Dr. Buchanan has a national reputation as a leader and educator in Plastic Surgery. He is board-certified in, and was previously a Professor of Plastic Surgery.
Our goal is to enhance not only the way you look, but also how you feel.
Using today’s techniques, we strive to achieve the best outcome possible with the fastest recovery and least risks so you will love your results. We develop an individual care plan with you by providing time to listen to you, a thorough examination and discussion of your desires. This plan considers your specific goals and matches them with what your body type will allow and what the latest techniques can accomplish. We always place your safety first, and strive for as natural a result as possible in all procedures, whether surgical or non-invasive.
Dr. Buchanan specializes in minimal and non-invasive cosmetic, facial, body and breast procedures, skin and facial rejuvenation, and wellness management.
Training and Practice
- Private Practice Highlands, NC, 1999-present
- Private Practice and clinical Faculty, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, 1992-1999
- Full Professor of Plastic Surgery, teaching future surgeons and caring for patients, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, 1978-1992
- Plastic Surgery Residency – Washington University, Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, 1976-1978
- General Surgery Residency – University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 1972-1976
- US Navy, Field Surgical Officer, Vietnam and Jacksonville, FL 1970-72
- Straight Surgical Internship – Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX, 1969-70
- M.D. Degree – Medical College of Georgia, 1969
- Undergraduate – Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 1962-1965 (Entered Medical School at the completion of third year).
- Native of Atlanta
Board Certification
- American Board of Plastic Surgery, 1980
- American Board of Surgery, June 9, 1978 (not active)
- Certified in Surgery of the Hand, 1990 (1st year offered), recertified 1998 & 2010
Hospital Privileges
- Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, Highlands, NC, Active Privileges
- Harris Regional Hospital, Sylva, NC, Courtesy Privileges
Honors & Awards
- AMA Medal of Valor for work during the Oklahoma City Bombing
- AMA Physician’s Recognition Award given for a superior level of continuing medical education: 1981, 1984, 1986, 1989, 1992, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013 (Available only every 3 years).
- Permanent entry in Who’s Who in America
- Other Achievements:
- World’s first nose reattachment
- World’s first free joint transfer
- Developed and helped refine a number of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures
- Liposuction (In first group trained in this country)
- Breast reconstruction
- Short scar carpal tunnel release
- Free tissue transfer
- One of first to use Loupes rather than a Microscope for free tissue transfer.
- Elected by peers to lead local and national Plastic Surgical and other medical organizations.
- President, American Association for Hand Surgery, 2001-2002
- President, Oklahoma Society of Plastic Surgeons, 1982-1986
- Board of Governors, American College of Surgeons, 1998-2004
- Board of Directors, Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation, 2000-2003
- Alternate Delegate Oklahoma State Medical Association, 1997-1999
- Assistant Chief of Staff, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, 2006-2007
- Chief of Staff, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, 2007-2009
- Chief of Surgery, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, 2003-2007 and 2009-2011
Publications & Presentations
Dr Buchanan has authored numerous articles based on research published in national reference journals and books on subjects spanning the full breadth of Plastic Surgery. These articles include ones dealing with the effects of breast augmentation, burns, cleft palate repair, facial fractures, nutritional support, and the first report of a free microvascular joint transplant.
He has been invited speaker and teacher at national and international courses and symposia of multiple plastic surgery organizations lecturing on and teaching multiple aspects of Plastic Surgery.
He has had papers accepted and presented at the annual meetings of multiple Plastic Surgery organizations.
He has been the invited speaker at the programs of local hospitals and civic organizations.
Dr. Buchanan has developed and helped refine a number of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. With a broad knowledge of the basics, he has been able to take procedures developed for reconstruction, use them cosmetically, and vice versa.
Member of Speaker’s Bureau:
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Highlands-Cashiers Hospital
- Previously, Oklahoma State Medical Society
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Memberships
Medical:
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Multiple Committee Chairs and Memberships
- Board of Directors
- American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
- Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation
- Board of Directors
- Multiple Committee Chairs and Memberships
- Fellow American College of Surgeons
- Board of Governors
- Committee Membership
- American Association for Hand Surgery
- President
- Board of Directors
- Multiple Offices and Committee chairs
- American Medical Association
- Presented the Medal of Valor
- North Carolina Medical Society
- Western Carolina Medical Society
- North Carolina Society of Plastic Surgeons
In Oklahoma:
- Oklahoma Society of Plastic Surgeons, President, 1982-1986
- Susan G. Komen Foundation, Advisory Board, 1995-1999
- American Cancer Society, Oklahoma City Chapter, Chairman of the Board, 1995-1997
- Fine Arts Institute, Board of Directors, 1991-1993
- Edmond Educational Endowment
Community:
- Rotary International
- Team Captain, American Cancer Society Relay for Life
- Multiple projects
RealSelf:

Teaching Appointments
- Clinical Professor teaching Residents, Fellows and students from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center while in private practice 1992-1999
- Full Professor, teaching full time while caring for patients in the Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma, City, OK, 1978-1992
He continues to mentor young physicians and students through organizations in which he participates. They constantly stimulate him to stay current and ahead of the majority of other surgeons in order to provide the type of input they must have.
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