Joseph N Carey, MD

Dr. Carey is an associate professor of surgery in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His specialty is microvascular surgery, with a focus on breast reconstruction, complex reconstructive surgery, thoracic and abdominal reconstruction, and cerebral revascularization procedures. Dr. Carey is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also a member of many prestigious surgical societies.

Dr. Carey’s practice is based in Keck Medical Center, where he directs the care of complex multi-system injuries, including primary management of difficult wounds. His practice overlaps with the specialties of neurological surgery, general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and orthopedic surgery, and he is relied upon for his reconstructive creativity. As the program director in plastic surgery, he directs the education of plastic surgery and general surgery residents.

Dr. Carey’s research interests include surgical education, breast reconstruction, extremity salvage, and cerebral revascularization. His education includes general surgery and plastic surgery residencies at USC. Dr. Carey received his medical degree from USC and his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley. He also completed a Master’s degree in anatomy at USC and a microvascular surgery fellowship at Stanford University.

• The Impact of Intraoperative Vasopressor Use and Fluid Status on Flap Survival in Traumatic Lower Extremity Reconstruction J Reconstr Microsurg. 2025 Mar; 41(3):191-200. . View in PubMed
• A Systematic Review of Simulation in Burn Care: Education, Assessment, and Management J Burn Care Res. 2025 Jan 24; 46(1):154-165. . View in PubMed
• J Reconstr Microsurg. 2025 Jan; 41(1):53-62. . View in PubMed
• Sociodemographic Status Impacts Ambulatory Outcomes in Lower Extremity Flap Reconstruction J Reconstr Microsurg. 2024 Dec 26. . View in PubMed
• The Impact of Perioperative Blood Transfusion on Flap Survival: A Single-Center Review of Limb Salvage in the Trauma Setting J Reconstr Microsurg. 2024 Dec 26. . View in PubMed
• Multidisciplinary Approach to Direct Segmental Artery Revascularization to Prevent Spinal Cord Ischemia Associated With Endovascular Thoracoabdominal Aortic Repair J Endovasc Ther. 2024 Nov 13; 15266028241294216. . View in PubMed
• Flap-Based Lower Extremity Reconstruction in the Elderly-Is It Safe and Does Age Impact Ambulation? Microsurgery. 2024 Oct; 44(7):e31239.. View in PubMed
• A Comparison of Postoperative Outcomes Based on Muscle versus Fasciocutaneous Flaps in Scalp Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis J Reconstr Microsurg. 2024 Sep 27. . View in PubMed
• Flap-Based Reconstruction in Patients with Autoimmune Disease: An Institutional Experience with the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap and Review of the Literature J Reconstr Microsurg. 2024 Sep 05. . View in PubMed
• The Impact of Increased Body Mass Index on Patient Outcomes and Complications in Microsurgical Lower Extremity Reconstruction Microsurgery. 2024 Sep; 44(6):e31231. . View in PubMed
• A comparison of postoperative outcomes based on recipient vessels in scalp free flap reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis Microsurgery. 2024 Jul; 44(5):e31211. . View in PubMed
• Evaluation of Induction Immunosuppression and Risk of Incisional Hernia After Liver Transplantation J Surg Res. 2024 May; 297:18-25. . View in PubMed
• Open Surgical Treatment of Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: A Single-Center Series in the Endovascular Era World Neurosurg. 2024 04; 184:e577-e585. . View in PubMed
• Three-Vessel Anastomosis for Direct Multiterritory Cerebral Revascularization: Case Series Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown). 2024 Apr 01; 26(4):423-432. . View in PubMed
• Comparison of Postoperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Limb Salvage Reconstructive Surgery Based on Estimated Prevalence of Preexisting Peripheral Arterial Disease Ann Plast Surg. 2024 Mar 01; 92(3):320-326. . View in PubMed
