Dr. Alexander T. Nguyen is a reconstructive microsurgery fellowship-trained physician in plastic and reconstructive microsurgery with special interests in lymphedema, microsurgical breast reconstruction, and minimally invasive techniques. Dr. Nguyen is a double board-certified general and plastic surgeon.
After graduating from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine, he completed his general surgery residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center with a focus on vascular surgery. He also completed plastic surgery residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He additionally completed a complex reconstructive microsurgery fellowship at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center where he stayed a member of the faculty as an Assistant Professor and trained nearly 100 microsurgeons. He is further trained as a certified lymphedema therapist.
Dr. Nguyen is an expert in complex reconstruction, including breast, abdominal wall, head and neck, pelvic, extremity, and spine reconstruction. He has developed numerous innovative surgeries to minimize complications while improving patient outcomes in all aspects of reconstructive surgery. He is one of very few surgeons in North Texas with advanced microsurgical training and experience and offers unique procedures not provided elsewhere. This allows Dr. Nguyen to provide ALL possible options, and therefore the best suited, to patients. Given his innovative approaches and technical expertise, Dr. Nguyen is highly sought after for “salvage” cases, particularly when other attempts have had suboptimal outcomes.
Dr. Nguyen is passionate about lymphedema care and has developed novel algorithms and powerful surgical approaches not offered anywhere else in the world. With his extensive surgical background and training as a lymphedema therapist, he strongly believes in a comprehensive approach to lymphedema care. While offering all available surgical options for lymphedema: lymphovenous bypass/anastomosis (LVB/LVA), vascularized lymphatic and lymph node transfer (VLNT), suction assisted lipectomy/liposuction, debulking procedures, simultaneous breast reconstruction (DIEP with VLNT), and especially combined modalities, Dr. Nguyen incorporates these procedures with traditional lymphedema therapy in addition to using novel imaging and instrumentation. As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Dr. Nguyen’s approach takes the best of all lymphedema care and merges it into a comprehensive and integrative personalized treatment plan for each patient to achieve the best outcomes.
A member of many national and international medical organizations, Dr. Nguyen is internationally renowned for his expertise in reconstructive surgery and lymphatic care. He has published landmark articles and is invited to lecture and operate around the world while continuing to pursue the latest advancements in lymphedema and reconstructive microsurgery.
Experience
· MD Anderson Cancer Center: Assistant Professor and Clinical Specialist
· MD Anderson Cancer Center: Complex Reconstructive Microsurgery Fellowship
· UT Southwestern Medical Center: Plastic Surgery
· Harbor UCLA Medical Center: General Surgery
· UCLA School of Medicine
· Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Certifications & Licensure
The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Board Certified
The American Board of Surgery, Board Certified
Texas State Medical License
CA State Medical License
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Awards, Honors, & Recognition
Fellow-The American College of Surgeons
Best Scientific Poster Award, Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2014
Best Scientific Poster Award, Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2013
Best Case Award, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Excellence in Teaching Award, UTSW Medical Center
Best Case of the Year, UTSW Medical Center
Administrative Chief Resident, UTSW Medical Center
Teaching Chief Resident of the Year, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Chief Resident, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Professional Societies
World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery
American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery
American College of Surgeons
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
National Lymphedema Network
Lymphatic Education & Research Network
Service
Medical Director, Integrative Lymphedema Institute, Dallas, TX
Assistant Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Associate Center Medical Director, Julie Kyte Center for Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Plastic Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Alternate Quality Officer, Department of Plastic Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Clinical Specialist, Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Breast Program Leadership Team, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Member
Division of Surgery Continuous Quality Improvement Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Member
Surgical Scheduling Task Force Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Chair
Clinical Effectiveness Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Member
Strategic Planning Template Management Team, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Member
