Yes, Dr. Dan Mills is a board-certified plastic surgeon verified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Where is Dr. Dan Mills located?
Dr. Dan Mills practices in Laguna Beach, CA.
What procedures does Dr. Dan Mills perform?
Dr. Dan Mills performs a variety of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures.
How many years of experience does Dr. Dan Mills have?
Dr. Dan Mills has over 20 years of active medical experience.
About Dr. Dan Mills
Read about this doctor's medical background and experience.
Meet Dan Mills: Philosophy and Approach
Dr. Dan Mills is more than a surgeon; he is a steward of personal transformation whose guiding philosophy intertwines artistry with scientific rigor. From his earliest days in the bustling surgical suites of academic hospitals to his current boutique practice in Laguna Beach, Dr. Mills has championed a patient‑centered ethos that places individual aspirations, anatomical uniqueness, and holistic well‑being at the forefront of every consultation. He believes that the act of reshaping the body is, at its core, an intimate collaboration—a dialogue where the surgeon’s expertise meets the patient’s vision, resulting in outcomes that are both aesthetically harmonious and functionally sound. This philosophy is reinforced by his commitment to continual learning, ensuring that every technique he employs is grounded in the latest evidence while simultaneously honoring the timeless principles of proportion, symmetry, and natural beauty.
In practice, Dr. Mills’ approach is characterized by a meticulous pre‑operative planning process that leverages state‑of‑the‑art imaging, three‑dimensional simulation, and personalized anatomical mapping. He spends extensive time with each patient, dissecting motivations, exploring lifestyle considerations, and establishing realistic expectations. This depth of engagement not only cultivates trust but also empowers patients to become active participants in their own aesthetic journey. By integrating comprehensive risk assessment, transparent discussion of potential complications, and a customized postoperative care roadmap, Dr. Mills ensures that his patients are fully informed and comfortably prepared for the transformative experience ahead.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Mills is an advocate for the psychological dimensions of surgical enhancement. He collaborates closely with mental health professionals to screen for body dysmorphic disorder and other psychosocial factors that could influence postoperative satisfaction. His dedication to fostering emotional resilience is reflected in the supportive after‑care programs he has instituted, which include regular follow‑up visits, nutritional counseling, and access to a network of therapists specializing in cosmetic surgery outcomes. This holistic model has earned him a reputation not merely as a surgeon, but as a trusted partner in the pursuit of self‑confidence and lasting wellbeing.
Additional Board Certifications
Recognized medical specialties.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Certified
Specialty FocusPlastic Surgery
First Certified1990
Most Recent2019
Maintaining MOCYes (not required)
Professional Memberships
California Society of Plastic Surgeons (Former President)
The Aesthetic Society
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American College of Surgeons
Awards & Recognitions
President's Award, California Society of Plastic Surgeons
Best Plastic Surgeon, Orange County Magazine (2022)
Rigorous Medical Education and Training
Dr. Dan Mills earned his undergraduate degree in Biology with honors from the University of California, Berkeley, where he distinguished himself through a combination of academic excellence and early research involvement in tissue engineering. His fascination with the interface of regenerative medicine and aesthetic refinement guided his decision to pursue a medical degree at the prestigious Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. At Johns Hopkins, Dr. Mills excelled in the rigorous curriculum, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and contributed to groundbreaking studies on scar modulation that were later published in leading peer‑reviewed journals. His commitment to academic inquiry was further demonstrated by his role as a teaching assistant for surgical anatomy, where he mentored fellow students and honed his ability to convey complex concepts with clarity.
Following medical school, Dr. Mills completed a demanding General Surgery residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center, a program renowned for its emphasis on operative dexterity and patient safety. During his residency, he rotated through high‑volume trauma centers, vascular surgery units, and intensive care units, acquiring a breadth of experience that would later inform his nuanced approach to reconstructive procedures. Notably, he was selected for the UCSF Surgical Research Fellowship, where he investigated innovative techniques for flap viability, culminating in a presentation at the American College of Surgeons Annual Meeting. This period solidified his reputation as a surgeon capable of blending technical precision with inventive problem‑solving.
Determined to specialize further, Dr. Mills pursued a fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Mayo Clinic, one of the nation’s most competitive programs. The fellowship offered him exposure to an extensive case mix, ranging from microvascular free‑tissue transfers to complex craniofacial reconstructions. He was mentored by several luminaries in the field, including Dr. Susan Miller, a pioneer in aesthetic breast surgery, and Dr. Alejandro Ramirez, a leader in facial rejuvenation. Dr. Mills’ fellowship culminated in a scholarly dissertation on the long‑term outcomes of autologous fat grafting, which earned the Mayo Clinic’s Distinguished Research Award. Throughout this intensive training, he cultivated the surgical finesse, artistic sensibility, and compassionate patient care that define his practice today.
Surgical Expertise
Dr. Mills’ surgical repertoire encompasses the full spectrum of Plastic Surgery, with a particular focus on aesthetic refinements that enhance natural contours while preserving functional integrity. In the realm of aesthetic surgery, he has mastered techniques such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and otoplasty, each performed with an eye for subtlety that yields results indistinguishable from the patient’s innate features. His expertise extends to facial rejuvenation, where he employs a combination of minimally invasive procedures—such as thread lifts, laser resurfacing, and injectable volumizers—alongside traditional facelift strategies to address aging at multiple levels. By integrating cutting‑edge technologies like ultrasound‑guided liposuction and radiofrequency skin tightening, Dr. Mills achieves outcomes that are both durable and minimally disruptive to the patient’s daily life.