• A systematic review of surgical simulation in gender affirmation surgery J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2024 03; 90:11-18. . View in PubMed
• The cross-leg free flap: A systematic review of the literature Microsurgery. 2024 Feb; 44(2):e31144. . View in PubMed
• Gaps in plastic surgery training: A comparative literature review of assessment tools in plastic surgery and general surgery J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2023 12; 87:238-250. . View in PubMed
• Outcomes of Local Versus Free Flaps for Reconstruction of the Proximal One-Third of the Leg Ann Plast Surg. 2023 05 01; 90(5S Suppl 3):S268-S273. . View in PubMed
• Comparative Evaluation of the Electronic Residency Application Service Versus the Plastic Surgery Common Application to a Single Institution in the 2022 Integrated Plastic Surgery Match Ann Plast Surg. 2023 04 01; 90(4):363-365. . View in PubMed
• Left atrial appendage closure during cardiac surgery: Safe but underutilized in California JTCVS Open. 2023 Mar; 13:150-162. . View in PubMed
• A Novel Bypass Technique to Prevent Vexing Spinal Cord Ischemia in Endovascular Thoracoabdominal Aortic Intervention Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown). 2023 02 01; 24(2):175-181. . View in PubMed
• Regional Variation in the Use and Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in California Cardiovasc Revasc Med. 2023 Feb; 47:55-61. . View in PubMed
• Integration of Universal Germline Genetic Testing for All New Breast Cancer Patients Ann Surg Oncol. 2023 Feb; 30(2):1017-1025. . View in PubMed
• Antibiotic bead pouch versus negative pressure wound therapy at initial management of AO/OTA 42 type IIIB open tibia fracture may reduce fracture related infection: A retrospective analysis of 113 patients Injury. 2023 Feb; 54(2):744-750. . View in PubMed
• Combined open revascularization and endovascular treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms: case series Front Neurol. 2023; 14:1102496. . View in PubMed
• Arterial Anastomosis Using Microsurgical Techniques in Adult Live Donor Liver Transplant: A Focus on Technique and Outcomes at a Single Institution J Reconstr Microsurg. 2023 Jan; 39(1):70-80. . View in PubMed
• Outcomes of Local versus Free Flaps for Lower Extremity Trauma Am Surg. 2022 Oct; 88(10):2544-2550. . View in PubMed
• Cerebral Bypass Using the Descending Branch of the Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery: A Case Series Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown). 2022 06 01; 22(6):364-372. . View in PubMed
• Microscope-Assisted Arterial Anastomosis in Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Outcomes J Reconstr Microsurg. 2022 May; 38(4):306-312. . View in PubMed
• Reconstructive Surgeons as Essential Operative Consultants: Quantifying the True Value of Plastic Surgeons to an Academic Medical Center Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 Apr 01; 149(4):767e-773e. . View in PubMed
• A Quantitative Evaluation of Functional Recovery after Traumatic Lower Extremity Salvage J Surg Res. 2022 02; 270:85-91. . View in PubMed
• Long-Term Suitability of Left Gastric Artery Inflow for Arterial Perfusion of Living Donor Right Lobe Grafts Case Rep Transplant. 2022; 2022:9421648. . View in PubMed
• External Carotid Artery-to-Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass Using a Saphenous Vein Graft With 3-Vessel Anastomosis for the Treatment of a Large, Ruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: 2-Dimensional Operative Video Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown). 2021 Apr 15; 20(5):E359-E360. . View in PubMed
• A Novel Abdominal Decompression Technique to Treat Compartment Syndrome After Burn Injury J Surg Res. 2021 04; 260:448-453. . View in PubMed
• Risk Factors for Wound Complications After Soft Tissue Sarcoma Resection Ann Plast Surg. 2021 03 01; 86(3S Suppl 2):S336-S341. . View in PubMed
• Comparative Assessment of Extracranial-to-Intracranial and Intracranial-to-Intracranial In Situ Bypass for Complex Intracranial Aneurysm Treatment Based on Rupture Status: A Case Series World Neurosurg. 2021 02; 146:e122-e138. . View in PubMed