Presentations
1. Surviving with Lymphedema, Lymphedema Seminars, Dallas, TX 4/2017.
2. Innovations in Lymphatic Surgery, American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgeons 2017, Kona, HI, 1/2017
3. Use of Indocyanine Green Lymphography to Diagnose Lymphoedema Severity, Australian & New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists, Canberra, Australia, 12/2016
4. Oncologic Reconstructive Surgery, Medical City Dallas, Tumor Board, Dallas, TX, 10/2016
5. Lymphedema Surgery, Lymphedema Seminars, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, 10/2016
6. Innovations in Lymphedema Surgery, Medical City Dallas Plastic Surgery Grand Rounds, Dallas, TX, 9/2016
7. The Vascularized Free Omental Lymphatic Flap, National Lymphedema Network 12th International Conference, Dallas, TX, 8/2016
8. Surgical treatment of secondary lymphoedema – algorithmic approach at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Asia Pacific Lymphology Conference, Darwin, Australia, 5/2016
9. Long-term outcomes of Vascularized Omental Lymphatic Transfers, The 5th World Symposium for Lymphedema Surgery, Taiwan, 4/2016
10. Minimally invasive lymphatic transfer Live Surgery, The 5th World Symposium for Lymphedema Surgery, Taiwan, 4/2016
11. The surgical management of breast cancer related lymphedema, Lymphedema Seminars, McKinney, TX, 2/2016
12. Limb salvage, Best Save Competition, American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgeons 2016, Scottsdale, AZ, 1/2016
13. The Omental Lymphatic Flap, Chicago Breast & Lymphedema Symposium, Chicago, IL, 9/2015
14. Laparoscopic Free Omental Lymphatic Flap for the Treatment of Lower Extremity Lymphedema, 25th World Congress of Lymphology, San Francisco, CA, 9/2015
15. “Innovations” in Lymphedema Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 6/2015
16. The surgical management of lymphedema: past, present, and future, Lymphedema Seminars, Palm Springs, CA, 5/2015
17. Deciphering the True Utility of the Implantable Doppler, American Association of Plastic Surgeons, Scottsdale, AZ, 4/2015
18. Urinary conduits do not preclude the use of the ipsilateral vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap, American Association of Plastic Surgeons, Scottsdale, AZ, 4/2015
19. Laparoscopic free omental lymphatic flap for the treatment of lymphedema, American Association of Plastic Surgeons, Scottsdale, AZ, 4/2015
20. The surgical management of breast cancer related lymphedema, Lymphedema Seminars, Houston, TX, 2/2015
21. “No Man’s Land” Pelvic Reconstruction, Best Save Competition, American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgeons 2015, Paradise Island, Bahamas, 1/2015
22. Inter-rectus abdominis muscle distance is an independent predictive factor for development of postoperative ventral hernias, American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgeons 2015, Paradise Island, Bahamas, 1/2015
23. Laparoscopic assisted extended vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap for minimally invasive pelvic reconstruction, American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgeons 2015, Paradise Island, Bahamas, 1/2015
24. Minimally Invasive Vascularized Lymphatic Transfer, Best Case Competition, American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgeons 2015, Paradise Island, Bahamas, 1/2015
25. Salvage reconstruction of pelvic and perineal resection complications using superior gluteal artery perforator flaps, American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgeons 2015, Paradise Island, Bahamas, 1/2015
26. The Surgical Management of Lymphedema, MD Anderson Cancer Center Grand Rounds, Houston, TX, 12/2014
27. Free flap for limb salvage following oncologic resection: 12-year experience. American College of Surgeons 2014 Clinical Congress, San Francisco, CA, 10/2014
28. Pre-operative ventral hernia on physical exam is predictive of fascial dehiscence in high-risk cystectomy patients. American College of Surgeons 2014 Clinical Congress, San Francisco, CA, 10/2014
29. Minimally invasive vascularized lymphatic transfer, Chicago Breast & Lymphedema Symposium, Chicago, IL, 9/2014
