Before & After
Another great result after breast reduction by Dr. Aboutanos
Dr. Sharline Z. Aboutanos is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. She earned her board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. She joined Richmond Plastic Surgeons in 2011. She is committed to caring for her patients and providing them with the most natural and beautiful results possible.
Dr. Aboutanos obtained her bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Miami in Miami, Florida. She was accepted early to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she earned her medical degree (MD) with research distinction. While attending the University of Miami, Dr. Aboutanos received several awards for research and scholarship, including the highest honor of Iron Arrow Honor Society.
About Dr. Aboutanos
Dr. Aboutanos was chosen to attend a competitive plastic surgery residency at VCU Health Systems/MCV Hospital. There, Dr. Aboutanos completed her full training in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. She was recognized for her dedication to patients and work ethic during residency with both Intern of the Year and S. Dawson Theogaraj Scholarship Awards. Following residency, she finished additional training during a fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at the Craniofacial Foundation of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT.
In addition to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Aboutanos has extensive experience in the treatment of cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, plagiocephaly, ear anomalies, skin lesions, and vascular malformations in children. Dr. Aboutanos brings with her a passionate dedication to the treatment of children with craniofacial abnormalities and congenital malformations, making her a shining candidate for any treatment your children might need.
As a member of the Cleft and Craniofacial Team at St. Mary’s, Dr. Aboutanos is dedicated to the treatment of children with craniofacial abnormalities and congenital malformations, and she takes part in yearly missionary trips to Honduras, where she provides vital care to children with plastic surgery needs.
Dr. Aboutanos has achieved numerous awards and accolades during her career as a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. In 2014, Readers of the Henrico Citizen News named her Best Plastic Surgeon. She was also named Top Doctor by her peers in Richmond Magazine for cosmetic surgery, reconstructive and plastic surgery and pediatric specialty surgery from 2019-2023. She is a winner of the MEDARVA Healthcare Patient Choice Awards from 2019-2022.
Outside of plastic surgery, Dr. Aboutanos speaks four languages and enjoys running and skiing. A self-described artist, Dr. Aboutanos also enjoys painting with watercolor. She lives with her husband and two children in Richmond.
Dr. Aboutanos Procedures
Educational Background
Fellowship
- Primary Children’s Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, Craniomaxillofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Director: Louis Morales, Jr., MD
Residency
- VCU Medical Center/Medical College of Virginia, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Medical School
- M.D. University of Miami, with Research Distinction
Undergraduate
- University of Miami, B.S. in Biology, minor in Chemistry, with Honors
- Phi Beta Kappa
Memberships
- American Society of Plastic Surgery
- American College of Surgeons
- American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association
- Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
- Virginia Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Richmond Pediatric Society
- Panamerican Trauma Society Member
- American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
Certifications
- American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Primary Training in Hyperbaric Medicine
Presentations
- 2025: Oral Presentation, American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, Palm Springs, California, “ Advantages of a Community-Based, Family-Centered Cleft and Craniofacial Team: Rethinking the Model,” Aboutanos SZ.
- 2016: Oral Presentation, American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, Atlanta, Georgia, “The Use of A Novel Electronic Medical Record To Facilitate A Community-Based, Multi-Disciplinary Cleft Team Approach,” Aboutanos SZ, Iuorno F, Shait L, Wornom IL.
- 2015: Poster Presentation, American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition, Washington, D.C., “Dental Intervention to Promote Lip Repair in a Patient with Pontine Tegmental Cap Dysplasia: A Multidisciplinary Approach,” Simon EP, Unkel JH, Aboutanos SZ.
- 2013: Poster Presentation, 12th International Congress on Cleft Lip/Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies, Orlando, FL, “Guidelines for Positioning Patients with Campomelic Dysplasia and Pierre Robin Sequence,” Aboutanos SZ and Wornom IL.
- 2011: Oral Presentation, American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, San Juan, PR, “Bilateral Lambdoid and Sagittal Synostosis, A Rare Entity: Surgical Plan and Technique,” Aboutanos SZ, Kirby EJ, Morales L.
- 2011: Oral Presentation, American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, San Juan, PR, “Surgical Approach to the High-Arched Palate in Syndromic Patients,” Kirby EJ, Aboutanos SZ, Morales L.
- 2010: Oral Presentation, American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, Ft. Worth, TX, “Sagittal Synostosis-“Accordion” Technique and Outcomes,” Aboutanos SZ, Morales L.
- 2010: Oral Presentation, American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, Ft. Worth, TX, “Palatal Adhesion- An Adjunct Approach to Cleft Palate Repair,” Aboutanos SZ, Morales L.
- 2010: Oral Presentation, American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, Ft. Worth, TX, “Two-Stage Cleft Palate Repairs- Long Term Results,” Aboutanos SZ, Chapman K, Taylor H, Morales L.
