Fatma Tuncer

Dr. Fatma Tuncer serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine. She is a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon specializing in lymphedema management, breast reconstruction, microsurgery, and lower extremity reconstruction. Her clinical practice spans four major sites: Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Hospital, Sugar House Health Center, and Primary Children's Hospital, where she provides comprehensive care for complex reconstructive needs.

Her educational journey includes an M.D. from Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, followed by Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency at Marmara University School of Medicine. She completed four specialized fellowships: Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Foundation/Akron Children's Hospital; Craniofacial and Maxillofacial Surgery at University of Utah; Microsurgery and Breast Reconstruction at Cleveland Clinic Foundation; and Microsurgery/Transgender Surgery at Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent.

Dr. Tuncer's research focuses on advancing lymphedema treatments through vascularized lymph node transfer and lymphovenous bypass, optimizing breast reconstruction outcomes with prepectoral techniques, and developing innovative approaches for craniofacial anomalies. Her work bridges clinical practice with technical innovation, particularly in microsurgical applications for cancer-related reconstruction and pediatric conditions. Patient-centered care remains central to her philosophy, as evidenced by her 4.9/5 patient satisfaction rating.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent emphasis on improving surgical precision in reconstructive microsurgery, with significant contributions to lymphedema prevention protocols and breast reconstruction methodologies. Her research increasingly addresses health disparities, particularly in breast reconstruction access for Native American populations, while maintaining technical focus on flap physiology and vascular function.

Scientific Awards: None documented in available materials.

Dr. Tuncer actively mentors surgical trainees and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across oncology, urology, and craniofacial specialties. Her clinical grants focus on lymphedema intervention outcomes and health equity in reconstructive surgery, though specific funding details aren't publicly enumerated. She maintains active involvement in protocol development for complex cancer reconstructions.

As a core member of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery division, she contributes to the University of Utah's high-volume academic medical ecosystem through clinical service, research innovation, and educational leadership in both adult and pediatric reconstructive contexts.