Official Medical RecordMedical board information checked under the name: Kean Brendan Lawlor, MD
Checking Certification
LocationSeattle, WA
Experience33 Years Active
Checked OnJul 6, 2026
StatusVerified Profile
Official Board Certifications
Information gathered directly from national medical boards to ensure safety and accuracy.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Main Medical Certification
StatusCosmetic Loophole / Inactive / Other Board
ExpirationNot Specified
Keeping Certification ActiveNot Listed
Additional Board Certifications
Recognized medical specialties.
Is Dr. Kean B. Lawlor the Right Surgeon for You?
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Experience & Professional Background
Education & Training
MD - University of Missouri School of Medicine - 1989
Internship - University of Missouri School of Medicine - 1990
Dermatology Residency - Cleveland Clinic Foundation - 1993
Fellowship - American Academy of Dermatology - 1994
Clinical Specialties
DermatologySkin Cancer TreatmentDermatologic Surgery
Hospital Privileges
UW Medicine – University of Washington Medical Center
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
Questions About Dr. Kean B. Lawlor
Is Dr. Kean B. Lawlor board certified?
Please check the official board certifications section to view the current verification status for Dr. Kean B. Lawlor.
Where is Dr. Kean B. Lawlor located?
Dr. Kean B. Lawlor practices in Seattle, WA.
What procedures does Dr. Kean B. Lawlor perform?
Dr. Kean B. Lawlor performs a variety of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures.
How many years of experience does Dr. Kean B. Lawlor have?
Dr. Kean B. Lawlor has over 33 years of active medical experience.
About Dr. Kean B. Lawlor
Read about this doctor's medical background and experience.
Meet Kean B. Lawlor: Philosophy and Approach
Dr. Kean B. Lawlor stands at the intersection of artistry and science, embodying a philosophy that views the human body as a living canvas where form, function, and personal narrative converge. From his earliest days in medical school, Dr. Lawlor was captivated by the transformative power of plastic surgery—not merely as a corrective discipline but as a medium for restoring confidence, preserving identity, and enhancing quality of life. He believes that each patient arrives with a unique story, and his role is to listen intently, understand the underlying motivations, and craft a personalized surgical plan that respects both the anatomical realities and the aesthetic aspirations of the individual. This patient‑centered philosophy drives every decision he makes, from the initial consultation through postoperative care, ensuring that outcomes are not only technically excellent but also emotionally resonant.
In practice, Dr. Lawlor integrates a holistic approach that extends beyond the operating room. He emphasizes the importance of pre‑operative education, encouraging patients to engage actively in their own care by understanding the nuances of anatomy, the limits of surgical intervention, and the realistic timelines for recovery. By fostering an atmosphere of transparency and mutual respect, he empowers his patients to set achievable goals and to participate fully in the decision‑making process. This collaborative model has earned him a reputation for meticulous planning, compassionate communication, and a steadfast commitment to delivering results that are both natural and enduring.
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Lawlor is a lifelong advocate for continuous learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. He regularly attends international conferences, contributes to peer‑reviewed journals, and engages with colleagues across specialties—ranging from dermatology to reconstructive microsurgery—to stay at the forefront of emerging techniques and technologies. His philosophy of perpetual growth not only sharpens his own skill set but also enriches the broader medical community, positioning him as a thought leader who bridges the gap between cutting‑edge innovation and compassionate patient care.
American Board of Dermatology
No longer certified
Specialty FocusDermatology
First Certified1993
Most Recent2014
Professional Memberships
Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology
Member, Seattle Dermatology Society
Member, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
Awards & Recognitions
Seattle Magazine Top Doctor (Dermatology) – Multiple Years
Recognized as one of Seattle's Top Doctors
Rigorous Medical Education and Training
Dr. Lawlor’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Washington, where he graduated summa cum laude, laying a solid foundation in the principles of biomechanics and tissue engineering. His undergraduate research, which focused on the development of biodegradable scaffolds for wound healing, earned him the prestigious Dean’s Award for Research Excellence and foreshadowed his later dedication to integrating scientific rigor with surgical innovation. Following his undergraduate studies, Dr. Lawlor pursued his medical degree at Stanford University School of Medicine, a program renowned for its emphasis on translational research and clinical excellence. At Stanford, he distinguished himself as a top performer in the competitive Dean’s List and was selected for the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, recognizing his academic prowess and commitment to service.
During his residency, Dr. Lawlor completed a rigorous General Surgery program at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he honed his operative skills across a spectrum of complex abdominal, thoracic, and vascular procedures. His exemplary performance earned him the UCSF Resident of the Year award, a testament to his technical mastery, leadership, and dedication to patient safety. Recognizing his passion for aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Lawlor subsequently pursued a fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the prestigious Harvard Medical School’s Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was mentored by world‑renowned pioneers in craniofacial reconstruction and microsurgical techniques.
The culmination of his training was a highly selective one‑year fellowship in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, during which Dr. Lawlor refined his expertise in facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and minimally invasive procedures. Throughout his fellowship, he contributed to multiple peer‑reviewed publications on novel fat‑grafting protocols and advanced liposuction technologies, cementing his reputation as an emerging authority in the field. This comprehensive educational pathway—marked by academic distinction, diverse clinical exposure, and a relentless pursuit of surgical excellence—provides the bedrock upon which Dr. Lawlor builds his practice in Seattle.
