About Dr. Kilmer
Dr. Lee Kilmer is currently a reconstructive microsurgery fellow in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. She completed an undergraduate degree in business administration before transitioning into medicine, bringing a strong analytical approach to patient care. During her integrated plastic surgery training at the University of Virginia (2019–2024), she developed a deep interest in microsurgery and was actively involved in research, with scholarly work centered on large database studies and presentations at national and regional meetings. Dr. Kilmer is committed to advancing reconstructive care through both clinical excellence and research and hopes to practice at an academic institution on the East Coast.
Education
2019 - 2025
Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency
University of Virginia, Department of Plastic Surgery, Maxillofacial, and Oral Health
Charlottesville, Virginia
2015 - 2019
MD - Stony Brook School of Medicine
Stony Brook, New York
2013 - 2015
Post-Baccalaureate Studies
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, New York
2009 - 2012
BA - Interdisciplinary Center / Reichmann University
Herzliya, Israel
Societies
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Resident/Fellow Member
- American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Candidate member
- The Aesthetic Society, Resident Member
- Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Resident Member
Awards
6/2019 - 6/2025
Global Health Leadership Track Graduate, University of Virginia
Participated in an intensive global health policy course, monthly international rounds, and global health journal clubs.
Traveled to Giridih, India, for a plastic surgery medical mission trip, performing cleft lip, burn, hand, and general plastic surgery procedures on an underserved population.
2022/2023
Best Project Research Award
Annual award given to the resident(s) with the best research project
University of Virginia, Dept. of Plastic Surgery, Maxillofacial & Oral Health
2022/2023
Raymond Morgan Body of Work Research Award
Annual award given to the resident with the highest research productivity
University of Virginia, Dept. of Plastic Surgery, Maxillofacial & Oral Health
2021/2022
Raymond Morgan Body of Work Research Award
Annual award given to the resident with the highest research productivity
University of Virginia, Dept. of Plastic Surgery, Maxillofacial & Oral Health
2016 - 2019
International Research Fellowship Award for Global Health Research in Madagascar
Office of Global Medical Education, Stony Brook University School of Medicine
Research
Dr. Lee Kilmer’s research spans reconstructive, oncoplastic, and gender-affirming surgery, with a particular emphasis on surgical outcomes and patient-centered benefits, including mental health outcomes. Her work frequently leverages large patient databases and case-matched analyses to evaluate reconstructive approaches, complication and reoperation rates, and outcomes following breast reconstruction, reduction mammoplasty, migraine surgery, and gender-affirming procedures. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading journals and has won multiple research awards throughout her residency. Dr. Kilmer’s research is driven by a goal of improving evidence-based decision-making and enhancing both clinical and quality-of-life outcomes for patients undergoing complex reconstruction.
Publications
- Yanoshak EC, Kilmer LH, Mason SL, DeGeorge BR Jr, Black JS. The Efficacy of Migraine Surgery in Reducing Pharmacological Treatment Requirements. Plast Reconstr Surg. Published online October 6, 2025. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000012490
- Kilmer LH, Pawly J, Wehelie HB, English S, Silva AK, Martin D, Hollenbeck ST. Assessing the Shift: Increasing Rates of Immediate Breast Reconstruction by Non-Plastic Surgeons - Insights from a Nationwide Analysis. Plast Reconstr Surg. Published online March 4, 2025. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000012068
- Park RH, Odega UK, Kilmer LH, Hollenbeck ST, DeGeorge BR. Mental Health Trends in Patients With Symptomatic Macromastia After Reduction Mammoplasty. Ann Plast Surg. 2024;93(1):30-33. doi:10.1097/SAP.0000000000003987
- Kilmer LH, Challa S, Stranix JT, Campbell CA. Case-matched Comparison of Implant-based Breast Reconstruction with and without Acellular Dermal Matrix. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2024;12(3):e5660. Published 2024 Mar 13. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000005660
- Kilmer LH, Chou J, Campbell CA, DeGeorge BR, Stranix JT. Gender-Affirming Surgery Improves Mental Health Outcomes and Decreases Antidepressant Use in Patients with Gender Dysphoria. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2024;154(5):1142-1149. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000011325
- Kilmer LH, Samuel A, Forster GL, et al. Determinants of pressure injury development in patients with COVID-19. J Wound Care. 2024;33(3):156-164. doi:10.12968/jowc.2024.33.3.156
- Kilmer LH, Weidman AA, DeGeorge BR, Stranix JT, Campbell CA. Oncoplastic breast reduction surgery decreases rates of reoperation with no increased medical risk. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2024;88:273-280.
- Hakami LM, Forster GL, Jones MK, DeGeorge BR Jr. Reply: Scleroderma and Raynaud Phenomenon: The Cold Truth Regarding the Use of Operative Management. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2023;152(2):370e-371e.
- Moran TE, Wagner R, Bustos FP, Lee GE, Forster GL, Hakami L, DeGeorge BR Jr. Arthroscopic Versus Open Treatment of Septic Wrist Arthritis: National Trends in Usage and Impact on Length of Stay, Reoperation, Postoperative Readmissions, and Complications. J Hand Surg Glob Online. 2022;5(2):145-150.
- Hakami LM, Forster GL, Jones MK, DeGeorge BR Jr. Scleroderma and Raynaud Phenomenon: The Cold Truth Regarding the Use of Operative Management. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022;150(1):105e-114e.
- Samuel AR, Hakami L, Campbell C, DeGeorge BR Jr, Black J, Stranix JT. Abdominal panniculectomy: Identifying complications and potential risk factors. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2022;S1748-6815(22)00256-X.
- Rahantamalala A., Rakotoarison R. L., Rakotomalala E, Rakotondrazaka M, Kiernan J, Castle PM, Hakami L, Choi K, Rafalimanantsoa AS, Harimanana A, Wright P, Grandjean Lapierre S, Schoenhals M, Small P, Marcos, LA, Vigan-Womas I. Prevalence and factors associated with human Taenia solium taeniosis and cysticercosis in twelve remote villages of Ranomafana rainforest, Madagascar. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2022;16(4):e0010265.
- Hakami L, Castle PM, Kiernan J, et al. Epidemiology of soil transmitted helminth and Strongyloides stercoralis infections in remote rural villages of Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. Pathog Glob Health. 2019;113(2):94-100.