Mark T. Villa, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Department of Plastic Surgery, Division of Surgery
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Professor, Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Professor, Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2001 | University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, US, MD |
| 1997 | Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, US, Biochemistry and Music, BA |
Postgraduate Training
| 2007-2008 | Clinical Fellowship, Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas |
| 2004-2007 | Clinical Residency, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Chicago Hospital, Chicago, Illinois |
| 2001-2004 | Clinical Residency, General Surgery, University of Chicago Hospital, Chicago, Illinois |
Licenses & Certifications
| 2010 | American Board of Plastic Surgery |
| 2007 | Texas Medical Board |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Associate Professor, Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2014 - 2021
Assistant Professor, Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2008 - 2014
Clinical Specialist, Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2007 - 2008
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Patient Experience Officer, Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2018 - 2019
Other Professional Positions
Faculty Liaison for Physician Assistants, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2011 - 2021
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Credentials Committee of the Medical Staff (CCMS), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2013 - Present
Member, Medical Practice Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2010 - Present
Reviewer, Grants & Protocols, Office of Protocol Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2009 - Present
Member, Faculty Senate, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2008 - 2011
Honors & Awards
| 2018 - 2021 | Multi-Year Appointment Award, Associate Professor, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2015 - 2016 | Best Doctors, Best Doctors, Inc |
| 2014 | Super Doctors 2014 Texas Rising Stars |
| 2014 | America's Top Plastic Surgeons, SLD Industries, Inc |
| 2008 - 2024 | Selected as one of "America's Top Plastic Surgeons", Consumer's Research Council |
| 2007 | Senior Residents Competition, Fourth Place, Chicago Society of Plastic Surgeons |
| 2006 | Outstanding Resident Clinical Presentation, Midwestern Association of Plastic Surgeons |
| 2001 | Merck Manual Award |
| 2000 | Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society |
| 1997 | The American Institute of Chemists Best Senior Biochemist Award |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2017. Invited Speaker: Indications for Free Flaps and Choice of Flaps. Conference. Orbital Oncology and Oncologic Oculofacial Plastic Surgery: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Houston, TX, US.
National Presentations
- 2024. Scientific Abstract Presentations: Breast Session 9 - Predictors of Explantation of the Infected Breast Expander: An analysis of 180 Breasts. Conference. Plastic Surgery The Meeting 2024. San Diego, CA, US.
- 2022. State of the Art Mohs Reconstruction from the Puzzle Masters. Invited. Plastic Surgery The Meeting 2023. Boston, MA, US.
- 2019. Instructor: Moh's Defects. Invited. Plastic Surgery The Meeting 2019. San Diego, CA, US.
- 2017. Proctor: Plastic Surgery Coding Workshop. Invited. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Indications for Free Flaps and Choice of Flaps. Invited. Orbital Oncology and Oncologic Oculofacial Plastic Surgery: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Panelist: Secondary Autologous Breast Reconstruction Revisions. Conference. 2017 American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery Annual Meeting. Kona, HI, US.
- 2016. Instructor: 2016 Senior Residents Conference & Residents Day Program - Basics of Coding & Payment Policies. Invited. Plastic Surgery, The Meeting. Los Angeles, CA, US.
- 2016. Moderator: Research and Technology. Invited. Plastic Surgery, The Meeting. Los Angeles, CA, US.
- 2015. Indications for Free Flaps and Choice of Flaps After Orbital Exenteration. Invited. Advances in Orbital Oncology and Oculofacial Plastic Surgery. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Panelist: Challenging Reconstructive Cases/Management of Complications and Recurrence. Invited. Advances in Orbital Oncology and Oculofacial Plastic Surgery. Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. Optimizing Outcomes in Two-Stage ADM Implant Breast Reconstruction. Invited. Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting 2013. Bastrop, TX, US.
- 2013. Indications for Free Flaps in Periorbital Reconstruction. Invited. Advances in Orbital Oncology and Oculofacial Plastic Surgery 2013. Houston, TX, US.
