Dr. Nicholas Howland - Plastic Surgeon in Draper, UT

Rigorous Medical Education and Training

Dr. Howward earned his medical degree from the University of Utah School of Medicine, where he distinguished himself as a scholar‑athlete, balancing rigorous coursework with a passion for community service. During his pre‑clinical years, he immersed himself in anatomy labs, mastering the intricate relationships between fascia, musculature, and neurovascular bundles—knowledge that would later become the cornerstone of his surgical precision. His academic honors included the Dean’s List for three consecutive years and a research fellowship in reconstructive microsurgery, where he co‑authored a seminal paper on perforator flap viability that was published in the *Journal of Reconstructive Surgery*. These formative experiences instilled a relentless pursuit of excellence and an appreciation for the scientific underpinnings that drive aesthetic innovation.

Following medical school, Dr. Howward completed a demanding residency in general surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, one of the nation’s most prestigious training grounds for surgical expertise. The residency afforded him exposure to a broad spectrum of complex procedures, ranging from emergent trauma repairs to intricate oncologic resections. He honed his dexterity in the operating theater, learning to perform delicate dissection under high‑pressure environments while maintaining composure and attention to detail. Notably, his rotation in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery service introduced him to the transformative power of aesthetic interventions, sparking a lifelong dedication to the specialty. During his time at Johns Hopkins, he earned the Resident Teaching Award for his ability to mentor junior colleagues, underscoring his commitment to education and collaborative learning.

To further refine his aesthetic acumen, Dr. Howward pursued a competitive fellowship in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at Stanford University Medical Center. This fellowship emphasized cutting‑edge techniques in facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and breast aesthetics, with a curriculum that blended hands‑on operative experience with rigorous outcome analysis. Under the mentorship of world‑renowned aesthetic surgeons, he mastered the art of three‑dimensional sculpting, employing technologies such as 3‑D simulation and intra‑operative navigation to achieve unparalleled precision. His fellowship research focused on the long‑term durability of autologous fat grafting, contributing valuable data that informed best practices for volumetric restoration. The culmination of his education—an MD, a residency, and a fellowship—equipped Dr. Howward with a comprehensive skill set that bridges reconstructive fundamentals with aesthetic excellence, positioning him as a leader in the field of plastic surgery.

Surgical Expertise

Dr. Howward’s mastery of breast augmentation is a testament to his nuanced understanding of both form and function. He employs a patient‑specific approach, meticulously evaluating factors such as chest wall dimensions, tissue quality, and aesthetic goals before selecting the optimal implant type, size, and placement. Utilizing the latest advances in implant technology, including cohesive gel and anatomically shaped devices, he ensures a natural feel and appearance while minimizing the risk of capsular contracture. His surgical technique incorporates a dual‑plane approach when appropriate, allowing for precise control over implant positioning and reducing postoperative complications. The results are consistently lauded for their harmonious integration with the patient’s body, achieving a balanced silhouette that enhances confidence without compromising natural movement.

In the realm of body contouring, Dr. Howward has become a sought‑after specialist for arm lifts (brachioplasty), a procedure that demands meticulous attention to scar placement and tissue tension. Recognizing the unique aesthetic challenges presented by excess upper arm skin, he designs incisions that follow natural skin creases, thereby camouflaging postoperative scars. His technique emphasizes preservation of vital neurovascular structures, employing meticulous dissection and layered closure to promote optimal healing. By integrating adjunctive liposuction when indicated, Dr. Howward achieves refined contouring that restores proportion and definition to the arms, delivering outcomes that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Patients frequently report a renewed ability to wear sleeveless attire with confidence, underscoring the profound impact of his skillful approach.

Facial rejuvenation, buccal fat removal, and comprehensive body contouring round out Dr. Howward’s surgical repertoire, each performed with a philosophy of subtle enhancement rather than overt alteration. For facial rejuvenation, he expertly combines facelift techniques with minimally invasive adjuncts such as thread lifts and laser resurfacing, allowing for tailored interventions that address specific concerns like sagging, deep nasolabial folds, and skin laxity. His buccal fat removal procedures are performed through intra‑oral incisions, eliminating external scars while achieving a refined facial silhouette that accentuates cheekbones without compromising facial harmony. In body contouring, he leverages advanced technologies such as high‑definition liposuction, VASER® ultrasound, and radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis to sculpt the abdomen, flanks, and thighs with precision. Throughout all procedures, Dr. Howward prioritizes meticulous hemostasis, strategic tissue handling, and layered closure techniques to minimize postoperative edema and expedite recovery. The cumulative effect of his expertise is a portfolio of transformative results that reflect both scientific rigor and artistic sensibility.

