Dr. Steven Yearsley - Plastic Surgeon in Bismarck, ND

• American Board of Plastic Surgery
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• North Dakota Society of Plastic Surgeons

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Yearsley is an advocate for community education on body image, skin health, and the responsible pursuit of cosmetic enhancement. He regularly hosts seminars at local health fairs, contributes articles to regional medical journals, and mentors emerging surgeons through residency programs. This blend of scholarly activity, community outreach, and clinical excellence solidifies his reputation as a physician who not only transforms bodies but also elevates the standard of care for all who seek his expertise.

Rigorous Medical Education and Training

Dr. Yearsley earned his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Minnesota, where he graduated summa cum laude and conducted research on tissue scaffold development. His academic rigor was complemented by a series of leadership roles in pre‑medical societies, where he cultivated a foundation in interdisciplinary collaboration that later proved essential in the complex, team‑based environment of plastic surgery. During his senior year, he participated in a summer immersion program at the Mayo Clinic, observing reconstructive procedures that sparked his fascination with the interplay between form and function.

Following his undergraduate success, Dr. Yearsley pursued his medical doctorate at the prestigious Harvard Medical School. There, he distinguished himself not only through exemplary clinical rotations but also through a pioneering project on stem‑cell mediated wound healing that was later published in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. His dedication to research earned him the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarly Activity, and he completed his medical education with a comprehensive understanding of both the scientific and humanistic dimensions of patient care.

His residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery was undertaken at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center, a program renowned for its high volume of complex microsurgical cases. Over six years, Dr. Yearsley mastered intricate free‑flap transfers, craniofacial reconstruction, and aesthetic facial procedures, while also serving as chief resident and teaching fellow. He routinely performed over 200 operative cases per year, refining a surgical technique that emphasized meticulous dissection, optimal tissue handling, and strategic incision planning to minimize scarring and maximize functional outcomes.

To further refine his expertise, Dr. Yearsley completed a one‑year fellowship in aesthetic surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, where he focused on advanced facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and non‑surgical rejuvenation modalities. This fellowship provided him with exposure to cutting‑edge technologies such as radiofrequency‑assisted lipolysis, high‑intensity focused ultrasound, and platelet‑rich plasma therapy. The intensive mentorship he received during this period cemented his reputation as a surgeon who could seamlessly blend reconstructive rigor with aesthetic finesse, a duality that now defines his practice in North Dakota.

Surgical Expertise

In the realm of plastic surgery, Dr. Yearsley’s proficiency spans the full spectrum of operative and non‑operative interventions. His mastery of aesthetic breast surgery, including augmentation, reduction, lift, and reconstruction, is underpinned by a deep understanding of breast anatomy, implant technology, and patient‑centered design. He employs a personalized approach, often utilizing three‑dimensional imaging to map out precise implant placement, ensuring symmetry, natural contour, and optimal long‑term durability. His commitment to minimizing postoperative complications has led him to adopt protocols that incorporate peri‑operative antibiotics, meticulous hemostasis, and evidence‑based drainage strategies.

Reconstructive surgery represents another pillar of Dr. Yearsley’s practice, where he routinely tackles challenging cases such as oncologic breast reconstruction, complex wound repair, and congenital deformities. Leveraging microsurgical techniques, he has performed thousands of free‑tissue transfers, including DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flaps, latissimus dorsi flaps, and scapular osteocutaneous flaps. His reconstructive philosophy emphasizes restoring both form and function, often coordinating with multidisciplinary teams that include oncologists, physical therapists, and prosthetic specialists to achieve comprehensive rehabilitation.

Cosmetic surgery, the most publicly visible facet of his work, showcases Dr. Yearsley’s artistic sensibility. He routinely performs facial rejuvenation procedures such as rhytidectomy, brow lift, and mid‑face lift, employing refined layer‑by‑layer dissection to preserve neurovascular integrity while achieving natural‑looking results. His expertise extends to non‑surgical facial contouring, where he utilizes injectable fillers, neuromodulators, and thread lifts to address volume loss and skin laxity with minimal downtime. Body contouring procedures, including abdominoplasty, liposuction, and thigh lifts, are performed with a focus on preserving vascular supply and reducing seroma formation, resulting in smoother recoveries and durable aesthetic outcomes.

