Dr. Alan J. Durkin is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon whose career encompasses aesthetic surgery, surgical oncology, clinical research, physician education, and national leadership in aesthetic medicine. As the founder of Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery, Dermatology and MedSpa in Vero Beach, Florida, he has developed a surgical practice specializing in facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, and complex revision procedures.
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Durkin serves in surgical leadership at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, holds academic appointments at Florida State University and Nova Southeastern University, and serves as Chief Medical Officer of VIO Med Spa, a national aesthetic medicine organization. In 2026, he was appointed Chair of the Aesthetic Subcommittee within the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' Academic Affairs Council.
His scientific contributions include 24 PubMed-indexed publications, covering facial aesthetics, breast reconstruction, surgical oncology, and general surgery. He has also authored surgical technique materials distributed internationally, presented at national and international medical conferences, and participated in the development and clinical evaluation of aesthetic treatments used by physicians throughout the country.
At Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery, Dr. Durkin brings these experiences into the consultation room. His philosophy emphasizes patient education, sound surgical judgment, and a willingness to recommend less treatment when a more extensive procedure would provide little additional benefit.
"We have a willingness to say no in the best interest of the patient."
—Dr. Alan Durkin
A distinguished record of surgical training, academic appointments, leadership, research, and professional recognition.
| Credential / Appointment | Institution or Recognition |
|---|---|
| Certification Board Certification | American Board of Plastic Surgery |
| Certification Board Certification | American Board of Surgery |
| Leadership Founder & Medical Director | Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery, Dermatology and MedSpa |
| Leadership Chairman, Division of Plastic Surgery | Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital |
| Leadership Vice Chairman, Department of Surgery | Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital |
| Academic Clinical Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery | Florida State University College of Medicine |
| Academic Clinical Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery | Nova Southeastern University |
| Leadership Chief Medical Officer | VIO Med Spa |
| Leadership Chair, Aesthetic Subcommittee (2026) | American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Academic Affairs Council |
| Leadership Founder & Medical Director | MedSpa Network |
| Research Research | 24 documented PubMed-indexed publications |
| Recognition Professional Recognition | Castle Connolly Top Doctor, NewBeauty Top Doctor, NewBeauty Expert Injector |
Dr. Durkin's interest in medicine followed an extensive academic background in the sciences.
He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Science degree and subsequently earned a master's degree in medical radiation physics from Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences.
He received his medical degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine in 1999.
His postgraduate education included a five-year general surgery residency at the University of South Florida, followed by a surgical oncology research fellowship at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. He subsequently completed plastic and reconstructive surgery training through the University of South Florida and Moffitt Cancer Center, followed by additional fellowship training in facial aesthetic surgery.
During his early surgical career, Dr. Durkin studied pancreatic cancer, hepatobiliary malignancies, tumor biology, trauma, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. His research appeared in journals including Annals of Surgery, Journal of the American College of Surgeons, Annals of Surgical Oncology, and The American Journal of Surgery.
He also served as Administrative Chief Resident during both his general surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery training.
Dr. Durkin's background in oncology and reconstruction continues to inform his aesthetic practice, particularly when treating patients who have undergone previous surgery. Scar tissue, changes in blood supply, weakened support structures, and altered tissue planes can complicate revision procedures and affect the options available for correction.
These considerations are particularly important in complex breast revision, reconstructive surgery, and facial procedures involving permanent filler complications.
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Facial aesthetic surgery is a major focus of Dr. Durkin's practice and recent academic work. His clinical interests include facelift surgery, deep-plane facial rejuvenation, neck surgery, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, facial fat grafting, and correction of complications from previous cosmetic procedures.
Between 2021 and 2026, Dr. Durkin authored or co-authored seven peer-reviewed publications examining facial rejuvenation techniques, injectable materials, collagen biostimulation, laser resurfacing, and facial volume loss.