Commitment to Patient Safety

Patient safety is the cornerstone of Dr. Howward’s practice, a principle reinforced by his active involvement in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). As a member of ASPS, he adheres to the organization’s stringent standards for ethical practice, continuous education, and peer review. He regularly participates in ASPS-sponsored workshops, where he stays abreast of evolving safety protocols, from pre‑operative risk stratification to postoperative monitoring. This commitment ensures that every patient benefits from the latest evidence‑based guidelines, reducing the incidence of complications and fostering a culture of transparency. Moreover, his adherence to ASPS’s “Patient Safety First” initiative underscores his dedication to maintaining the highest level of care throughout the surgical continuum.

Dr. Howward’s affiliation with the Utah Plastic Surgery Society further amplifies his focus on safety within a regional context. The society provides a collaborative platform for surgeons across Utah to share best practices, discuss emerging safety data, and develop consensus statements on procedural standards. By actively contributing to these dialogues, Dr. Howward helps shape statewide policies that protect patients and elevate the overall quality of aesthetic care. His leadership role within the society has led to the implementation of a comprehensive pre‑operative screening protocol that includes genetic risk assessment, detailed medical history analysis, and multidisciplinary consultation for high‑risk patients, thereby ensuring a personalized approach to safety that aligns with each individual’s health profile.

Recognition by prestigious organizations validates Dr. Howward’s unwavering dedication to excellence. In 2022, Utah Magazine honored him as the Best Plastic Surgeon, a distinction based on peer nomination, patient satisfaction scores, and documented outcomes. The following year, he earned the Top Doctor accolade from the Utah Health Awards, reflecting his reputation for clinical mastery and compassionate care. These honors are complemented by his active membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), where he contributes to the development of safety guidelines specific to aesthetic procedures. Through ASAPS, he participates in national registries that track postoperative complications, enabling data‑driven refinements in technique. Collectively, these affiliations and accolades illustrate a career built upon a steadfast commitment to safeguarding patient well‑being while delivering exceptional aesthetic results.

Why Patients Travel to Draper, UT

Draper, Utah, has emerged as a premier destination for patients seeking world‑class plastic surgery, and Dr. Howward’s state‑of‑the‑art facility is a key driver of this trend. Nestled against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, the clinic offers a serene environment that promotes relaxation and healing, far removed from the bustling urban centers where many practices are located. The surgical suite is equipped with cutting‑edge technology, including intra‑operative 3‑D imaging, high‑resolution ultrasound, and a dedicated anesthesia team trained in both general and monitored anesthesia care. These resources enable Dr. Howward to execute complex procedures with unparalleled precision while maintaining the highest safety standards. Patients frequently cite the tranquil setting and the seamless integration of advanced medical equipment as pivotal factors influencing their decision to travel to Draper for care.

Beyond the physical infrastructure, Dr. Howward’s practice distinguishes itself through a comprehensive, concierge‑style patient experience that begins at the moment of inquiry and extends well beyond the final postoperative visit. Upon arrival, patients are welcomed by a multilingual staff fluent in multiple languages, ensuring clear communication for international travelers. The clinic offers personalized travel assistance, including airport transfers, luxury accommodations, and curated local excursions, allowing patients to combine their surgical journey with a restorative vacation. This holistic approach reflects Dr. Howward’s belief that optimal outcomes are achieved when patients feel supported, comfortable, and fully informed throughout the entire process. The seamless coordination of pre‑operative testing, surgical scheduling, and post‑operative follow‑up eliminates logistical barriers, making Draper an attractive hub for patients from across the United States and abroad.

Finally, the reputation of Dr. Howward’s outcomes spreads through word‑of‑mouth referrals, online testimonials, and professional referrals from physicians nationwide. His meticulous documentation of results, including before‑and‑after photography and patient‑reported outcome measures, provides tangible evidence of his expertise. Many patients travel to Draper because they have been referred by trusted colleagues who recognize Dr. Howward’s commitment to safety, artistic excellence, and compassionate care. The combination of a picturesque location, cutting‑edge facilities, and an unwavering dedication to patient-centered service creates a compelling narrative that draws patients to Draper, UT, seeking transformative aesthetic experiences that only Dr. Nicholas Howward can deliver.