- 2012. Differences in Clinical Outcomes for Implant Versus Free DIEP/TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction in Obese Patients: A Study of 700 Patients. Conference. Plastic Surgery Research Council Annual Meeting 2012. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 2012. Moderator, Panel: Scientific Papers Session. Invited. American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery Annual Meeting 2012. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2011. Reconstruction of Tuncal Defects Following Sarcoma Extirpation with Free and Pedicle Flaps. Conference. American College of Surgeons. San Francisco, CA, US.
- 2009. Use of Extended VRAM Flap for Reconstruction of Large Pelvic Defects. Conference. Plastic Surgery Research Council. Pittsburgh, PA, US.
- 2006. The Versatility of Free-Style Thigh Perforator Flaps for Reconstruction of the Head Neck and Upper Extremity (Poster). Conference. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. San Francisco, CA, US.
- 2006. Barbed Sutures for Suspension of the Face: A Review of the Literature (Poster). Conference. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. San Francisco, CA, US.
- 2006. The Gastrocnemius-Achilles Tendon Myocutaneous Flap (GAT Flap) for Single Stage Reconstruction of Combined Soft Tissue and Extensor Mechanism Defects of the Knee: an e18 Year Experience (Presentation). Conference. Chicago Society of Plastic Surgeons. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2006. The Versatility of Free-Style Thigh Perforator Flaps for Reconstruction of the Head Neck and Upper Extremity (Presentation). Conference. Charles B. Huggins Memorial Research Conference. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2006. Intrapleural Use of the Wound VAC for Complex Thoracic Wounds (Presentation). Conference. Midwest Association of Plastic Surgeons. Oakbrook, IL, US.
- 2006. Intrapleural Use of the Wound VAC for Complex Thoracic Wounds (Poster). Conference. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. San Francisco, CA, US.
- 2005. Reduction Mammoplasty for the Treatment of Diffuse Dermal Angiomatosis (Poster). Conference. American Society of Plastic Surgery. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2000. Tissue Engineered Cells/Scaffold Implant for Cartilage Repair (Poster). Conference. Plastic Surgery Research Council. Seattle, WA, US.
International Presentations
- 2025. Micro Corner Leader. Invited. European Plastic Surgery Research Council Annual Meeting 2025. Utrecht, NL.
- 2024. Microsurgery Teaching. Invited. European Plastic Surgery Research Council 15th Annual Meeting. Brno, CZ.
- 2023. Microsurgical Corner: Four microscopes and microsurgical instruments. Invited. European Plastic Surgery Research Council. Geneva, CH.
- 2019. Are Current Perioperative Antimiccrobial Regimens Adequate for the Prevention of Breast Implant-Based Reconstructive Surgeries?. Conference. 29th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease. Amsterdam, NL.
- 2018. Instructor, Microscurgery Course. Invited. European Plastic Surgery Research Council. Hamburg, DE.
- 2012. Abstract. Tissue Expanders Secured with Suture Tabs Require Fewer Revisions Than Traditional Tissue Expanders for Breast Reconstruction. Conference. European Association of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting 2012. Munich, DE.
- 2011. Obesity Not Predictive of Flap Failure in Obese Patients. Conference. World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery. Helsinki, FI.
- 2007. The Use of the Fibular Free Flap for End Stage Erectile Dysfunction. Conference. World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, GR.
- 2007. Reconstruction of Complicated Scalp and Calvarial Defects with the Latissimus Dorsi/Rib Intercostal Ferforator Myo-osseo-cutaneous Free Flap. Conference. World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, GR.
Grant & Contract Support
| Date: | 2015 |
| Title: | 2015 Flap Dissection Course |
| Funding Source: | Synthes |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2014 |
| Title: | 2014 Flap Dissection Course |
| Funding Source: | Synthes |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2013 |
| Title: | 2013 Flap Dissection Course |
| Funding Source: | Synthes |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2012 |
| Title: | 2012 Flap Dissection Course |
| Funding Source: | Synthes |
| Role: | PI |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Hassan AM, Talanker MM, Yu P, Adelman DM, Villa MT, Hanasono MM. Lip Reconstruction Following Cancer Resection. Head Neck, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 40878772.
- Kendall, RL, Robinson, T, Reed, VK, Kanke, JE, Sosa, A, Nelson, CL, Swanson, DM, Villa, MT, Bloom, ES. Why is Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy Not Considered the Standard of Care for Locoregional Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Patients?. Advances in Radiation Oncology 10(5), 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 40264855.