Several of these studies originated from questions encountered in clinical practice, including how to combine facial lifting with skin resurfacing, how injectable materials compare in the midface, and how to correct complications involving permanent fillers.
In 2025, Dr. Durkin served as senior author of a study published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum examining the safety of deeper hybrid fractional laser resurfacing performed during facelift surgery.
The study, titled A Clinical Safety Assessment of Hybrid Fractional Laser Use at Increased Depths for Facial Skin Rejuvenation in Patients Undergoing Rhytidectomy, evaluated a combined approach to structural facial rejuvenation and skin resurfacing.
Facelift surgery addresses tissue descent and laxity, particularly through the cheeks, jawline, and neck. Laser resurfacing addresses different components of facial aging, including texture and surface damage.
Combining these treatments requires careful consideration of skin healing, treatment depth, and the condition of the underlying tissues.
The research reflects Dr. Durkin's interest in comprehensive facial rejuvenation, where surgical correction and skin treatments may be considered within the same treatment plan.
Dr. Durkin also teaches deep-plane facelift and neck rejuvenation techniques through surgical education videos and professional presentations.
Dr. Durkin has contributed to the scientific literature surrounding calcium hydroxylapatite, hyaluronic acid fillers, and injectable biostimulators.
In 2021, he was first author of a prospective clinical study comparing calcium hydroxylapatite with Vycross-20L hyaluronic acid filler for midface rejuvenation.
The study, conducted at Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery and published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, evaluated treatment efficacy and patient-perceived value.
Read the published study on midface rejuvenation.
His subsequent work included expert guidance on hyperdilute calcium hydroxylapatite for skin tightening, published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
Hyperdilute calcium hydroxylapatite is used in selected aesthetic applications where treatment emphasizes skin quality and collagen stimulation. The 2022 publication addressed dilution practices and practical considerations for physicians using this material in clinical settings.
Dr. Durkin has also participated in research examining the particle structure of calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid biostimulators, along with a multicenter study evaluating the long-term duration and safety of Radiesse (+) for jawline contouring.
The findings contribute to a growing body of literature examining the differences between injectable materials and their appropriate clinical applications.
In 2023, Dr. Durkin was first author of a case series published in Annals of Plastic Surgery addressing the surgical management of complications caused by polymethylmethacrylate-collagen gel in the lower eyelid.
The study, Surgical Management of Polymethylmethacrylate-Collagen Gel Complications in the Lower Eyelid: A Case Series, examined a difficult category of revision surgery.
Polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA, is a permanent filler material. Unlike many hyaluronic acid fillers, PMMA cannot be dissolved with hyaluronidase.
Complications may involve tissue irregularities, chronic inflammation, and scar formation around delicate structures of the lower eyelid. Corrective surgery can require the removal of affected material and reconstruction of the surrounding tissues.
Dr. Durkin's publication provides clinical information for surgeons managing these complications and reflects his broader experience with revision procedures.
In 2026, Dr. Durkin served as senior author of research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology examining public interest in GLP-1 weight-loss medications and increasing awareness of associated aesthetic changes.
The study, Rising Public Interest in Weight Loss Medications and Growing Awareness of Their Aesthetic Sequelae, analyzed search trends and clinical diagnostic patterns associated with substantial weight loss.
Significant weight reduction can produce changes in facial volume and skin laxity, creating different treatment considerations from those associated with gradual aging.
Dr. Durkin's clinical work encompasses surgical facial rejuvenation, injectable volume restoration, and skin treatments, allowing these concerns to be evaluated according to the extent and location of tissue change.
Breast surgery represents another significant area of Dr. Durkin's clinical expertise, with particular emphasis on breast augmentation, complex implant revision, augmentation mastopexy, and biologic mesh support.
His experience in breast reconstruction began during his surgical training.
In 2010, Dr. Durkin was first author of An Algorithmic Approach to Breast Reconstruction Using Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flaps, published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
The study proposed a structured approach to breast reconstruction using tissue transferred from the back, addressing surgical decision-making in patients requiring reconstructive procedures.
