SAROSH NAZ ZAFAR, MD, FACS
Dr. Zafar Discusses Expertise and Empathy
Hear From Our Patients
Dr. Sarosh Zafar explains the differences between the types of capsulectomies used to remove a rare type of lymphoma linked to textured breast implants.
“Women facing breast cancer encounter more than the medical aspect of it; they must also face the physical, emotional, and psychological demands of the disease. I want to take the time to meet each woman where she is and work with her to get her where she wants to go. I strive to treat each woman as I would want my mother or sister to be treated.”
– Sarosh N. Zafar, MD, FACS
Dr. Sarosh Naz Zafar is a distinguished double board-certified microsurgeon in plastic and reconstructive surgery and general surgery. She serves at the internationally renowned Center for Restorative Breast Surgery and the St. Charles Surgical Hospital in New Orleans, where she is recognized for her exceptional surgical skills, compassionate patient care, and leadership in advancing breast reconstruction.
Dr. Zafar graduated with honors from Villanova University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine, completing a full general surgery residency. She then completed her residency in plastic surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital in The Texas Medical Center, followed by a microsurgery fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. Before joining the Breast Center, Dr. Zafar was highly sought after as the only fellowship-trained microvascular surgeon in the Lafayette, Louisiana region. At the Breast Center, her dedication to patient care and her ability to connect with diverse audiences make her an invaluable resource for patients and colleagues alike.
At the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, Dr. Zafar’s role extends beyond her surgical skills in the operating room. She is a trusted expert on local, regional, and national platforms, representing the Center and raising awareness of its innovative breast reconstruction techniques. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences—patients, peers, and the public—has made her an invaluable ambassador for the Center’s mission of innovation and compassionate care.
Her collaborative work with Mission Partner Breastcancer.org exemplifies her dedication to education and advocacy. During the 2024 BRA Day campaign, Dr. Zafar co-directed initiatives, including an Instagram Live panel with Dr. Marisa Weiss, video and newsletter content, and a Zoom presentation for Project 31. She has also contributed to podcasts, webinars, and YouTube programming, ensuring that women everywhere have access to clear, empowering information about their reconstruction options.
Dr. Zafar’s commitment to community engagement is equally noteworthy. She represents the Center at various fundraising events, such as Breastoration, You Night, and Fleur de Bra, and was selected to highlight ARSA in a recruitment video that showcases it as an excellent environment for young physicians. She is also extensively published in the field of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction and has presented at numerous meetings, including the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgeons.
Her humanitarian work further underscores her character and values. Through Operation San Jose, Dr. Zafar has provided life-changing cleft lip and palate surgeries for patients in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Education and Certifications:
2017-present
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in Plastic Surgery
2015-2016
University of California- San Francisco San Francisco, CA
Microsurgery Fellowship
2012-2015
Houston Methodist Hospital Houston, TX
Plastic Surgery Residency
2012-present
Certified by the American Board of Surgery in General Surgery
2007-2012
Drexel University College of Medicine Philadelphia, PA
General Surgery Residency
2003-2007
Drexel University College of Medicine Philadelphia, PA
MD Degree
2000-2003
Villanova University
Villanova, PA
BS Degree in Biology with Honors (summa cum laude)
7-year combined BS/MD accelerated program
Professional Organizations:
- AMA Member
- ACS Member
- Association for Women Surgeons of ACS Member ASPS Member
- ASAPS Member
- FACS Member
- LSMS Member
Honors:
- Villanova University graduation with summa cum laude honors
- Dean’s List, Villanova University: Fall/Spring semesters 2000-2003 National Society of Collegiate Scholars: member 2000
- Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society (Arts & Sciences): member 2002
- Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society (Pre-Medical studies): member 2002
- Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (National Honor Society): member 2002
- Margaret C. Bainey Essay Award Winner (Core Humanities Essay): 2001
Volunteer Activity:
- 2015 Operation San Jose Team Member- provided charity cleft lip and palate care (Chihuahua, Mexico)
- 2012 Hahnemann University Hospital Ethics Committee Member
- 2012 Drexel University College of Medicine- Department of Surgery Academic Committee
- 2003-2004 Drexel University College of Medicine- President of Dermatology Interest Group
- 2003-2004 Medical Student Volunteer at Eliza Shirley House- Shelter for Women
Publications / Presentations:
Piper, Merisa L; Amara, Dominic; Zafar, Sarosh N; Lee, Charles; Sbitany, Hani; Hansen, Scott L. ‘Free Tissue Transfer Optimizes Stump Length and Functionality Following High-Energy Trauma’ J Reconstructive Microsurgery Open; 2019, 4:e96-e101.
Spiegel, Aldona J; Zafar, Sarosh N. ‘Partial Breast Reconstruction Using Distant Flaps’ Partial Breast Reconstruction: Techniques in Oncoplastic Surgery. Editors Albert Losken MD & Moustapha Hamdi MD, 2nd edition, 2017.
Rose, Jessica F; Zafar, Sarosh N; Ellsworth, Warren A. ‘Does Acellular Dermal Matrix Thickness Affect Complication Rate in Tissue Expander Based Breast Reconstruction?’ Plast Surg Int; Epub 2016.
Spiegel, Aldona J; Zafar, Sarosh N; Menn, Zachary K. ‘Chapter 7: Reconstruction of partial mastectomy defects’ Oncologic Breast Reconstruction. Editors Jiong Wu MD & Peirong Yu MD, 1st edition, 2016.
Spiegel, Aldona J; Zafar, Sarosh N; Menn, Zachary K. ‘Chapter 21: Sensory reinnervation in breast reconstruction’ Oncologic Breast Reconstruction. Editors Jiong Wu MD & Peirong Yu MD, 1st edition, 2016.
Zafar, Sarosh N; Ellsworth, Warren A. ‘Reduction and mastopexy of the reconstructed breast: special considerations in free flap reconstruction’ Semin Plast Surg; 2015, 29: 110-121.
Zafar, Sarosh N; ‘Autologous Free Flap Breast Reconstruction with Simultaneous Implant’ American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgeons national meeting; Kauai, HI, January 2014.
Levin, Lissa; Doyle, Alden; Zafar, Sarosh N; et al. ‘Delayed graft function in HIV+ kidney transplant recipients predicts worse long-term renal function’ American Journal of Kidney Diseases. Vol 55, April 2010.
Stein, David E; Zafar, Sarosh N; Stein, Elisa. ‘Anusitis and Proctitis’ Emedicine. Sept 2008.
Lin, Julie H; Zafar, Sarosh N; Fakharzadeh, Steven S. ‘Clinical and in vitro resistance to bexarotene in Adult Tcell leukemia: loss of RXR-alpha receptor’ Blood. June 2008.
Summer 2004
University of Pennsylvania Dept of Dermatology
Philadelphia, PA
Graduate Research
Investigated the role of cylindroma retinoic-X-receptor gene expressivity in the management of cylindromas.