30. Simultaneous breast reconstruction and treatment of lymphedema, Chicago Breast & Lymphedema Symposium, Chicago, IL, 9/2014
31. Urinary conduits do not preclude the use of the ipsilateral vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap. Texas Society of Plastic Surgery Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX, 9/2014
32. Abdominal flaps have better outcomes than thigh flaps for immediate reconstruction of oncologic pelvic and perineal resection defects. Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting, Bastrop, TX, 9/2013
33. Simultaneous vascularized lymph node transfer with microvascular breast reconstruction, World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, Chicago, IL, 7/2013
34. Improving outcomes in complex abdominal wall reconstruction: primary fascial closure with mesh reinforcement is superior to bridged mesh repair. Poster, 4th Annual Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Summit, Breckenridge, CO, 1/2013
35. Challenges beyond the midline: improving outcomes in lateral abdominal wall reconstruction. Poster, 98th Annual American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress, Chicago, IL, 10/2012
36. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in the Irradiated Patient, Department of Radiation Oncology Grand Rounds, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2/2012
37. Abdominal flaps have better outcomes than thigh flaps for immediate reconstruction of oncologic pelvic and perineal resection defects, 98th Annual American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress, Chicago, IL, 10/2012
38. Factors leading to orocutaneous fistula formation and management in oropharyngeal reconstruction after free tissue reconstruction, 8th International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer, Toronto, Canada, 7/2012
39. Lateral supragenicular pedicle perforator flap: clinical results and vascular anatomy, American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgeons 2010 Annual Meeting, Boca Raton, FL, 1/2010
40. Liposuction augmented posterior brachioplasty: technical refinements in upper arm contouring, Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons, Grapevine, TX, 9/2009
41. Ruptured common iliac artery aneurysm in association with cystic medial necrosis, The Southwestern Surgical Congress, Rancho Mirage, CA, 3/2007
42. Transperitoneal approach should be considered for suspected ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms, Southern California Vascular Surgical Society, Temecula, CA, 5/2006
Publications
1. Nguyen AT, Suami H, Hanasono MM, Womack VA, Wong FC, Chang EI. Long-term Outcomes of the Minimally Invasive Free Vascularized Omental Lymphatic Flap for the Treatment of Lymphedema. J Surg Oncol. 2016 Jul 20. PMID: 27439587.
2. Loh CY, Wu JC, Nguyen AT, Dayan J, Smith M, Masia J, Chang Dw, Koshima I, Cheng MH. The 5th World Symposium for Lymphedema Surgery-Recent Updates in Lymphedema Surgery and Setting Up a Global Knowledge Exchange Platform. J Surg Oncol. 2016 Jun 28. PMID 27353481.
3. Chang EI, Ibrahim A, Papazian N, Jurgus A, Nguyen AT. Perforator Mapping and Optimizing Design of the Lateral Arm Flap: Anatomy Revisited and Clinical Experience. Plas Reconstr Surg. 2016 Apr. PMID: 27064226.
4. Chang EI, Ibrahin A, Zhang, H, Liu J, Nguyen AT, Reece GP, Yu P. Deciphering the Sensitivity and Specificity of the Implantable Doppler Probe in Free Flap Monitoring. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 Mar;137(3):971-6. PMID: 26910681.
5. Shin US, You Y, Nguyen AT, Bednarski BK, Messick C, Maru DM, Dean EM, Nguyen ST, Hu CY, Chang, GJ. Oncologic Outcomes of Extended Robotic Resection for Rectal Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol. 2016 Feb 8. PMID: 26856720.
6. Nguyen AT, Suami H. Laparoscopic Free Omental Lymphatic Flap for the Treatment of Lymphedema. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Jul;136(1):114-8. PMID: 26111317.
7. Nguyen AT, Chang EI, Suami H, Chang DW. An algorithmic approach to simultaneous vascularized lymph node transfer with microvascular breast reconstruction. Ann Surg Oncol. e-Pub 1/2015. PMID: 25623599.