This foundation in tissue reconstruction and support informs his present work with complex breast implant revision.
Revision breast surgery may involve correction of implant malposition, capsular contracture, animation deformity, compromised tissue support, or changes that develop after previous augmentation.
In these cases, restoring implant position can require adjustments to the breast pocket and surrounding support structures.
Dr. Durkin has developed extensive experience using acellular dermal matrix, a biologic material used to provide additional tissue support in selected breast procedures.
In 2016, he authored a 31-page surgical technique monograph for MTF Biologics titled:
A Surgical Technique Guide to Primary Breast Augmentation and Augmentation Revision Using MTF BellaDerm Acellular Dermis
The monograph was distributed to surgeons in the United States and internationally.
It outlines Dr. Durkin's approach to preoperative breast assessment, surgical markings, implant plane exchange, augmentation mastopexy, and the use of acellular dermis for additional internal support.
This type of reinforcement is commonly described as an internal bra.
The monograph includes operative guidance for patients with breast ptosis, pseudoptosis, and circumstances requiring additional support during primary or revision augmentation.
Dr. Durkin has also produced professional surgical videos demonstrating these techniques, including revision breast augmentation with biologic mesh and correction of implant malposition.
Dr. Durkin has developed a specialized interest in breast augmentation and revision surgery for athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness competitors.
These patients can present distinct surgical considerations due to low body-fat percentages, reduced breast tissue coverage, and significant pectoralis muscle development.
The size and activity of the pectoralis muscle can influence implant movement and contribute to animation deformity, while limited soft-tissue coverage may make implant edges more visible.
Dr. Durkin's surgical teaching materials include breast augmentation for bodybuilders, revision augmentation with biologic mesh, and combined breast lift and implant revision in athletic patients.
His experience treating fitness competitors has also attracted national media attention, including coverage in Vice examining breast augmentation within competitive bodybuilding.
Read the Vice feature on breast augmentation in competitive fitness.
Dr. Durkin has maintained an active commitment to medical education throughout his career, beginning with his residency training at the University of South Florida.
During residency, he received multiple awards recognizing excellence in surgical education. These included four resident surgical teaching awards and the John E. Turlich Award for Resident Teaching Excellence.
In 2006, he received the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Award, recognizing his commitment to compassionate, patient-centered medical care.
Today, Dr. Durkin serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at Florida State University College of Medicine and Nova Southeastern University.
His academic work includes teaching medical students, mentoring surgical trainees, and providing instruction in aesthetic and reconstructive surgical principles.
In 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions interrupted traditional hands-on medical education, Dr. Durkin partnered with Florida State University to provide suturing instruction for 30 medical students at Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery.
The program divided students into smaller groups and used surgical workstations to teach wound closure and instrument handling. Dr. Durkin provided instruction in the practice's operating room, allowing students to develop technical skills despite the restrictions affecting conventional medical training.
The initiative was featured in Vero News.
Read: Stitchin' Time: Vero Plastic Surgeon Trains Future Suturers.
Dr. Durkin continues to teach practicing physicians through surgical conferences, clinical training programs, cadaver-based education, and professional workshops.
His educational activities have included presentations on facelift surgery, neck rejuvenation, injectable techniques, regenerative aesthetics, biologic materials, and advanced breast surgery.
In 2026, Dr. Durkin was appointed Chair of the Aesthetic Subcommittee within the Academic Affairs Council of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
This role contributes to his longstanding involvement in professional education and the advancement of aesthetic surgical knowledge.
Dr. Durkin has also presented at major professional meetings, including programs associated with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Aesthetic Society.
His participation in these organizations brings him into continued contact with surgeons, researchers, and educators working across multiple areas of aesthetic and reconstructive medicine.
View the 2026 American Society of Plastic Surgeons organizational chart.
Dr. Durkin's professional work extends into the development of clinical standards, physician education, and medical oversight for aesthetic practices across the United States.
