Joseph M. Mlakar, M.D., F.A.C.S.

The single most important factor in the success of plastic surgery is the surgeon you select. That is why you need to know about the qualifications and the experience of Dr. Joseph Mlakar (known to his patients as “Dr. Joe”).

“Dr. Joe” is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 1994. Since beginning his plastic surgery practice in Fort Wayne in 1996, “Dr. Joe” has served as the director/co-director of the St. Joseph Hospital Regional Burn Center (1996-2006) and as the St. Joseph Hospital Chief of Surgery (2000-2006). He is also a co-founder of the Kids-First Cleft/Craniofacial Clinics, a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals who are dedicated to the treatment and care of children with birth anomalies.

“Dr. Joe” has extensive experience in performing facial and nasal cosmetic surgery, breast enhancement, and body contouring, as well as breast reduction, breast reconstruction, and pediatric reconstructive surgery. He believes that good communication is the key to a successful outcome and is happy to answer all of your questions.

Professional Recognition

Listed in "Top Doctors in Fort Wayne" (2008) by Upstate Indiana Business Journal
Listed in "America's Top Plastic Surgeons" (2007) by the Consumers Research Council of America
Listed in "Top Doctors in Fort Wayne" (2005 and 2006) by Indiana Business Journal
Listed in "America's Top Surgeons" (2002-2003)
Recipient of the American Medical Association's Physician's Recognition Award
Recipient of the Bausch and Lomb Science Award
Recipient of the Golden Scalpel Award
Won clinical teaching awards as an outstanding plastic surgeon in Michigan, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Indiana

Certifications

Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 1994
Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Member of the American College of Surgeons
Member of the American Burn Association
Member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine
Member of the American Medical Association

Academic Background

Completed a six-year BS/MD program - Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (1985)
Completed a combined general surgery/plastic surgery residency - Michigan State University and Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan (1990)
Completed an advanced fellowship training in Burn Surgery and Critical Care - University of Texas Medical Branch (1991)
Completed an advanced fellowship training in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery - University of Southern California, Los Angeles Children’s Hospital (1992)