Meet Dr. Donald Altman, M.D., M.B.A.
Dr. Donald Altman is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than three decades of experience caring for patients in Orange County. He is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, bringing a dual-specialty foundation to both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
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.
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 UniversityMedical 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.
An expert you can trust
Dr. Altman's extensive academic and surgical training reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence.
- M.D.:
University of Illinois School of Medicine.
- Executive M.B.A.:
Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.
- M.L.S.:
Seton Hall Law School (Pharmacologic and Medical Device Law and Compliance).
- Residency Training:
- Plastic Surgery, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine
- Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University
- General Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School
- Fellowship:
- Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship with Bruce Connell, M.D.
- Pediatric Plastic Surgery Fellowship, Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio.
- Undergraduate:
Bachelor of Arts, Oberlin College.
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.
Start Your Aesthetic Journey With South Coast Plastic Surgery
At our practice, we prioritize your health and well-being. Our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way.