- 2010: Oral Presentation, American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, Ft. Worth, TX, “Complicated Management of Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia of the Craniofacial Skeleton in a Patient with Marfan’s Syndrome: An Unusual Presentation. Aboutanos SZ, Morales L.
- 2010: Poster Presentation, Southeastern Surgical Congress, Savannah, GA, “Disaster Preparedness: Addressing a Residency Training Gap,” Aboutanos MB, Klaff J, Aboutanos SZ, Whelan J, Mayglothling J, Wolfe LG, Duane TM, Malhotra AK, Ivatury RR.
- 2010: Oral Presentation, 5th Annual Academic Surgical Congress, San Antonio, TX, “The Inclusion of Medical Students in Disaster Preparedness,” Newton D, Aboutanos MB, Klaff J, Aboutanos SZ, Wolfe LG, Ivatury RR.
- 2009: Oral Presentation, Virginia Surgical Society, Virginia Beach, VA, “Disaster Preparedness for General Surgical Residents- Still A Long Way To Go,” Klaff J, Aboutanos MB, Aboutanos SZ, Wolfe LG, Ivatury RR.
- 2009: Oral Presentation, Senior Resident Conference, Austin, TX, “Three-Dimensional Malar Fat Pad Elevation: A Simple and Safe Approach for Midface Rejuvenation,” Aboutanos SZ, Rowe DS.
- 2007: Poster Presentation, 66th Annual meeting of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, Las Vegas, NV, “Significance Of Motor Vehicle Crashes And Pelvic Injury On Fetal Mortality: A 5 Year Institutional Review,” Aboutanos SZ, Aboutanos MB, DuaneTM, Malhotra AK, Ivatury RR.
- 2007: Poster Presentation, American Telemedicine Association, Nashville, TN, “Telemedicine Application and Trauma System Development in Latin America,” Aboutanos MB, Mora F, Duong D, Wolf L, Anderson C, Denwiddie M, Sahhar I, Rodas E, Aboutanos SZ, Duane TM, Malhotra AK, Ivatury RR.
- 2007: Oral Presentation, Med-e-Tel 2007 Annual Summit, Luxembourg, “Inexpensive Telemedicine Applications and Trauma System Development in Latin America: Ecuador’s Experience,” Aboutanos MB, Mora F, Duong D, Wolf L, Anderson C, Denwiddie M, Sahhar I, Rodas EB, Aboutanos SZ, Duane TM, Malhotra AK, Ivatury RR.
- 2007: Oral Presentation, Southeastern Surgical Congress, Savannah, GA, “Predictive Measures of Fetal Outcome: A 5 Year Institutional Review,” Aboutanos SZ, Aboutanos MB, Dompkowiski D, Duane TM, Malhotra AK, Ivatury RR.
- 2006: Oral Presentation, Virginia Chapter Committee on Trauma, Norfolk, VA, “Multi-Dimensional Protocols: How a Team Approach to Patient Care Can Influence Outcomes in a Trauma ICU,” Aboutanos SZ, Duane TM, Wolfe LG, Brown H, Aboutanos MB, Malhotra AK, Ivatury RR. Awarded Third Prize
- 2006: Oral Presentation, Western Trauma Association, Big Sky, MT, “Trauma Care in the Jungle of Ecuador: Where there is no ATLS,” Aboutanos SZ, Aboutanos MB, Rodas EB, Mora F, Wolfe LG, Duane TM, Malhotra AK, Ivatury RR.
- 2006: Poster Presentation, Society of Critical Care Medicine, San Francisco, CA, “Rapid Shallow Breathing Index in a Trauma ICU Population,” Duane TM, Aboutanos SZ, Borchers CT, Wakefield T, Wolfe LG, Aboutanos MB, Malhotra AK, Ivatury RR.
- 2005: Oral Presentation, Virginia Chapter Committee on Trauma, UVA, Charlottesville, VA, “Rapid Shallow Breathing Index in a Trauma ICU Population,” Aboutanos SZ, Duane TM, Borchers CT, Wakefield T, Wolfe LG, Aboutanos MB, Malhotra AK, Ivatury RR.
- 2005: Oral Presentation, Department of Surgery Research Day, VCU Health Systems, “Recombinant Duck Hepatitis Core Protein as a Vehicle for Immunizing Tumor Antigen-Specific T Cells,” Aboutanos SZ.
- 2005: Oral Presentation, Humera Surgical Society, Richmond, VA; “Prospective Evaluation of an Extubation Protocol in a Trauma ICU Population,” Aboutanos SZ. Awarded Lazar Greenfield Award.
