Dr. Heather Vande Ven is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who believes that confidence starts from within. She specializes in aesthetic procedures of the breast and body, with particular expertise in breast augmentation. Known for her caring approach and attention to detail, she helps patients achieve natural, confident results that align with their personal goals. She sees patients from across Carlsbad and North County San Diego — and many patients travel from outside the area as well.
Outside the operating room, Dr. Vande Ven is married with two daughters and a cat named Pistachio. She loves anything outdoors — especially being near the ocean — likes to exercise (the Peloton gets regular use), and loves watching her daughters dance. In consultation, she will listen to your needs without judgment, and without pointing out other areas that “need to be fixed.”
Dr. Vande Ven earned her undergraduate degree in Biology at Colorado State University and went on to complete her Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. She completed her General Surgery residency at Palisades Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident during her final two years of training.
After residency, Dr. Vande Ven completed a Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship at Hamilton Surgical Arts in Indiana, followed by advanced training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in New Jersey.
She is an active member of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Osteopathic Association.
Dr. Vande Ven is known for her meticulous attention to detail, compassionate care, and dedication to providing every patient with a personalized experience from consultation through recovery. Her goal is to help each individual look and feel their very best. Consultations and follow-up care happen at the Del Mar office; procedures are performed at an outpatient surgery center in Carlsbad.
Is Dr. Vande Ven board certified?
Dr. Vande Ven is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery. Osteopathic physicians complete the equivalent medical school, surgical training and licensing requirements as M.D.s. She'll happily answer any question about her credentials directly.
Where did Dr. Vande Ven train?
- Board certificationAmerican Osteopathic Board of Surgery — dual certified in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and General Surgery
- FellowshipPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery — St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, New Jersey
- FellowshipCosmetic Surgery — Hamilton Surgical Arts, Indiana
- ResidencyGeneral Surgery — Lutheran Medical Center, New York; completed at Palisades Medical Center, New Jersey
- Medical degreeKansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Kansas City
- UndergraduateB.S. in Biology and minor in Neuroanatomy — Colorado State University
What professional societies does she belong to?
- American College of Osteopathic Surgeons
- American College of Surgeons
- American Osteopathic Association
What has she researched and published?
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St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center · Paterson, NJ2017–2018Refinements in Secondary Cleft Lip & Nose Reconstruction: The Simultaneous Use of Multiple Grafts to Reduce Re-operation Rates & Restore Normal Anatomical FeaturesPresentation at the NYRSPS Abstract Forum
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St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center · Paterson, NJ2016–2017The Modified Collared CV Flap for Nipple Areolar Complex ReconstructionCase report on a modified technique for nipple areolar reconstruction. Presented at NEOMEN, University of New England
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Hamilton Surgical Arts · Noblesville, IN2014–2015Use of Low-level Laser Therapy with an Appetite Suppressant for the Reduction of Central Adiposity in Overweight and Obese IndividualsResearch submitted to the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery
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Palisades Medical Center · North Bergen, NJ2012–2013The Dilated Appendix: An Indication for Additional Diagnostic TestingPresented at ACOS, Annual Clinical Assembly of Osteopathic Surgeons
Publications
- Vande Ven H, D.O.; Podda S, M.D.; Narayan D, M.D.; et al. “Electrical Burn Injuries.” Medscape, 2018.
- Vande Ven H, D.O.; Pensler J, M.D. “Gynecomastia.” StatPearls, PubMed, 2017.
- Vande Ven H, D.O.; Gargano F, M.D.; Podda S, M.D.; Szymanski K, D.O.; Dalisky R, D.O. “The Modified Collared CV Flap for Nipple Areolar Reconstruction: A Case Report.” Poster presentation, Northeast Osteopathic Medical Association, 2017.
- Szymanski K, D.O.; Vande Ven H, D.O.; Podda S, M.D.; Berlet A, M.D. “Abdominoplasty for Recurrent Pannicular Infections.” Plastic Surgery Education Network, 2017.
- Vande Ven H, D.O.; Fornari M, D.O.; Miglietta M, D.O. “The Dilated Appendix: An Indication for Surgery?” Resident poster presentation, Annual Clinical Assembly, American College of Osteopathic Physicians, 2014.