, Cancers - Cancer Surgery, Cancers - Head and Neck Cancer, Cancers - Skin Cancer, Ear, Nose, and Throat - Head and Neck Tumors, Head and Neck Otolaryngology Plastic Surgery, Vascular Malformations
Gender
Male
Languages spoken
English
Education
Residency
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (2002)

Fellowship
University of Oviedo (Spain) (2000)

Residency
University of Washington Program (1999)

Graduate
University of Washington (1995)

Medical School
Yale University School of Medicine (1992)

Graduate
University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK (1990)

Undergraduate
University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) (1987)

Board Certification
Certification Agency Member Board Specialty Year
American Board of Plastic Surgery Member Plastic Surgery 2003
American Board of Otolaryngology Member Otolaryngology 2000
Clinical interest for patients

I specialize in reconstructive surgery for patients with traumatic injuries of the face (i.e., Facial Fractures and Extensive Soft Tissue Trauma) and defects caused by cancer (i.e., Head and Neck, Breast, and Skin). As a nationally recognized expert in Microvascular Surgery, free tissue transfer (i.e., transplanting tissue from one site of the body to another, in order to reconstruct an existing defect) is a routine part of my practice. My research and clinical interests focus on surgical outcomes after complex microvascular reconstruction for head and neck defects (e.g., from oral cavity cancer), for mastectomy defects (e.g.,from breast cancer), and for repair of the soft tissue loss often associated with severe fractures of the extremities (e.g., from distal tibial fractures).
Previously, as Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Colorado and Chief of Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s Hospital of Colorado, the primary specializations of my practice were facial trauma, cleft surgery, and microvascular reconstruction after cancer surgery in adults and children. My practice continues to focus on these specializations, but patient care for these interests is now also fully supported by the John Lester Foundation For Pediatric Facial Reconstruction. This Endowment provides funds for local families who qualify for financial assistance, as well as for an Annual Surgical Mission to Guatemala to treat children born with absent or malformed ears.

Research interest for patients

My research activities have focused on the clinical epidemiology of head and neck cancer and the effectiveness of different reconstructive and treatment interventions for adult and pediatric patients. Issues of quality of life and cost-effectiveness have also been basic themes. My clinical research focuses on functional outcomes after head and neck reconstruction, complex clinical outcomes after pediatric and adult facial fracture management, facial reanimation and the genetics of facial clefting. I have published or are in Press over 100 articles and book chapters in Plastic Surgery, Microvascular Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery and Cleft-Craniofacial Surgery. Recently, CBS news in Denver highlighted the research findings that demonstrated the toxic effects that the vapor from electronic cigarettes has on wound healing in rats undergoing skin flap surgery.

Volunteer activities

As a graduate-trained epidemiologist and biostatistician, my research activities have focused on the clinical epidemiology of head and neck cancer and the effectiveness of different interventions for patients undergoing cancer or trauma reconstruction. Issues of quality of life and cost-effectiveness have also been basic themes. My clinical research focuses on functional outcomes after head and neck reconstruction, complex clinical outcomes after facial fracture management, facial reanimation, and the genetics of facial clefting. I have published or are in Press over 100 articles and book chapters in Plastic Surgery, Microvascular Surgery, Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, and Cleft-Craniofacial Surgery. Recently, CBS news in Denver highlighted our research findings that demonstrated the toxic effects that the vapor from electronic cigarettes has on wound healing in rats undergoing skin flap surgery. KOAA 5 in Colorado Springs and UCHealth have highlighted the value of Plastic Surgery for rehabilitating Breast and Head and Neck Cancer patients.

Insurance
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