Dr. Nigro is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and Creighton University School of  Medicine. He completed his internship at Creighton, general surgery residency at the medical center of the University of  California at San Francisco, and his plastic surgery residency at the medical center of the University of California at San Diego. Dr. Nigro has been recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgeons, and the International College of Surgeons for his numerous accomplishments.  He has received citations from the governor of California, a California senator, and two U.S. Presidents, as well as numerous titles and awards for his outstanding service to children and youth.  Locally, Dr. Nigro was presented with Channel 10's Leadership Award and he was selected as one of San Diego Magazine's 50 People to Watch in 2000.

Dr. Nigro holds positions on several Board of Directors, including the Plastic Surgery Education Foundation Symposium Committee and Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, and is Secretary for the Reconstructive Surgery Volunteer Program (RSVP) for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Education Society, and the International Aesthetic Society.

Dr. Nigro is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the International College of Surgeons. He teaches post graduate courses in a variety of subjects, including Endoscopic Subperiosteal and Laser Surgery. Dr. Nigro lectures for the March of Dimes at the Salk Institute annually. He also serves as a consultant for the Mentor Corporation for breast implants and ultrasonic liposuction. Dr. Nigro has been involved in the practical application and development of two inventions since 1997. He invented the Bio-absorbable Screw for use in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.  He is the first name on the patent and is working in conjunction with Bionix Implants of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. Dr. Nigro is also responsible for the design, ergonomics, and clinical application of the C02 Diamond Blade Laser Scalpel for plastic surgery application and has been working with Clinicon, Inc., in Carlsbad, California in this regard. 

Dr. Nigro is the Founder of the Medical Counsel for Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, Inc., which is endorsed by the University of Notre Dame and whose founding Honorary Chairman was Fr. Hesburgh. This charitable organization provides reconstructive surgery to children who suffer from birth defects and other operable deformities. Fresh Start has received two Presidential awards: In 1992 Fresh Start was honored as one of President George Bush's "Points of Light," and in 1993 the "Presidential Volunteer Action Award," the highest award given in the United States, and the only one bestowed in California from President Clinton. Dr. Nigro was named the 1992 recipient of Notre Dame University's Thomas Dooley Award. This prestigious award is given annually to an alumnus of the University in recognition of outstanding service to mankind. Dr. Nigro is the first physician to be so honored. In 1994, Dr. Nigro was awarded the Moose Krause Award by the University of Notre Dame Monogram Club (Varsity Letter) as its "Man of the Year"

Notre Dame recently selected Dr. Nigro to be featured on all NBC televised home games as one of the eight Champions of Notre Dame, honoring these former Athletes as Notre Dame defines their true champions - both on the playing field and in life.

The Plastic Surgery Education Foundation, at its national meeting this year in Philadelphia, presented its highest honor to Dr. Nigro, the "2004 PSEF Distinguished Service Award" - for ongoing contributions related to education and international service efforts. He was the only plastic surgeon given this award.

Dr. Nigro lives in Rancho Santa Fe with his wife Brenda and his daughters Bergen and Erris.  In addition to his busy schedule and his lovely family, he finds time for golf, and has whittled his handicap to scratch.