Beyond individual procedures, Dr. Yearsley is recognized for his innovation in combining surgical and regenerative techniques. He has pioneered the integration of autologous fat grafting with stem‑cell enrichment for facial reconstruction, a method that enhances graft survival and improves skin texture. Additionally, he routinely incorporates intra‑operative laser therapy to promote wound healing and reduce scar formation. His willingness to adopt and refine emerging technologies positions him as a leader who continually pushes the boundaries of what is achievable in plastic surgery.

Commitment to Patient Safety

Patient safety is the cornerstone of Dr. Yearsley’s practice, a principle reflected in his active affiliations with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Through these organizations, he adheres to rigorous standards for credentialing, continuing medical education, and peer review. His participation in the North Dakota Society of Plastic Surgeons further demonstrates his dedication to regional collaboration, where he contributes to statewide initiatives aimed at enhancing surgical safety protocols, infection control, and patient education.

In recognition of his exemplary clinical performance, Dr. Yearsley was honored with the Best Cosmetic Surgeon Award in North Dakota in 2020, a testament to his consistent delivery of superior aesthetic outcomes while maintaining the highest safety standards. Two years prior, he was named Physician of the Year by the Mid Dakota Clinic, an accolade that highlighted his compassionate bedside manner, meticulous operative technique, and unwavering commitment to postoperative care. These awards underscore his reputation as a surgeon who prioritizes patient well‑being above all else.

Dr. Yearsley’s safety framework extends into the operating suite, where he employs a systematic checklist modeled after the World Health Organization’s Surgical Safety Checklist. This protocol includes pre‑operative verification of patient identity, surgical site marking, allergy confirmation, and a time‑out to discuss anticipated challenges. Intra‑operatively, he utilizes real‑time monitoring of vital signs, arterial blood gases, and temperature, ensuring that physiologic parameters remain within optimal ranges throughout the procedure.

Post‑operative safety is equally emphasized. Dr. Yearsley has instituted a comprehensive discharge plan that incorporates detailed wound care instructions, scheduled follow‑up appointments, and 24‑hour access to his clinical team for urgent concerns. He also employs advanced electronic health record alerts to flag potential complications such as deep vein thrombosis, infection, or wound dehiscence, allowing for early intervention. His systematic approach to risk mitigation has resulted in complication rates well below national averages for both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.

Why Patients Travel to Bismarck, ND

Bismarck, North Dakota, may appear geographically remote, yet it has become a destination for patients seeking Dr. Yearsley’s unparalleled expertise. The city’s serene Midwestern environment offers a tranquil backdrop for recovery, far removed from the hustle and bustle of major metropolitan centers. Patients often report that the calm atmosphere, combined with the high quality of local accommodations and supportive community services, contributes to a smoother convalescence and a more positive overall experience.

Accessibility is another compelling factor. Dr. Yearsley’s practice is strategically located near the Bismarck Regional Medical Center, a tertiary care facility equipped with state‑of‑the‑art operating rooms, intensive care units, and comprehensive imaging services. This proximity ensures that any emergent needs can be addressed promptly, while also providing patients with the confidence that they are receiving care within a fully integrated medical ecosystem. Moreover, the airport in Bismarck offers direct flights from major hubs, making travel logistics straightforward for out‑of‑state patients.

The personalized nature of Dr. Yearsley’s practice is amplified by the region’s emphasis on individualized care. Unlike high‑volume urban clinics where patients may feel like a number, his Bismarck office maintains a modest patient roster, allowing for extended consultation times, detailed pre‑operative planning, and continuous post‑operative follow‑up. This attentive model fosters strong surgeon‑patient relationships, which many patients cite as a decisive reason for choosing to travel.

Lastly, the cost‑effectiveness of receiving world‑class plastic surgery in Bismarck cannot be overlooked. While maintaining the highest standards of safety and technology, Dr. Yearsley’s practice offers competitive pricing structures, reduced ancillary fees, and flexible financing options that often result in overall savings for patients compared to equivalent services in larger coastal cities. This combination of affordability, expertise, and a supportive recovery environment makes Bismarck, ND, an increasingly popular choice for individuals seeking transformative surgical care.