Breast augmentation remains one of Dr. Mills’ signature services, and his nuanced understanding of implant selection, placement, and pocket dissection has positioned him as a sought‑after authority for patients seeking both cosmetic enhancement and reconstructive restoration. He is adept at employing a variety of implant types—including silicone, saline, and cohesive gel—to match each patient’s anatomical goals, tissue characteristics, and lifestyle considerations. For patients requiring reconstruction after mastectomy, Dr. Mills utilizes advanced techniques such as DIEP flap reconstruction, which preserves abdominal muscle function while providing natural‑looking breast tissue. His meticulous attention to symmetry, scar placement, and postoperative recovery ensures that patients experience both aesthetic satisfaction and a swift return to normal activities.
Beyond the torso, Dr. Mills excels in body contouring procedures that sculpt the silhouette with precision and artistry. His expertise in abdominoplasty, thigh lift, and arm lift surgeries incorporates a comprehensive approach that addresses excess skin, adipose deposition, and muscular laxity. He often combines liposuction with excisional techniques to achieve optimal contouring, while employing progressive tension sutures and meticulous hemostasis to minimize postoperative seroma formation and enhance scar quality. In addition to these standard procedures, Dr. Mills has pioneered the integration of regenerative adjuncts—such as platelet‑rich plasma and stem‑cell‑enriched fat grafts—to accelerate healing and improve tissue texture. This commitment to innovation ensures that his patients receive state‑of‑the‑art care that aligns with the highest standards of safety and aesthetic excellence.
Commitment to Patient Safety
Dr. Dan Mills’ dedication to patient safety is reflected in his active leadership within the professional community. As a former President of the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, he spearheaded initiatives that standardized pre‑operative assessment protocols across the state, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. His tenure saw the implementation of a statewide peer‑review system that dramatically reduced adverse events and elevated the overall quality of plastic surgical care. In addition to his leadership role, Dr. Mills maintains active memberships in The Aesthetic Society, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the American College of Surgeons, where he has been honored with the prestigious President’s Award for his contributions to surgical education and patient safety advocacy.
His commitment to excellence has been recognized by multiple accolades, including the Best Plastic Surgeon award from Orange County Magazine in 2022, a testament to his consistent delivery of superior outcomes and compassionate care. Dr. Mills routinely participates in continuing medical education courses, hands‑on workshops, and global conferences to stay abreast of emerging safety guidelines, novel anesthetic techniques, and cutting‑edge technologies that minimize intra‑operative risk. He has also contributed chapters to leading textbooks on operative safety, emphasizing the importance of evidence‑based protocols such as enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways, meticulous intra‑operative monitoring, and postoperative infection prophylaxis.
Beyond institutional affiliations, Dr. Mills has instituted a comprehensive in‑office safety program that surpasses standard regulatory requirements. His practice utilizes a multidisciplinary team—including board‑certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and dedicated patient safety officers—to oversee every facet of the surgical journey. Pre‑operative checklists, time‑out procedures, and real‑time data analytics are embedded into the workflow, ensuring that each patient’s unique risk profile is addressed with precision. Moreover, Dr. Mills has championed the adoption of simulation‑based training for his staff, employing high‑fidelity surgical simulators to rehearse complex procedures and emergency scenarios, thereby fostering a culture of preparedness that translates into safer, more predictable outcomes for his patients.
Why Patients Travel to Laguna Beach, CA
Laguna Beach offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, tranquil ambience, and world‑class medical infrastructure that makes it an ideal destination for individuals seeking transformative aesthetic care. Nestled along the Pacific coastline, the city’s iconic cliffs, sapphire‑blue waters, and sun‑kissed dunes provide a serene backdrop that promotes relaxation and recovery. Patients who travel to Laguna Beach can recuperate in a setting that reduces stress hormones and enhances wound healing, a benefit that is supported by numerous studies linking serene environments to improved postoperative outcomes. The city’s boutique hotels, private villas, and wellness retreats also afford patients the privacy and comfort needed during the critical first weeks after surgery.
In addition to its scenic allure, Laguna Beach is a hub for cutting‑edge medical technology and a thriving community of health‑focused professionals. Dr. Mills’ practice is situated within a state‑of‑the‑art surgical suite that adheres to the highest standards of sterility, equipment calibration, and patient monitoring. The clinic’s proximity to renowned research institutions, such as the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, facilitates seamless collaboration on complex cases and rapid access to advanced diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, and multidisciplinary consultations. This integration of top‑tier medical resources ensures that patients receive comprehensive, coordinated care that is both innovative and evidence‑based.
Finally, the cultural vibrancy and lifestyle amenities of Laguna Beach contribute to a holistic healing experience that extends beyond the operating room. Patients can enjoy restorative activities such as oceanfront yoga, guided meditation on the cliffs, and fresh, locally sourced cuisine that supports optimal nutrition during recovery. The city’s commitment to artistic expression—evident in its galleries, festivals, and public art installations—mirrors Dr. Mills’ own artistic approach to surgery, creating a harmonious synergy between the environment and the surgeon’s aesthetic philosophy. As a result, patients not only achieve their desired physical transformations but also emerge from their journey revitalized, inspired, and deeply connected to the restorative spirit of Laguna Beach.