In addition to his surgical responsibilities at Ocean Drive, he holds leadership and advisory positions involving medical aesthetics, provider training, and the evaluation of new treatments and technologies.
Since 2024, Dr. Durkin has served as Chief Medical Officer of VIO Med Spa, a national aesthetic medicine organization.
His responsibilities include medical governance, patient safety, provider education, and the development of clinical protocols across a growing network of aesthetic practices.
During his tenure, VIO expanded from approximately 35 to 71 locations, according to his executive professional record.
Dr. Durkin's work has included the development of medical oversight structures, clinical training programs, treatment standards, and professional education intended to support consistent care across multiple facilities.
The position requires collaboration with physicians, aesthetic providers, executive leadership, and clinical teams working in different regulatory environments.
Dr. Durkin is also the founder and Medical Director of MedSpa Network, a physician-led education and clinical support organization established in 2019.
The network supports more than 1,200 aesthetic practices across North America, according to his professional record.
Its educational activities include continuing medical education, injectable training, facial aesthetics, body contouring, energy-based technologies, and cadaver-based instruction.
Dr. Durkin's work through the organization focuses on provider development, clinical education, and the adoption of appropriate treatment protocols.
Dr. Durkin has served in consulting, advisory, and educational roles with aesthetic medicine and surgical technology companies, including Merz Aesthetics, MTF Biologics, Revance, Tiger Aesthetics, Prollenium, and others.
These relationships have involved physician training, product evaluation, clinical protocol development, and guidance on the use of aesthetic materials and technologies.
His consulting work with Merz Aesthetics began in 2013 and has included professional education involving injectable treatments, facial rejuvenation, and advanced aesthetic techniques.
His relationship with MTF Biologics included educational work involving acellular dermal matrix and the publication of his surgical technique monograph.
Through these professional activities, Dr. Durkin contributes to the education of other physicians and the clinical application of new aesthetic treatments.
Dr. Durkin founded Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery in 2011 with the goal of creating a practice where surgical expertise, patient education, and an exceptional treatment experience could coexist.
His philosophy of care begins with understanding the patient's concerns and examining the physical factors contributing to them.
During facial consultations, Dr. Durkin evaluates changes in tissue position, skin quality, facial volume, and underlying support. For breast revision patients, he considers implant position, previous surgical techniques, scar formation, tissue support, and the condition of the existing implant pocket.
He discusses the available treatment options, their limitations, expected recovery, and the degree of improvement each approach may provide.
Patients may arrive with a particular procedure in mind and leave with a different recommendation. Some concerns can be addressed through nonsurgical care, while others require surgery to produce meaningful structural improvement.
Dr. Durkin also believes that declining treatment is appropriate when the expected benefit does not justify the risks or when a patient's goals cannot be achieved through the proposed procedure.
His commitment to education is reflected in the time devoted to explaining these decisions before treatment.
Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery is located on the barrier island in Vero Beach, Florida, with a private surgical center and facilities supporting postoperative recovery.
The practice offers private entrances, overnight recovery accommodations, nursing care, and access to medical aesthetics, dermatology, and laser treatments.
Patients traveling from Palm Beach, Jupiter, other areas of Florida, and locations throughout the country can receive surgical consultations and postoperative care through Ocean Drive.
The practice also accommodates patients seeking specialized revision surgery or a second opinion after previous cosmetic procedures.
For Dr. Durkin, the Ocean Drive experience reflects an approach to aesthetic care that includes the consultation, surgical planning, procedure, recovery, and ongoing management of skin and tissue health.
Dr. Durkin has received recognition throughout his career for surgical education, medical research, patient care, and contributions to aesthetic medicine.
His honors include:
His professional affiliations include the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Durkin has also served on the NewBeauty Medical Advisory Board and contributed commentary to national publications covering facial surgery, regenerative aesthetics, breast surgery, and patient safety.
