Meet Dr. Donald Altman, M.D., M.B.A.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Irvine, CA
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Brief Professional Overview
Dr. Donald I. Altman is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than three decades of experience caring for patients in Orange County. Certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Altman is widely respected for his thoughtful, patient-centered approach and long-standing commitment to safety, clarity, and compassionate care.
After establishing the first plastic surgery practice in Irvine, California, in 1986, Dr. Altman remained in private solo practice until 2019. Today, he has returned to practice part-time at South Coast Plastic Surgery (SOCO), working collaboratively with trusted colleagues. His role focuses on consultations, surgical support, and guiding patients through their procedures and recovery with empathy, experience, and realistic expectations.
Key Specialties:
An expert you can trust
Background and education
Dr. Altman’s extensive academic and surgical training reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence.
University of Illinois School of Medicine
Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
Seton Hall Law School (Pharmacologic and Medical Device Law and Compliance)
Plastic Surgery, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School
General Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School
Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship with Bruce Connell, M.D.
Pediatric Plastic Surgery Fellowship, Children’s Hospital, Akron, Ohio
Bachelor of Arts, Oberlin College
Background and education
Dr. Altman’s extensive academic and surgical training reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence.
Extraordinary achievements
Dr. Altman’s philosophy of care centers on guiding patients with clarity, compassion, and honesty at every stage of their journey. Whether consulting, assisting in surgery, or supporting recovery, his priority is to ensure patients feel informed, heard, and confident in their decisions. He is deeply committed to aligning each patient’s goals with realistic expectations, fostering trust, and providing steady, reassuring support throughout the healing process. This thoughtful, personalized approach has defined Dr. Altman’s career and continues to shape his work at South Coast Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Altman’s expertise has been featured on the Discovery Channel, Discovery Health Channel, and The Learning Channel, where his work and patients have appeared on multiple programs since 1998.
- Established the first plastic surgery practice in Irvine, California
- Served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Irvine Medical Center (1998–2007)
- Vice Chairman, Department of Surgery, Irvine Regional Hospital and Medical Center (2007–2009)
- President, Orange County Plastic Surgery Society (2000–2002)
- Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Altman
Meet one of Orange County’s top plastic surgeons—let’s bring your goals to life.