• Breast reconstruction in the high-risk population: current review of the literature and practice guidelines Gland Surg. 2021 Jan; 10(1):479-486. . View in PubMed
• Defining Best Practices for Videoconferencing in the Era of Telemedicine and COVID-19 J Craniofac Surg. 2020 09; 31(6):e658-e660. . View in PubMed
• Three-Vessel Anastomosis for Direct Bihemispheric Cerebral Revascularization Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown). 2020 09 01; 19(3):313-318. . View in PubMed
• Patient Characteristics Associated with Free Nipple Graft Reduction Mammoplasty Cureus. 2020 Jul 08; 12(7):e9063. . View in PubMed
• Coronavirus 2019 Video Conferencing: Preserving Resident Education with Online Meeting Platforms Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020 07; 146(1):110e-111e. . View in PubMed
• Transblepharo-Preseptal Modified Orbitozygomatic Approach for Resection of Giant Frontal Cavernous Malformation: 3-Dimensional Operative Video World Neurosurg. 2020 Apr; 136:6. . View in PubMed
• The Efficacy of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy and Antibiotic Beads in Lower Extremity Salvage J Surg Res. 2020 03; 247:499-507. . View in PubMed
• Contemporary Management of Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis for Surgeons Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2020 02; 44(1):97-113. . View in PubMed
• Lessons Learned from the Initial Experience with Pedicled Temporoparietal Fascial Flap for Combined Revascularization In Moyamoya Angiopathy: A Case Series World Neurosurg. 2019 Dec; 132:e259-e273. . View in PubMed
• Pedicled temporoparietal fascial flap for combined revascularization in adult moyamoya disease J Neurosurg. 2019 11 01; 131(5):1501-1507. . View in PubMed
• Value Improvement and Resource Utilization in Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Am Surg. 2019 Oct 01; 85(10):1113-1117. . View in PubMed
• Response to “Gluteal Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) is Distinct From Systemic ALCL ALK Negative in a Patient With Gluteal Implants” Aesthet Surg J. 2019 09 13; 39(10):NP443. . View in PubMed
• Assessment of ischemic risk following intracranial-to-intracranial and extracranial-to-intracranial bypass for complex aneurysms using intraoperative Indocyanine Green-based flow analysis J Clin Neurosci. 2019 Sep; 67:191-197. . View in PubMed
• Response to “No Proven Association Between Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) and Textured Buttock Implants” Aesthet Surg J. 2019 07 12; 39(8):368-369. . View in PubMed
• The First Reported Case of Gluteal Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) Aesthet Surg J. 2019 06 21; 39(7):NP253-NP258. . View in PubMed
• Factors Leading to Decreased Rates of Immediate Postmastectomy Reconstruction J Surg Res. 2019 06; 238:207-217. . View in PubMed
• Complex Revascularization for Idiopathic Intracranial Occlusive Disease with Unruptured, Fusiform Anterior Cerebral Artery and Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: 3-Dimensional Operative Video World Neurosurg. 2019 Jun; 126:496. . View in PubMed
• Effects of Perioperative Venous Thromboembolism on Outcomes in Soft Tissue Reconstruction of Traumatic Lower Extremity Injuries Ann Plast Surg. 2019 05; 82(5S Suppl 4):S345-S349. . View in PubMed
• Intraoperative Assessment of Cortical Perfusion After Intracranial-To-Intracranial and Extracranial-To-Intracranial Bypass for Complex Cerebral Aneurysms Using Flow 800 Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown). 2019 05 01; 16(5):583-592. . View in PubMed
• Radial Artery Fascial Flow-Through Free Flap for Complex Cerebral Revascularization: Technical Notes and Long-Term Neurologic and Radiographic Outcomes Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown). 2019 04 01; 16(4):424-434. . View in PubMed
• Role of botulinum neurotoxin-A in cerebral revascularization graft vasospasm prevention: current state of knowledge Neurosurg Focus. 2019 02 01; 46(2):E13. . View in PubMed
