The University of Arizona Department of Surgery's Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

The University of Arizona Department of Surgery's Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is one of the leaders in the field of reconstructive plastic surgery. Throughout the division and the department, surgeons strive to train the next generations of surgeons, develop breakthroughs in surgical research and give patients personalized, attentive care that produces rewarding results, while prioritizing health. In light of their remarkable accomplishments in plastic and reconstructive surgery, the University of Arizona Department of Surgery has received national attention and obtained a word-of-mouth reputation for excellence.

The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division uses three of the top state-of-the-art medical centers in Arizona: the University Medical Center, the University Physicians Hospital and the Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Health Care System. Combining sophisticated technologies with exceptional surgical skills, the division offers a wide range of reconstructive procedures that successfully treat several craniofacial conditions, including congenital, post-traumatic, pediatric cleft lip and palate, microtia (ear deformity), as well as providing breast and aesthetic surgery. In addition, they are one of the only surgical teams in the area to perform tissue expansion, a process that encourages skin growth to be used in reconstructive procedures.

The Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is comprised of several outstanding surgeons, including multidisciplinary breast specialists who lend their expertise to breast reconstructive and aesthetic procedures. They also feature experts in plastic and reconstructive surgery who regularly contribute to the university's research efforts to make them a leading edge institution.

Leading the university's efforts in research in breast cancer treatment and pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery is Julie E. Lang, MD, and Craig A. Hurst, MD, MSc, who serve as Assistant Professors of Surgery and have performed hundreds of surgical procedures. Dr. Lang, a surgical oncologist, has published multiple journal articles about treating breast cancer and continues to serve as one of the leading breast cancer treatment specialists in the state. Dr. Hurst is the only fellowship trained surgeon in southern Arizona specializing in the field of pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery. He contributes his years of experience and extensive training to treat children who require surgical intervention due to genetics, injury or other conditions.

Dr. Christian O. Twiss, who has received national acclaim for his work in pelvic reconstruction, is the only fellowship trained surgeon in southern Arizona specializing in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Twiss has lent his extensive experience and expertise to treating patients requiring surgical repair for incontinence and vaginal prolapse, and patients requiring complex vaginal and pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Together, they offer a comprehensive facility that not only improves patients' appearances, but also their health and quality of life.

Before every procedure, the surgeons meet with patients individually to discuss their concerns and review their medical histories. Then, the surgeons create a personalized treatment plan that yields the results patients desire. From the initial consultation to the post-procedure care, the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery team at the University of Arizona take pride in helping patients every step of their journey toward renewed appearances and higher levels of self esteem.

To learn more, please visit their Web site at www.surgery.arizona.edu/specialties/plastic-surgery.htm.

Contact Information

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
The University of Arizona College of Medicine
1501 N. Campbell Avenue
PO Box 245063
Tucson, AZ 85724-5062
(520) 626-1988

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[page updated October 2009]