About Your Doctor

Board-certified plastic surgeon Gary Donath, MD, brings nearly 30 years of experience in aesthetic plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, and microsurgery to the Central Coast Institute for Plastic Surgery, which is based in Pismo Beach, California, and serves San Luis Obispo and North Santa Barbara County.

Dr. Donath began his medical education at the Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he graduated near the top of his class. After receiving his diploma, Dr. Donath moved to Texas, where he completed a five-year surgery residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas and was chief resident during his final year.

During his time at Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dr. Donath realized he wanted to specialize in plastic surgery. He subsequently trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. There, he thrived in the program and became interested in microsurgery.
After completing his plastic surgery residency, Dr. Donath invested an additional year in his postgraduate education, serving as a fellow in hand and microsurgery at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco.

Since entering private practice, Dr. Donath has continued to expand his professional knowledge and expertise. He’s an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a standing member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons.
When he isn’t spending time with patients or learning new professional skills, Dr. Donath is committed to helping children get a new lease on life. To do so, he donates his surgical expertise to patients in developing countries by performing operations such as cleft lip and palate repairs and burn reconstruction procedures.

Dr. Donath is also committed to improving access to healthcare at home. He served as president of the San Luis Obispo County Medical Society in 2004 and as president of the Society Group Foundation in 2005. Over the years, Dr. Donath has also established himself as a staple in the local medical community. He currently has active staff privileges at French Hospital Medical Center, Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, Marian Regional Medical Center, Coastal Surgical Institute, and Oak Park surgery Center.

Dr. Donath has dedicated his practice toward aesthetic breast surgery and reconstructive breast surgery for patients with breast cancer. He has been a consultant for a company that fabricates tissue for patients in need of breast reconstructions. He is a member of the Sientra Advisory Panel, and assists that company regarding the design and implementation of new tissue expanders and breast implants.