- Schaverien MV, Singh P, Smith BD, Qiao W, Akay CL, Bloom ES, Chavez-MacGregor M, Chu CK, Clemens MW, Colen JS, Ehlers RA, Hwang RF, Joyner MM, Largo RD, Mericli AF, Mitchell MP, Shuck JW, Tamirisa N, Tripathy D, Villa MT, Woodward WA, Zacharia R, Kuerer HM, Hoffman KE. Premastectomy Radiotherapy and Immediate Breast Reconstruction: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 7(4):e245217, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38578640.
- Mericli AF, Chu CK, Sisk GC, Largo RD, Schaverien MV, Liu J, Villa MT, Garvey PB. Microvascular Breast Reconstruction in the Era of Value-Based Care: Use of a Cosurgeon Is Associated with Reduced Costs, Improved Outcomes, and Added Value. Plast Reconstr Surg 149(2):338-348, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35077407.
- Bailey CM, Asaad M, Boukovalas S, Lin YL, Kothamasu V, Kapur SK, Villa MT, Butler CE, Offodile AC. Understanding the Relationship Between Breast Reconstruction Sub-type and Risk of Financial Toxicity: A Single-Institution Pilot Study. Plast Reconstr Surg 148(1):1e-11e, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34181599.
- Schaverien MV, Deigni OA, Adamson KA, Robb GL, Kuerer H, Smith BD, Garvey PB, Hassid VJ, Villa MT, Baumann DP. Complications of Wise-Pattern Compared With Vertical Scar Mastopexy/Breast Reduction in Oncoplastic Breast-Conserving Surgery. Ann Plast Surg 85(6):601-607, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32332388.
- Jazayeri HE, Khavanin N, Yu JW, Wu B, Payne E, Mundinger GS, Patel KB, Peacock ZS, Villa MT, Dorafshar AH. Variability in Current Procedural Terminology Codes for Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Reconstruction: A National Survey. J Craniofac Surg 31(4):996-999, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32168130.
- Viola GM, Rolston KV, Butler C, Selber J, Reece G, Clemens M, Villa M, Raad II, Baumann D. Evaluation of Current Perioperative Antimicrobial Regimens for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections in Breast Implant-based Reconstructive Surgeries. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 7(7):e2342, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 31942364.
- Mericli AF, Szpalski C, Schaverien MV, Selber JC, Adelman DM, Garvey PB, Villa MT, Robb G, Baumann DP. The Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Is a Safe and Effective Method of Partial Breast Reconstruction in the Setting of Breast-Conserving Therapy. Plast Reconstr Surg 143(5):927e-935e, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 31033814.
- Ibrahim AE, Adelman DM, Parham C, Hong Z, Villa M, Chahine FM, Ghieh FM. The External Jugular Vein Used as Recipient Vessel in Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction: Outcomes Compared to the Internal Jugular Vein. J Craniofac Surg 30(1):178-183, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 30394970.
- Mericli AF, Schaverien MV, Hanasono MM, Yu P, Largo RD, Villa MT, Reece G, Butler CE, Garvey PB. Using a Second Free Fibula Osteocutaneous Flap after Repeated Mandibulectomy Is Associated with a Low Complication Rate and Acceptable Functional Outcomes. Plast Reconstr Surg 140(2):381-389, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28746288.
- Viola GM, Selber JC, Crosby M, Raad II, Butler CE, Villa MT, Kronowitz SJ, Clemens MW, Garvey P, Yang W, Baumann DP. Salvaging the Infected Breast Tissue Expander: A Standardized Multidisciplinary Approach. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 4(6):e732, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 27482480.
- Tong WM, Baumann DP, Villa MT, Mittendorf EA, Liu J, Robb GL, Kronowitz SJ, Garvey PB. Obese Women Experience Fewer Complications after Oncoplastic Breast Repair following Partial Mastectomy Than after Immediate Total Breast Reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 137(3):777-91, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 26910658.
