Acclaimed.
Experienced.
Recognized.
It Matters.

Dr. Dennis Nigro, MD, FACS, FICS is the personification of these terms which makes him one of San Diego’s finest Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.

Dr. Nigro brings his exceptional educational background combined with more than 25 years of experience to help his patients look their best.

Always on the leading edge of the latest techniques and technology, Dr. Nigro’s combination of artistic vision, outstanding surgical skills, and meticulous attention to detail allows him to develop an individualized treatment plan to suit each patient.

Honored with numerous awards and citations for his work with Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, reflects his passion for his work.

Dr. Dennis 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 University of California at San Francisco, and his plastic surgery residency at 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 two U.S. Presidents, the governor of California, and a California senator as well as many honors for his outstanding service to children.  Locally, Dr. Nigro was presented with Channel 10's Leadership Award and was selected as one of San Diego Magazine's 50 People to Watch in 2000.

Dr. Nigro holds positions on the Board of Directors for the Plastic Surgery Education Foundation Symposium Committee and Fresh Start Surgical Gifts.  He is Past Secretary for the Reconstructive Surgery Volunteer Program (RSVP) for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Education Society and the International Aesthetic Society, as well as, a consultant for the Allergan Corp in their Plastic and Reconstrucitve Surgery Division.

Dr. Nigro is a Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the International College of Surgeons.  He teaches post graduate courses in multiple subjects, including endoscopic subperiosteal and laser surgery.  He lectures for the March of Dimes at the Salk Institute annually and 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 bioabsorbable 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, working with Clinicon, Inc., in Carlsbad, California. 

Dr. Nigro is the Founder of the Medical Counsel for Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, Inc., which is endorsed by the University of Notre Dame, 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 in recognition for outstanding volunteer contributions from President Bill Clinton.  

In 1992 he was the recipient of Notre Dame University's Thomas Dooley Award, a prestigious award given annually to an alumnus in recognition of outstanding service to mankind. Dr. Nigro is the first physician to be so honored. In 1994, he was awarded the Moose Krause Award by the University of Notre Dame Monogram Club (Varsity Letter) as its "Man of the Year."

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

In 2004 the Plastic Surgery Education Foundation presented its highest honor to Dr. Nigro, the "PSEF Distinguished Service Award" for ongoing contributions in 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 active family life, he finds time for golf, and has whittled his handicap to scratch.

760.753.1050 | 351 Santa Fe Drive Suite 1 | Encinitas, CA 92024 | www.drnigro.com