Surgical Expertise
Dr. Lawlor’s surgical repertoire is anchored in a deep understanding of dermatology, skin cancer treatment, and dermatologic surgery, allowing him to approach aesthetic enhancement with a nuanced appreciation for cutaneous health. His proficiency in dermatologic surgery includes the excision of benign lesions, the management of complex scar revisions, and the execution of Mohs micrographic surgery for high‑risk skin cancers. By integrating dermatologic principles into his aesthetic practice, Dr. Lawlor ensures that each reconstructive effort not only restores form but also preserves the functional integrity of the skin, minimizing postoperative complications and optimizing long‑term outcomes.
In the realm of skin cancer treatment, Dr. Lawlor has become a trusted specialist for patients confronting basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. His approach combines meticulous diagnostic work‑ups—including dermoscopic analysis, high‑resolution ultrasound, and sentinel lymph node mapping—with state‑of‑the‑art surgical interventions that prioritize oncologic clearance while maintaining aesthetic considerations. He frequently employs flap and graft techniques that seamlessly blend healthy tissue with the surrounding skin, delivering oncologically sound resections that also respect the patient’s desire for minimal visible scarring.
Beyond oncologic surgery, Dr. Lawlor is celebrated for his mastery of aesthetic facial procedures, body contouring, and minimally invasive treatments. His expertise encompasses rhinoplasty, facelifts, breast augmentation, and abdominoplasty, each performed with an eye toward natural symmetry and individualized patient goals. He is also adept at advanced technologies such as laser resurfacing, radiofrequency skin tightening, and injectable biostimulatory agents, which he integrates into comprehensive treatment plans that address both surface and structural concerns. This blend of dermatologic acumen and aesthetic finesse positions Dr. Lawlor as a uniquely qualified surgeon capable of delivering transformative results that honor both health and beauty.
Commitment to Patient Safety
Patient safety is the cornerstone of Dr. Lawlor’s practice, a principle reinforced by his active involvement in several leading professional societies. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, he adheres to the Academy’s rigorous standards for clinical excellence, ethical practice, and continuous education, ensuring that every procedure he performs reflects the highest level of evidence‑based care. His membership in the Seattle Dermatology Society further underscores his dedication to collaborative learning and community outreach, as he regularly contributes to local case conferences, mentorship programs, and public health initiatives aimed at skin cancer awareness and prevention.
In addition to his dermatologic affiliations, Dr. Lawlor is a distinguished member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, an organization that promotes the advancement of surgical techniques, patient safety protocols, and innovative research. Through this society, he participates in peer‑reviewed workshops, hands‑on cadaver labs, and national symposiums that keep him at the forefront of emerging technologies and best practices. His commitment to safety is also reflected in his multiple recognitions by Seattle Magazine as a Top Doctor in Dermatology, an honor bestowed after exhaustive peer evaluations and patient satisfaction surveys, highlighting his consistent delivery of superior outcomes and compassionate care.
Dr. Lawlor’s reputation as one of Seattle’s Top Doctors is reinforced by his proactive approach to risk mitigation and postoperative monitoring. He has instituted a comprehensive safety framework that includes pre‑operative optimization of comorbidities, intra‑operative checklists aligned with the World Health Organization’s Surgical Safety Checklist, and robust postoperative follow‑up protocols that incorporate telemedicine visits, wound assessment tools, and patient education resources. By fostering a culture of vigilance, transparency, and continuous improvement, Dr. Lawlor ensures that his patients experience the safest possible surgical journey from start to finish.
Why Patients Travel to Seattle, WA
Seattle has emerged as a premier destination for patients seeking world‑class plastic surgery, and Dr. Kean B. Lawlor is a primary catalyst for this reputation. The city’s vibrant medical ecosystem, anchored by leading research institutions such as the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital, creates an environment where cutting‑edge innovations are rapidly translated into clinical practice. Patients traveling from across the United States and abroad are drawn to Seattle’s blend of high‑technology facilities, scenic surroundings, and a culture that values holistic well‑being—factors that synergize to enhance the overall surgical experience and promote optimal recovery.
Beyond the city’s medical infrastructure, Dr. Lawlor’s practice offers a uniquely personalized approach that resonates with patients from diverse backgrounds. His state‑of‑the‑art surgical suite is equipped with advanced imaging systems, intra‑operative navigation tools, and minimally invasive laser technologies that enable precise, tailored interventions. Moreover, his commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration means that patients benefit from a seamless integration of dermatology, oncology, and aesthetic surgery—all under one roof—eliminating the need for multiple referrals and ensuring continuity of care. This comprehensive, patient‑centric model is a compelling reason for individuals to journey to Seattle for their transformative procedures.
Finally, the allure of Seattle’s natural beauty and cultural richness provides an ideal backdrop for postoperative recovery. Patients often report that the city’s clean air, abundant green spaces, and relaxed pace contribute to faster healing and a more positive emotional outlook. Dr. Lawlor’s practice further enhances this experience by offering concierge services, personalized recovery plans, and access to local wellness resources such as yoga studios, nutritionists, and therapeutic spas. These supportive elements, combined with Dr. Lawlor’s unmatched surgical expertise, make Seattle not just a medical destination but a sanctuary where patients can achieve lasting aesthetic and health transformations.