- Gangopadhyay N, Villa MT, Chang EI, Selber JC, Liu J, Garvey PB. Combining Preoperative CTA Mapping of the Peroneal Artery and Its Perforators with Virtual Planning for Free Fibula Flap Reconstruction of Mandibulectomy Defects. Plast Reconstr Surg 136(4 Suppl):8-9, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 26397491.
- Tong W, Baumann DP, Villa MT, Mittendorf EA, Crosby MA, Liu J, Robb GL, Garvey PB. Obese Women Experience Fewer Complications after Oncoplastic Breast Reconstruction Following Segmental Mastectomy Versus Immediate Breast Reconstruction Following Skin-Sparing Mastectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg 134(4 Suppl 1):78-9, 2014. e-Pub 2014.
- Sun CS, Reece GP, Crosby MA, Fingeret MC, Skoracki RJ, Villa MT, Hanasono MM, Baumann DP, Chang DW, Cantor SB, Markey MK. Plastic Surgeon Expertise in Predicting Breast Reconstruction Outcomes for Patient Decision Analysis. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 1(6):e78, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 24910814.
- Crosby MA, Villa MT, Chang DW. Obituary: Elisabeth K. Beahm M.D., 1959-2013. Plast Reconstr Surg. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 23924653.
- Garvey PB, Villa MT, Rozanski AT, Liu J, Robb GL, Beahm EK. The Advantages of Free Abdominal-based Flaps Over Implants for Breast Reconstruction in Obese Patients. Plast Reconstr Surg 130(5):991-1000, 2012. e-Pub 2012. PMID: 23096600.
- Crosby MA, Garvey PB, Selber JC, Adelman DM, Sacks JM, Villa MT, Lin HY, Park SJ, Baumann DP. Reconstructive Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg 128(5):1025-1033, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 22030485.
- Baumann DP, Crosby MA, Selber JC, Garvey PB, Sacks JM, Adelman DM, Villa MT, Feng L, Robb GL. Optimal Timing of Delayed Free Lower Abdominal Flap Breast Reconstruction After Post-Mastectomy Radiation Therapy. Plast Reconstr Surg 127(3):1100-6, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 21364413.
- Villa M, Saint-Cyr M, Wong C, Butler CE. Extended Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap for Pelvic Reconstruction: Three-Dimensional and Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography Angiographic Perfusion Study and Clinical Outcome Analysis. Plast Reconstr Surg 127(1):200-209, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 21200212.
- Crosby MA, Chike-Obi CJ, Baumann DP, Sacks JM, Villa MT, Garvey PB, Selber JC, Feig BW. Reconstructive Outcomes in Patients with Sarcoma of the Breast. Plast Reconstr Surg 126(6):1805-14, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 20697311.
- Villa MT, Aycock J, Dorafshar A, Gottlieb LJ. A Novel Use of the Beanbag for Intraoperative Positioning During Dissection of the Fibular Flap. Plast Reconstr Surg 122(6):229e-230e, 2008. e-Pub 2008. PMID: 19050507.
- Villa MT, White LE, Petronic-Rosic V, Song DH. The Treatment of Diffuse Dermal Angiomatosis on the Breast with Reduction Mammaplasty. Arch Dermatol 144(5):693-4, 2008. e-Pub 2008. PMID: 18490610.
- Villa MT, White LE, Alam M, Yoo SS, Walton RL. Barbed Sutures: A Review of the Literature. Plast Reconstr Surg 121(3):102e-108e, 2008. e-Pub 2008.
- Rashid R, Sartori M, White LE, Villa MT, Yoo S, Alam M. Breaking Strength of Barbed Polypropylene Sutures: A Blinded Controlled Comparison to Non-Barbed Sutures of Various Calibers. Arch Dermatol 143(7):869-872, 2007. e-Pub 2007.
- White LE, Villa MT, Petronic-Rosic V. Pyoderma Gangrenosum Related to a New Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor. SkinMed 5:96-98, 2006. e-Pub 2006.
- Peretti GM, Randolph MA, Villa MT, Buragas MS, Yaremchuk MJ. Cell-Based Tissue-Engineered Allogeneic Implant Ffor Cartilage Repair. Tissue Eng 6(5):567-576, 2000. e-Pub 2000. PMID: 11074942.