8. Chang EI, Chang EI, Ito R, Zhang H, Nguyen AT, Skoracki RJ, Hanasono MM, Crosby MA, Ueno NT, Hunt KK. Challenging a traditional paradigm: 12-year experience with autologous free flap breast reconstruction for inflammatory breast cancer. Plast Reconstr Surg 135(2):262e-9e, 2/2015. PMID: 25626809.
9. Karmali RJ, Nguyen AT, Skoracki RJ, Hanasono MM. Outcomes Following Autologous Fat Grafting in Head and Neck Oncologic Reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Oct;136(4 Suppl):49-50. PMID: 26397548.
10. Chang EI, Nguyen AT, Crosby MA, Zhang H, Hughes JK, Moeller J, Skoracki RJ, Lewis VO, Chang DW, Hanasono MM. Free flap for limb salvage following oncologic resection: 12-year experience. Plast Reconstr Surg 134(4 Suppl 1):40-1, 10/2014. PMID: 25254730.
11. Nguyen AT, Chang DW. Discussion: A paradigm Shift in U.S. Breast reconstruction: increasing implant rates. Plast Reconstr Surg 131(1):24-5, 1/2013. PMID: 23271516.
12. Nguyen AT, Baumann DP, Butler CE. Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: The Plastic Surgeon’s Perspective. In: Surgery of Complex Abdominal Wall Defects. Ed(s) Latifi R. Springer: New York, 75-83, 2013. PMID: 978-1-4614-6354-2.
13. Booth JH, Garvey PB, Baumann DP, Selber JC, Nguyen AT, Clemens MW, Liu J, Butler CE. Primary Fascial Closure with Mesh Reinforcement Is Superior to Bridged Mesh Repair for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction. J Am Coll Surg 217(6):999-1009, 12/2013. e-Pub 9/2013. PMID: 24083910.
14. Garvey PB, Booth JH, Baumann DP, Selber JC, Nguyen AT, Clemens MW, Liu J, Butler CE. Reply. J Am Coll Surg 218(5):1081-3, 5/2014. PMID: 24745578.
15. Sacks JM, Nguyen AT, Broyles JM, Yu P, Valerio IL, Baumann DP. Near-Infrared Laser-Assisted Indocyanine Green Imaging for Optimizing the Design of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap. Eplasty 12:e30, 2012. e-Pub 7/2012. PMID: 22876337.
16. Nguyen AT, Janis JE. Resident Selection Protocols in Plastic Surgery: A National Survey of Plastic Surgery Independent Program Directors. Plast Reconstr Surg 130(2):459-69, 8/2012. PMID: 22495204.
17. Nguyen AT, Wong C, Mojallal A, Saint-Cyr M. Lateral Supragenicular Pedicle Perforator Flap: Clinical Results and Vascular Anatomy. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 64(3)(3):381-5, 3/2011. e-Pub 8/2010. PMID: 20716494.
18. Nguyen AT, Janis J. Discussion: Plastic Surgery Chief Resident Clinics: The Current State of Affairs. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2010 Aug; 126(2):634-5. PMID: 20679846.
19. Rohrich R, Monheit G, Nguyen AT. Soft-Tissue Filler Complications: The Importance of Biofilms. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 125(4):1250-6, 4/2010.
20. Nguyen AT, Rohrich R. Liposuction Assisted Posterior Brachioplasty: Technical Refinements in Upper Arm Contouring. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 126(4):1365-9, 10-2010, 10/2010.
21. Nguyen AT, Rohrich RJ. Reply: some thoughts on the posterior brachioplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg 127(6):2517-8, 6/2011. PMID: 21617500.
22. Nguyen AT, Kenkel J. Selected Readings in Plastic Surgery: Injectables. Selected Readings in Plastic Surgery 10:1-25, 2010.