- 2005: Poster Presentation, Odyssey on Critical Care, Richmond, VA; “Prospective Evaluation of an Extubation Protocol in a Trauma ICU Population,” Aboutanos SZ, Duane TM, Malhotra AK, Wakefield T, Wolfe L, Aboutanos MB, Ivatury R.
- 2005: Poster Presentation, 4th Annual Medical-Surgical Nursing Conference: Emerging Trends in Adult Health Care, Richmond, VA; “Prospective Evaluation of an Extubation Protocol in a Trauma ICU Population,” Aboutanos SZ, Duane TM, Malhotra AK, Wakefield T, Wolfe L, Aboutanos MB, Ivatury R.
- 2005: Oral Presentation, Western Trauma Association, Jackson Hole, WY; “Management of a Pregnant Patient with an Open Abdomen: A Case Report,” Aboutanos SZ, Aboutanos MB, Malhotra AK, Duane TM, Ivatury R.
- 2004: Poster Presentation, American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), Maui, Hawaii; “Prospective Evaluation of an Extubation Protocol in a Trauma ICU Population,” Aboutanos SZ, Duane TM, Malhotra AK, Wakefield T, Wolfe L, Aboutanos MB, Ivatury R.
- 2004: Poster Presentation, 1st Annual Resident Research Day, VCU Health Systems, “Duck Hepatitis Core Antigen Cross-Presents, Activates and Matures Dendritic Cells,” Zacur S, Miller C, Graham L, Dawson J, Coleman T, and Bear H. Awarded 1st Prize
- 2004: Oral Presentation, 1st Annual Resident Research Day, VCU Health Systems, “Prospective Evaluation of an Extubation Protocol in a Trauma ICU Population,” Zacur S.
- 2004: Oral Presentation, Department of Surgery Research Day, VCU Health Systems, “Duck Hepatitis Core Antigen Cross-Presents Tumor Antigen, Activates and Matures Dendritic Cells,” Zacur S. Awarded 1st Prize
- 2003: Poster Presentation, 56th Annual Symposium on Fundamental Cancer Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, “Duck Hepatitis Core Antigen is Effective as a Tumor-antigen-presenting Platform,” Miller C, Parviz M, Graham L, Zacur S, Dawson J, Coleman T, and Bear H.
- 2003: Poster Presentation, 56th Annual Symposium on Fundamental Cancer Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, “In vivo Trafficking of Adoptively Transferred Tumor Draining Lymphocytes Activated ex vivo by Bryostatin and Ionomycin,” Miller C, Graham L, Zacur S, Duong A, and Bear H.
- 2003: Oral Presentation, Virginia Chapter Committee on Trauma, Medical College of Virginia, “Prospective Evaluation of an Extubation Protocol in a Trauma ICU Population,” Zacur S, Duane T, Wakefield T, Wolfe L, Aboutanos M, Malhotra A, Ivatury R.
- 2001: Poster Presentation, 2001 Eastern-Atlantic Student Research Forum, University of Miami School of Medicine, “A Review of Trauma Scoring Systems,” Zacur S.
Invited Presentations
- “Postoperative Care of the Plastic Surgery Pediatric Patient.” St. Mary’s Pediatric Nursing Education Day. Richmond, VA; October 24, 2019.
- “Care of the Child with Cleft Lip and Palate.” St. Mary’s Pediatric Roundtable Talk. Richmond, VA; September 2019.
- “Ear Reconstruction and Reshaping.” St. Mary’s Pediatric Roundtable Talk. Richmond, VA; October 2018.
- “Consensus Session: Need for the ER Physicians in Latin America To Step Up and Manage Trauma.” Panamerican Trauma Association Meeting. Cartagena, Colombia; August 2018.
- Judge of the Resident Poster Session. PanAmerican Trauma Association Meeting. Cartagena, Colombia; August 2018.
- “Craniofacial Trauma and Reconstruction.” Panamerican Trauma Association Meeting. Mexico City, Mexico; November 2017.
- Judge of the Resident Poster Session. Panamerican Trauma Association Meeting. Mexico City, Mexico; November 2017.
- “The Doctors Are In.” Children’s Craniofacial Association 27th Annual Family Retreat. Reston, VA; June 2017.
- “Common Secondary Diagnosis/Handling Co-Morbidities.” Children’s Craniofacial Association 27th Annual Family Retreat. Reston, VA; June 2017.
- Pediatric Plastic Surgery: From Head to Toe.” Richmond Chapter AORN. Richmond, VA; April, 2017.
- Judge of the Resident Poster Session. Panamerican Trauma Association Meeting. Maceio, Brazil; November 2016.
- Moderator: Damage Control. Panamerican Trauma Association Meeting. Maceio, Brazil; November 2016.
- “Pediatric Plastic Surgery: From Head to Toe.” Pediatric Dental Associates. Richmond, VA; February 2016.