• Botulinum toxin to improve vessel graft patency in cerebral revascularization surgery: report of 3 cases J Neurosurg. 2019 02 01; 130(2):566-572. . View in PubMed
• Functional outcomes of traumatic lower extremity reconstruction J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2019 Jan-Feb; 10(1):178-181. . View in PubMed
• Phalloplasty Following Penectomy for Fournier’s Gangrene at a Tertiary Care Center Cureus. 2018 Dec 06; 10(12):e3698. . View in PubMed
• Risk Factors Associated with Reconstructive Complications Following Sacrectomy Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2018 Nov; 6(11):e2002. . View in PubMed
• Occipital Artery to Posterior Cerebral Artery Bypass Using Descending Branch of the Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery Graft for Treatment of Fusiform, Unruptured Posterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: 3-Dimensional Operative Video Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown). 2018 Nov 01; 15(5):E50-E51. . View in PubMed
• Transblepharo-Preseptal Modified Orbitozygomatic Craniotomy for Treatment of Ruptured Aneurysm: 3-Dimensional Operative Video World Neurosurg. 2018 11; 119:232. . View in PubMed
• Efficacy and Outcomes of Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (PICA) Bypass for Proximal PICA and Vertebral Artery-PICA Aneurysms: A Case Series Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown). 2018 10 01; 15(4):395-403. . View in PubMed
• Transblepharo-Preseptal Modified Orbitozygomatic Approach for the Treatment of Ruptured Proximal Anterior Circulation Aneurysms World Neurosurg. 2018 Oct; 118:e335-e345. . View in PubMed
• EC-IC bypass for cerebral revascularization following skull base tumor resection: Current practices and innovations J Surg Oncol. 2018 Oct; 118(5):815-825. . View in PubMed
• Descending Branch of the Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery Graft for Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Revascularization Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown). 2018 09 01; 15(3):285-291. . View in PubMed
• A Systematic Review of Prognostic Factors for Sensory Recovery After Digital Nerve Reconstruction Ann Plast Surg. 2018 05; 80(5S Suppl 5):S311-S316. . View in PubMed
• Surviving Fournier’s gangrene: Multivariable analysis and a novel scoring system to predict length of stay J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2018 05; 71(5):712-718. . View in PubMed
• Soft tissue reconstruction and salvage of infected fixation hardware in lower extremity trauma Microsurgery. 2018 Mar; 38(3):259-263. . View in PubMed
• Combined Direct and Indirect Cerebral Revascularization Using Local and Flow-Through Flaps J Reconstr Microsurg. 2018 Feb; 34(2):103-107. . View in PubMed
• Radial Artery Fascial Flow-Through Free Flap for Combined Revascularization in Moyamoya Disease Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown). 2018 02 01; 14(2):139-144. . View in PubMed
• Optimal timing for repair of peripheral nerve injuries J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2017 11; 83(5):875-881. . View in PubMed
• Outcomes of Soft Tissue Reconstruction for Traumatic Lower Extremity Fractures with Compromised Vascularity Am Surg. 2017 Oct 01; 83(10):1161-1165. . View in PubMed
• Preoperative surgical rehearsal using cadaveric fresh tissue surgical simulation increases resident operative confidence Ann Transl Med. 2017 Aug; 5(15):302. . View in PubMed
• Optimizing Outcomes following Total and Subtotal Tongue Reconstruction: A Systematic Review of the Contemporary Literature J Reconstr Microsurg. 2017 Feb; 33(2):103-111. . View in PubMed
• Innovations in surgery simulation: a review of past, current and future techniques Ann Transl Med. 2016 Dec; 4(23):453. . View in PubMed
• Patient and Surgical Factors Contributing to Perioperative Infection in Complex Lower Extremity Trauma Am Surg. 2016 Oct; 82(10):940-943. . View in PubMed