Dr. Durkin's documented research record includes 24 PubMed-indexed publications from 1999 through 2026. His work encompasses facial rejuvenation, injectable biostimulators, breast reconstruction, post-bariatric surgery, surgical oncology, and general surgery.
The following bibliography includes his published research, organized by specialty. Each title links to its PubMed record, where readers can review publication details, abstracts, and available full-text resources.
Senior-author research examining public interest in GLP-1 medications and increasing awareness of associated facial volume loss and skin laxity.
Senior-author safety study evaluating deeper hybrid fractional laser treatment performed during facelift surgery.
Multicenter research evaluating the duration and safety of calcium hydroxylapatite filler for jawline contouring.
Laboratory analysis examining the structural characteristics of two injectable biostimulator materials.
First-author surgical case series examining the management of complications associated with permanent filler in the lower eyelid.
Expert consensus guidance addressing dilution techniques and clinical applications of hyperdilute calcium hydroxylapatite for skin tightening.
First-author prospective study conducted at Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery comparing two injectable materials used for midface volume restoration.
First-author research presenting a surgical decision-making algorithm for breast reconstruction using latissimus dorsi flaps.
First-author publication examining considerations related to plastic surgery in patients affected by obesity and substantial weight loss.
Dr. Durkin's earlier research includes publications on pancreatic cancer, hepatobiliary disease, surgical oncology, bariatric surgery, trauma, and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Dr. Durkin has produced surgical teaching videos demonstrating operative techniques in facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, and body contouring.
These materials provide physicians and surgical trainees with an opportunity to examine his operative methods, including dissection techniques, implant pocket correction, biologic mesh placement, and combination procedures.
Operative demonstration of Dr. Durkin's deep-plane facelift and neck rejuvenation techniques.
Surgical demonstration of biologic mesh placement for implant support and pocket correction.
Operative techniques for reduction mammoplasty and breast reshaping.
Surgical planning and augmentation techniques for patients with developed pectoral musculature and limited soft-tissue coverage.
Revision techniques addressing implant malposition and animation deformity in athletic patients.
Combined breast lift, implant exchange, and biologic mesh support during revision surgery.
Operative demonstration of tummy tuck surgery, including abdominal muscle repair and contouring.
Combined breast and abdominal procedures performed during a single surgical session.
Dr. Durkin has provided expert commentary to national and regional publications on facial rejuvenation, surgical techniques, breast augmentation, regenerative aesthetics, and patient safety.
His contributions have appeared in NewBeauty, The Wall Street Journal, Vice, Skin Inc., and other publications covering medicine, beauty, and aesthetic surgery.
Selected media features highlighting Dr. Durkin's perspective on aesthetic medicine, surgical techniques, patient safety, and innovations in plastic surgery.
Dr. Durkin discusses medical oversight, product authenticity, provider qualifications, and patient safety in aesthetic practices.
A discussion of modern facelift techniques, patient selection, natural-looking outcomes, and the role of complementary treatments.
Dr. Durkin discusses male facial plastic surgery, patient preferences, and increasing interest in aesthetic medicine among men.
Dr. Durkin explains the relationship between surgical lifting, facial volume restoration, and ongoing maintenance after facelift surgery.
Coverage of injectable and nonsurgical treatments for skin changes affecting areas beyond the face.
A feature on Dr. Durkin's surgical education program for Florida State University medical students during COVID-19 restrictions.
An interview examining the development of Ocean Drive's integrated plastic surgery and spa experience.
A feature examining breast augmentation among competitive fitness athletes, including commentary from Dr. Durkin.
Additional information about Dr. Durkin's clinical appointments, professional activities, and publications is available through the following organizations.
Dr. Alan Durkin provides surgical and nonsurgical aesthetic consultations at Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery in Vero Beach, Florida.
Patients interested in facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, revision procedures, and comprehensive aesthetic care are invited to schedule a consultation to discuss their goals, medical history, and treatment options.
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5070 Florida A1A, Suite A
Vero Beach, FL 32963
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