- “Pediatric Plastic Surgery: From Head to Toe.” Universidad de Aquina Bolivia (UDABOL); La Paz, Bolivia; November 2015.
- “Trauma and Pregnancy.” 18th Panamerican Trauma Association Meeting. Santa Cruz, Bolivia; November 2015.
- “Craniofacial Trauma in Children.” 18th Panamerican Trauma Association Meeting. Santa Cruz, Bolivia; November 2015.
- Judge of the Resident Poster Session. Panamerican Trauma Association Meeting. Panama City, Panama; November 2014.
- “Craniofacial Trauma in Children.” Panamerican Trauma Association Meeting. Panama City, Panama; November 2014.
- “Trauma and Pregnancy.” Panamerican Trauma Association Meeting. Panama City, Panama; November 2014.
- “Pediatric Plastic Surgery: From Head to Toe.” Bon Secours Pediatric Nursing Symposium. Richmond, VA; May 6, 2014.
- “Cosmetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery.” Support Your Girls. Bon Secours Cancer Institute. Richmond, VA; May 1, 2014.
- “Abnormal Head Shapes in the Pediatric Population.” Pediatric Dental Associates. Richmond, VA; February 2014.
- “Craniofacial Trauma in Children.” PanAmerican Trauma Association Meeting. Chilean and International Surgical Congress. Santiago, Chile; November 2013.
- “Trauma and Pregnancy.” PanAmerican Trauma Association Meeting. Chilean and International Surgical Congress. Santiago, Chile; November 2013.
- “Abnormal Head Shapes in the Pediatric Population.” St. Mary’s Hospital Pediatric Roundtable Talk. Richmond, VA; November 2011.
- “Management of Craniofacial Clefts.” University of Utah Speech Pathology Department, Salt Lake City, UT, February 2010.
- “Sagittal Synostosis: Surgical Approach and Outcomes.” Utah Facial Surgery Meeting, Park City, UT, February 2010.
- “The Pregnant Trauma Patient.” Ninth Annual VCU Health Systems Trauma Symposium, Richmond, VA, 2008.
Publications
- 2024: White B, Berry EJ, Unkel JH, Aboutanos SZ. A newborn with an oral mass on maxillary alveolar ridge: A case report. Contemporary Pediatric Dentistry 2024:5(3):158-163.
- 2018: Alexander CI, Unkel JH, Aboutanos SZ. Oral and cutaneous manifestations of congenital epidermal nevus syndrome: a review and case presentation. Manuscript submitted for publication.
- Aboutanos SZ, McAndrew K, Unkel J, Wornom IL. Pontine tegmental cap dysplasia and challenges in facial reconstructive surgery. The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal. 55(1)127-131, 2018.
- Aboutanos SZ, Spinos E, Blanchet NP. Angiographic delay, a viable alternative to surgical delay. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 68(6):562-7, 2012.
- Aboutanos MB, Aboutanos SZ, Dompkowski D, Duane TD, Malhotra AK, Ivatury RR. Significance of motore vehicle crashes and pelvic injury on fetal mortality: A five-year institutional review. Journal of Trauma. 65(3):616-20, 2008.
- Pozez AL, Aboutanos SZ, Lucas VS. Diagnosis and treatment of uncommon wounds. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 34(4)749-64, 2007.
- Aboutanos SZ, Aboutanos MB, Dompkowski D, Duane TD, Malhotra AK, Ivatury RR. Predictors of fetal oautcome in pregnant trauma patients: A five-year institutional review. The American Surgeon. 73(8):824-7, 2007.
- Aboutanos MB, Rodas E, Aboutanos SZ, Mora FE, Duane TM, Malhotra AK, Ivatury RR. Trauma education and care in the jungles of Ecuador: Where there is no Advanced Trauma Life Support. Journal of Trauma. 62(3):714-9, 2007.
- Aboutanos SZ, Duane TD, Malhotra AK, Borchers CT, Wakefield TA, Wolfe LG, Aboutanos MB, Ivatury RR. Prospective evaluation of an extubation protocol in a trauma intensive care unit population. The American Surgeon. 72(5):393-6, 2006.
- Aboutanos SZ, Aboutanos MB, Malhotra AK, Duane TM, Ivatury RR. Management of a pregnant patient with an open abdomen. Journal of Trauma. 59(5):1052-6, 2005.
- Chin CS, Miller CH, Graham L, Parviz M, Zacur S, Patel B, Duong A, Bear H. Bryostatin 1/ionomycin (B/I) ex vivo stimulation preferentially activates L-selectinlow tumor-sensitized lymphocytes. International Immunology. 16(9):1283-94, 2004.
- Whinney RR, Cohn SM, Zacur S. Fluid resuscitation for trauma patients in the 21st century. Current Opinion in Critical Care. 6:395-400, 2000.
