About
Dr. Douglas John Courtemanche is a highly skilled Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, committed to excellence in both reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. Based at a specialized plastic surgery clinic in Vancouver, BC, he serves a diverse patient population seeking expert plastic surgical care. His practice is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care, combining surgical artistry with advanced techniques and a focus on patient safety and satisfaction. He adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring ethical and professional practice in all procedures.
He offers a comprehensive range of services, addressing both functional restoration and cosmetic enhancement. Dr. Courtemanche is adept at procedures such as breast reconstruction, skin cancer treatment, trauma repair, as well as aesthetic surgeries including facelifts, breast augmentation, and body contouring. His particular focus involves restoring form and function to the body due to congenital defects, trauma, burns, or medical conditions like cancer. The practice emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs in a safe and supportive environment.
Dr. Courtemanche graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 1983 and has extensive postgraduate training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His professional philosophy centers on achieving natural-looking, harmonious results that align with each patient’s goals, while prioritizing safety, comfort, and confidentiality. He is committed to ongoing education and refinement of his surgical skills, utilizing the latest proven techniques to optimize outcomes for his patients. All communication and care are provided in English, with a dedication to patient well-being in Vancouver.
Dr. Douglas Courtemanche addresses a wide array of conditions requiring plastic and reconstructive expertise, including:
Reconstructive Surgery (Trauma, Burns, Post-Mastectomy)
Dr. Courtemanche addresses restoring form and function to body parts affected by trauma, burns, congenital anomalies, or post-surgical defects like mastectomy.
- Burn Reconstruction (Acute and Secondary): Techniques include skin grafts, tissue expansion, flap surgery, and scar revision.
- Breast Reconstruction (Post-Mastectomy or Lumpectomy): Often performed in stages and can include nipple and areola reconstruction.
- Hand Injuries (e.g., Tendon/Nerve Repair, Fractures, Amputations): Aims to restore hand function and dexterity.
Skin Cancer and Benign Skin Lesion Removal
Dr. Courtemanche addresses excision of skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, often with reconstructive closure.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Excision: Techniques include simple excision, Mohs micrographic surgery (performed by Mohs surgeons, plastic surgeons do reconstruction), or curettage and electrodesiccation.
- Melanoma Excision and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Surgical removal of melanoma (a serious form of skin cancer) with appropriate safety margins.
- Benign Skin Lesions (e.g., Cysts, Lipomas, Moles/Nevi, Skin Tags): Surgical removal of non-cancerous skin growths for cosmetic reasons, discomfort, irritation, or diagnostic uncertainty.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your specific needs, a consultation with Dr. Douglas Courtemanche is essential.
- Skin Cancer Reconstruction (Mohs Defect Repair): Surgical repair of skin defects resulting from the removal of skin cancers, particularly after Mohs surgery.
- Breast Reconstruction (Implant or Autologous Tissue): Surgical restoration of breast shape and volume after mastectomy or lumpectomy.
- Lower Extremity Reconstruction: Often involves free flap tissue transfer or local flap coverage.
- Pre-operative Assessment for Plastic Surgery: Ensuring patient suitability and optimizing health prior to elective plastic or reconstructive surgery.
- Reconstructive Surgery Planning (Post-Trauma, Post-Cancer, Congenital): Multidisciplinary approach often involving collaboration with other specialists.
- Hand Surgery (Reconstructive and Trauma): Surgical treatment for injuries to tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and bones of the hand.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up for Plastic Surgery: Management of dressings, drains, and post-operative discomfort.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific procedures and suitability are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Courtemanche.
All plastic and reconstructive surgery services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada guidelines. A referral from a physician may be required for consultations regarding medically necessary procedures.
Dr. Courtemanche practices at a specialized plastic surgery clinic located in Vancouver's Shaughnessy neighborhood, within Arbutus Ridge South. The clinic is conveniently situated near Vancouver Art Gallery and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), as well as bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional, private, and patient-focused environment for consultations and procedures. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available for patient convenience.
- Why is it important for a Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Courtemanche to be board-certified?
- Board certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Plastic Surgery (FRCSC) signifies that a surgeon like Dr. Courtemanche has completed an accredited residency training program and has passed comprehensive written and oral examinations covering all aspects of plastic surgery, both reconstructive and cosmetic. It's a mark of high standards in training, knowledge, and surgical competence, ensuring he is qualified to perform a wide range of plastic surgery procedures safely and effectively.
- Why is a consultation with Dr. Courtemanche important before deciding on a procedure?
- The consultation with Dr. Courtemanche is essential because it provides an opportunity for a thorough evaluation of your specific needs and aesthetic or reconstructive goals. Dr. Courtemanche can then explain the most appropriate surgical or non-surgical options, what you can realistically expect from the outcomes, and ensure you have all the information needed to proceed confidently and safely.
- What is the typical recovery time after plastic surgery with Dr. Courtemanche?
- Recovery time after plastic surgery performed by Dr. Courtemanche varies significantly depending on the type and extent of the procedure(s), as well as individual healing factors. For example, recovery from a major procedure like a tummy tuck or body lift will be longer (several weeks to months) than from a minor skin lesion removal or some injectable treatments. Dr. Courtemanche will provide detailed post-operative instructions and a personalized recovery timeline during your consultation.
- What does a Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Courtemanche specialize in?
- A Plastic Surgeon, such as Dr. Courtemanche, is a highly trained surgical specialist dedicated to the reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease, as well as aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery to enhance appearance. a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, specializing in restoring form and function to the body due to congenital defects, trauma, burns, or medical conditions like cancer.
- What is the difference between reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, and does Dr. Courtemanche perform both?
- Reconstructive plastic surgery addresses physical abnormalities to improve function and normalize appearance (e.g., breast reconstruction after mastectomy, cleft lip repair). Cosmetic plastic surgery is focused on enhancing aesthetic features (e.g., facelift, breast augmentation). Dr. Courtemanche, as a board-certified Plastic Surgeon, is skilled in aspects of both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, always aiming to restore and enhance the natural form and function of the body.
- What are some common procedures performed by a Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Courtemanche?
- As a Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Courtemanche is skilled in numerous operations. These can range from reconstructive work like repairing burn scars or facial trauma, to cosmetic enhancements such as rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and various breast surgeries. His expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of procedures aimed at restoring and enhancing the body's form and function.
a specialized plastic surgery clinic in Vancouver
K3-131 4480 Oak St
Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4
Office Phone: (604) 875-2291 | Office Fax: (604) 875-2749
Dr. Courtemanche is a licensed Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician may be required for consultations regarding medically necessary procedures covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP). For cosmetic procedures, a referral is often not required, but it's advisable to discuss with your family doctor. Please contact the office for details.
Verify Dr. Courtemanche's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/303790/Courtemanche%2CDouglas