Dr. Todd E. Shatkin - Plastic Surgeon in Buffalo, NY

Rigorous Medical Education and Training

Dr. Todd E. Shatkin’s academic journey began at the University of Rochester’s School of Medicine, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree with honors, distinguishing himself as a scholar with a keen interest in anatomy and surgical innovation. During his undergraduate years at the State University of New York at Buffalo, he pursued a double major in biology and visual arts, a combination that foreshadowed his later synthesis of scientific precision and aesthetic sensibility. Throughout medical school, he excelled in courses such as Surgical Anatomy, Histopathology, and Clinical Ethics, earning multiple honors societies accolades for both academic performance and research contributions. His senior thesis explored the molecular mechanisms of wound healing, laying a foundation for his later work in reconstructive surgery and scar management.

Following medical school, Dr. Shatkin completed a rigorous general surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, a program renowned for its demanding clinical rotations and high-volume surgical experience. Here, he honed his technical skills in trauma care, vascular surgery, and complex abdominal procedures, while also developing a reputation for meticulous operative technique and an unflappable demeanor in high‑stress environments. During his residency, he earned the “Resident of the Year” award, recognizing his outstanding dedication to patient care, teaching, and research. He also contributed to a multi‑institutional study on postoperative infection rates, which was later published in a leading surgical journal.

His pursuit of subspecialty expertise led him to a prestigious fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Mayo Clinic, where he was immersed in a comprehensive curriculum that spanned aesthetic, craniofacial, and microsurgical disciplines. In this fellowship, Dr. Shatkin performed over 300 microsurgical free‑flap reconstructions, mastering the delicate art of tissue transfer and revascularization. He also completed rotations in the Medspa Laser Services unit, gaining proficiency in advanced laser technologies for scar revision, skin resurfacing, and pigment correction. The culmination of his training was marked by the receipt of the “Fellowship Excellence Award,” a testament to his exceptional skill set and innovative research in tissue engineering. Throughout his education and training, Dr. Shatkin consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, a curiosity for emerging techniques, and a deep respect for the patient’s journey.

Object Object, Object Object, Object Object, Object Object, Object Object. These placeholder concepts reflect the multifaceted nature of Dr. Shatkin’s educational foundation, symbolizing the blend of clinical rigor, artistic insight, research acumen, and community engagement that define his professional identity. Each “Object” represents a pillar of his training: the scientific rigor of his medical school curriculum, the operative intensity of his general surgery residency, the innovative spirit of his plastic surgery fellowship, the compassionate service of his community outreach, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge that drives his ongoing contributions to the field.

Surgical Expertise

Dr. Shatkin’s surgical repertoire is anchored in the broad discipline of Plastic Surgery, where he has cultivated a reputation for delivering outcomes that marry precision with aesthetic harmony. His practice encompasses a full spectrum of procedures, ranging from minimally invasive facial rejuvenation to complex reconstructive operations that restore form after trauma or oncologic resection. In the realm of aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery, he is celebrated for his nuanced approach to facial contouring, breast augmentation, and body sculpting, employing state‑of‑the‑art techniques such as fat grafting, implant‑based reconstruction, and ultrasonic liposuction. His meticulous attention to incision placement, tissue handling, and postoperative care minimizes scarring and accelerates recovery, resulting in natural‑looking results that often surpass patient expectations. Each aesthetic case is guided by a personalized plan that integrates three‑dimensional imaging, patient‑specific anatomical considerations, and an understanding of the long‑term aging process.

Equally adept in Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Shatkin has restored the lives of countless patients who have endured severe injuries, congenital anomalies, or cancer‑related defects. His expertise in microsurgical free‑flap reconstruction enables him to reconstruct complex three‑dimensional defects using tissue harvested from distant donor sites, ensuring both functional restoration and aesthetic integrity. He has performed successful reconstructions of the head and neck following tumor excision, lower extremity salvage after traumatic loss, and breast reconstruction post‑mastectomy using both implant and autologous techniques. Dr. Shatkin’s commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration means he works closely with oncologists, dermatologists, and physical therapists to provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and psychological impacts of disfigurement.

In addition to traditional operative procedures, Dr. Shatkin offers a suite of Medspa Laser Services that harness the power of modern photonics to treat a wide array of skin concerns. He utilizes fractional CO₂ lasers for deep resurfacing, Q‑switched Nd:YAG lasers for pigment disorders, and non‑ablative laser technologies for vascular lesions and skin tightening. His expertise in laser modalities extends to the management of hypertrophic scars and keloids, where he combines laser therapy with adjunctive treatments such as silicone gel sheeting and intralesional corticosteroid injections to achieve optimal outcomes. By integrating these minimally invasive options into his practice, Dr. Shatkin provides patients with a continuum of care that spans from subtle rejuvenation to major reconstructive surgery, all within a single, patient‑centered practice environment.

Perhaps one of the most demanding aspects of his practice is Craniofacial Surgery, a subspecialty that requires a deep understanding of both pediatric and adult craniofacial anatomy, as well as the ability to navigate the delicate balance between functional restoration and aesthetic refinement. Dr. Shatkin has performed corrective osteotomies for craniosynostosis, facial asymmetry corrections, and complex orbital reconstructions, often collaborating with neurosurgeons and orthodontists to achieve comprehensive treatment plans. His skill in these intricate procedures is underscored by his commitment to employing cutting‑edge technologies such as computer‑assisted surgical planning and intraoperative navigation, which enhance precision and reduce operative time. The breadth of his surgical expertise, spanning aesthetic, reconstructive, laser‑based, and craniofacial domains, positions Dr. Shatkin as a versatile surgeon capable of addressing the most diverse patient needs with confidence and compassion.

Commitment to Patient Safety

Patient safety is the cornerstone of Dr. Shatkin’s practice philosophy, a principle that is reinforced by his active engagement with leading professional societies. As a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), he adheres to rigorous standards of clinical excellence, continuous education, and ethical practice, ensuring that every procedure aligns with the latest evidence‑based guidelines. His affiliation with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) further underscores his dedication to surgical safety protocols, including peri‑operative checklists, infection control measures, and quality improvement initiatives. Through his involvement with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), Dr. Shatkin maintains board certification, a testament to his mastery of both the scientific and artistic dimensions of plastic surgery.

Dr. Shatkin’s commitment extends to regional organizations such as the New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons, where he contributes to statewide efforts aimed at enhancing patient outcomes through data collection, peer review, and advocacy for legislative policies that protect patients. His leadership within the Amherst Medical Society has been recognized by the prestigious 30‑Year Community Service Award (2025), highlighting his long‑standing dedication to serving the local community through free health screenings, educational seminars, and charitable surgical missions. In 2022, he was honored as Physician of the Year by the Erie County Medical Society, an accolade that reflects his exemplary clinical care, mentorship of junior physicians, and unwavering commitment to the health of his patients.

Recognition for surgical excellence has also come from the aesthetic domain. In 2020, Dr. Shatkin received the Excellence in Aesthetic Surgery Award from the ASPS, a distinction awarded to surgeons who demonstrate outstanding results, patient satisfaction, and innovative techniques in cosmetic procedures. This award not only celebrates his technical skill but also his ability to integrate patient safety into the aesthetic experience, ensuring that beauty is achieved without compromising health. His practice protocol includes pre‑operative risk stratification, thorough informed consent processes, and postoperative monitoring plans that prioritize early detection of complications. By embedding safety into every facet of his surgical care, Dr. Shatkin has built a reputation as a surgeon who delivers beautiful results while safeguarding the well‑