23. Sacks J, Nguyen AT, Baumann D. Laser-Assisted Indocyanine Green Imaging Optimizes the Design of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap. Plastic Surgery Research Council 56th Annual Meeting 127(Supplement 5S):72, 5/2011.
24. Nguyen AT, Ahmad J, Fagien S, Rohrich RJ. Cosmetic medicine: facial resurfacing and injectables. Plast Reconstr Surg 129(1):142e-53e, 1/2012. PMID: 22186529.
25. Rohrich R, Nguyen AT, Kenkel J. Lexicon for Soft Tissue Implants. Dermatol Surg 35(2):1605-11, 10/2009.
26. De Virgilio C, Yaghoubian A, Nguyen AT. Peripheral Vascular Surgery Using Targeted Beta Blockade Reduces Perioperative Cardiac Event Rate. Journal of the American College of Surgeons 208(1):14-20, 10/2009.
27. Van Natta T, Nguyen AT, Benharash P. Thoracoscopic Thoracic Duct Ligation for Persistent Cervical Chyle Leak: Utility of Immediate Pathologic Confirmation. JSLS 13(3):430-2, 7/2009.
28. Rosing D, Nguyen AT, De Virgilio C, Masry E, Stabile B. Cholangitis: Analysis of Admission Prognostic Indicators and Outcomes. American Surgeon 73(10):949-54, 10/2007.
29. Bui H, Nguyen AT, Lujan R, Donayrec C, Lee L, Wallt I, Koplock G, Lippman M, White R. Impact of Endoluminal Treatment on Small Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Aneurysm Sac Regression and Secondary Procedures with 5 Years Follow Up. Vascular and Endovascular Surgery 41(4):292-300, 8/2007.
30. Lee G, Nguyen AT, Kivnick S, Marshall J. Aortic Puncture with a Laparoscopic Fascial Closure Device. Obstetrics and Gynecology 110(2 pt. 2):533-5, 8/2007.
31. Nguyen AT, De Virgilio C. Transperitoneal Approach Should be Considered for Suspected Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. Annals of Vascular Surgery 21(2):129-32, 3/2007.
Activities
American College of Surgeons: Surgeons as Leaders, From the Operating Room to Boardroom, Chicago, IL, 2015.
Laparoscopic Free Omental Lymphatic Flap Transfers. Oncolog. October 2015. Volume 60, No 10.
Surgical Options for Lymphedema. Oncolog. June 2014. Vol 59, No 6.
Clinical Safety and Effectiveness Program, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 2013-2014
Heart of Leadership Core Skills Program, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 2011-2012.
Speaking/Teaching
1. “Surviving” with Lymphedema, Cancer Support Community, North Texas
2. Lymphedema Awareness, Keynote Address Lymphatic Education & Research Network Annual Texas Lymphedema Walk
3. Surviving with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema, East Texas Medical Center Pink Ribbon Getaway
4. “Surviving” with Lymphedema, East Texas Medical Center “Great Getaway” Retreat
5. Plastic Surgery Cadaver Flap Course, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
6. Department of Plastic Surgery Microsurgery Fellows Skills Course, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
7. Plastic Surgery Core Curriculum Series: The Management of Lymphedema, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
8. Plastic Surgery Scheduling Improvements, Clinical Safety and Effectiveness, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
9. Plastic Surgery Complications in the Neurosurgical Patient, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
10. Core Curriculum and Indications Training Conference for Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
11. Morbidity and Mortality Conference, Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
12. Houston Plastic Surgery Reconstructive Conference: Advances in the Abdominal Wall Reconstruction, Minimally Invasive Innovations and Future Directions
13. MD Anderson Department of Plastic Surgery Cadaver Flap Course: Lateral Arm Flap, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
14. MD Anderson Department of Plastic Surgery Cadaver Flap Course: Vascularized Lymphatic Transfers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
15. “Code Blue:” Flap Monitoring and Flap Care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
16. Overview of Flaps – “Putting It All Together in the ICU,” The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center