Invited Articles
- Villa MT. Commentary: Canadian breast implant cohort: Extended follow-up of cancer incidence [Int J Cancer 131:E1148 - E1157, 2012]. Breast Diseases: A Yearbook Quarterly 24(2):192-193, 2013. e-Pub 2013.
- Villa MT. Commentary: Disparities in Reconstruction Rates After Mastectomy: Patterns of Care and Factors Associated with the Use of Breast Reconstruction in Southern California [Ann Surg Oncol 18:2158-2165, 2011]. Breast Diseases: A Yearbook Quarterly 23(2):193-194, 2012. e-Pub 2012.
- Villa MT. Commentary: Comparison of Morbidity, Functional Outcome, and Satisfaction following Bilateral TRAM versus Bilateral DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction [Plast Reconstr Surg 126:752-758, 2010]. Breast Diseases: A Yearbook Quarterly 22(2):214-215, 2011. e-Pub 2011.
- Villa MT, Chang DW. Muscle and omental flaps for chest wall reconstruction. Thorac Surg Clin 20(4):543-550, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 20974438.
- Villa MT. Commentary: Patient-reported aesthetic satisfaction with breast reconstruction during the long-term survivorship period [Plast Reconstr Surg 124:1-8, 2009]. Breast Diseases: A Year Book Quarterly 21(1):84, 2010. e-Pub 2010.
- Villa MT. Commentary: Fat necrosis in free DIEAP flaps: incidence, risk, and predictor factors [Ann Plast Surg 63:138-142, 2009]. Breast Diseases: A Year Book Quarterly 21(1):82-83, 2010. e-Pub 2010.
- Villa MT, Beahm EK. Commentary: The Brava external tissue expander: is breast enlargement without surgery a reality [Plast Reconstr Surg 120:1680-1689, 2007]. Breast Diseases: A Year Book Quarterly 19(2):183-184, 2008. e-Pub 2008.
Abstracts
- Villa M, Butler, CE. Use of the Extended VRAM Flap for Reconstruction of Large Pelvic Defects: A 4. Plast Reconstr Surg 123(6S):111, 2009. e-Pub 2009.
- Lin S, Villa M, Gottlieb L, Butler CE. Subtotal Thigh Flap and Bioprosthetic Mesh Reconstruction of Large, Composite Abdominal Wall Defects. The Plastic Surgery Research Council 53rd Annual Meeting. Plast Reconstr Surg 121(6S):66, 2008. e-Pub 2008.
- Villa MT, Song DH. Interapleural use of the wound VAC for complex thoracic wounds. Plast Reconstr Surg 118(4S):127, 2006. e-Pub 2006.
- Villa MT, White LE, Walton RL. Barbed sutures for suspension of the face: a review of the literature. Plast Reconstr Surg 118(4S):99, 2006. e-Pub 2006.
- Villa MT, Cohn AB, Gottlieb LJ. The versatility of free-style thigh perforator flaps for reconstruction of the head neck and upper extremity. Plast Reconstr Surg 118(4S):167, 2006. e-Pub 2006.
- Villa MT, Song DH, Busbey S. Reduction mammaplasty for the treatment of diffuse dermal angiomatosis. Plast Reconstr Surg 116 Supplement:232, 2005. e-Pub 2005.
- Randolph MA, Peretti GM, Villa MT, Lee WPA, Yaremchuk MJ. Tissue engineered cells/scaffold implant for cartilage repair. Proc Plast Surg Research Council 45:213, 2000. e-Pub 2000.
Book Chapters
- Sacks JM, Hanasono MM, Baumann DP, Villa MT, Crosby MA, Robb GL. Reconstructive Surgery in Cancer Patients, Chapter 24. In: The MD Anderson Surgical Oncology Handbook. 5th. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 635-649, 2013.
- Eldor L, Villa MT, Chevray PM. Breast Reconstruction in the Obese Patient. In: Advanced Therapy of Breast Disease. 3rd. People’s Medical Publishing House, 711-720, 2012.
- Roubaud MS, Villa MT, Baumann DP, Robb GL, Hanasono MM. Reconstructive Surgery in Cancer Patients. In: The MD Anderson Surgical Oncology Handbook. 6th. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified July 29, 2026