• Bilateral Pedicled Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Flap in the Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016 Aug; 4(8):e833. . View in PubMed
• Surgical Management and Reconstruction Training (SMART) Course for International Orthopedic Surgeons Ann Glob Health. 2016 Jul – Aug; 82(4):652-658. . View in PubMed
• Evaluation of Percutaneous First Annular Pulley Release: Efficacy and Complications in a Perfused Cadaveric Study J Hand Surg Am. 2016 Jul; 41(7):e165-73. . View in PubMed
• Radiation and breast reconstruction: Algorithmic approach and evidence-based outcomes J Surg Oncol. 2016 Jun; 113(8):906-12. . View in PubMed
• Successful Surgical Treatment of Severe Calciphylaxis Using a Bilayer Dermal Replacement Matrix Wounds. 2015 Nov; 27(11):302-7. . View in PubMed
• Robotic Transabdominal Control of the Suprahepatic, Infradiaphragmatic Vena Cava to Enable Level 3 Caval Tumor Thrombectomy: Pilot Study in a Perfused-Cadaver Model J Endourol. 2015 Oct; 29(10):1177-81. . View in PubMed
• Breast reconstruction and adjuvant therapy: A systematic review of surgical outcomes J Surg Oncol. 2015 Oct; 112(5):458-64. . View in PubMed
• Building Orthopaedic Trauma Capacity: IGOT International SMART Course J Orthop Trauma. 2015 Oct; 29 Suppl 10:S17-9. . View in PubMed
• Relative Morbidity and Mortality of Panniculectomy-Combined Surgical Staging in Endometrial Cancer Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2015 Oct; 25(8):1503-12. . View in PubMed
• Perfused fresh cadavers: method for application to surgical simulation Am J Surg. 2015 Jul; 210(1):179-87. . View in PubMed
• Microsurgical Lower Extremity Reconstruction in the Subacute Period: A Safe Alternative Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2015 Jul; 3(7):e449. . View in PubMed
• Central venous catheterization using a perfused human cadaveric model: application to surgical education J Surg Educ. 2015 Jan-Feb; 72(1):28-32. . View in PubMed
• A Perfusion-based Human Cadaveric Model for Management of Carotid Artery Injury during Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery J Neurol Surg B Skull Base. 2014 Oct; 75(5):309-13. . View in PubMed
• Volar percutaneous screw fixation of the scaphoid: a cadaveric study J Hand Surg Am. 2014 May; 39(5):867-71. . View in PubMed
• Breast reconstruction satisfaction rates at a large county hospital Ann Plast Surg. 2014 May; 72 Suppl 1:S61-5. . View in PubMed
• The Stanford Microsurgery and Resident Training (SMaRT) Scale: validation of an on-line global rating scale for technical assessment Ann Plast Surg. 2014 May; 72 Suppl 1:S84-8. . View in PubMed
• Simulation of plastic surgery and microvascular procedures using perfused fresh human cadavers J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2014 Feb; 67(2):e42-8. . View in PubMed
• Trends in post-mastectomy reconstruction: a SEER database analysis J Surg Oncol. 2013 Sep; 108(3):163-8. . View in PubMed
• Intra-abdominal pedicled rectus abdominis muscle flap for treatment of high-output enterocutaneous fistulae: case reports and review of literature J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2013 Aug; 66(8):1145-8. . View in PubMed
• Incorporation of fresh tissue surgical simulation into plastic surgery education: maximizing extraclinical surgical experience J Surg Educ. 2013 Jul-Aug; 70(4):466-74. . View in PubMed
• Transverse tensor fascia lata myocutaneous flap for microvascular breast reconstruction: case report and review of the literature Ann Plast Surg. 2013 Apr; 70(4):438-41. . View in PubMed
• White light spectroscopy for free flap monitoring Microsurgery. 2013 Mar; 33(3):198-202. . View in PubMed
• Simulation of a high-flow extracranial-intracranial bypass using a radial artery graft in a novel fresh tissue model Neurosurgery. 2012 Dec; 71(2 Suppl Operative):ons315-19; discussion ons 319-20. . View in PubMed
• Vector control in internal midface distraction using temporary anchorage devices J Craniofac Surg. 2012 Nov; 23(7 Suppl 1):2000-3. . View in PubMed
• Microsurgery education in residency training: validating an online curriculum Ann Plast Surg. 2012 Apr; 68(4):410-4. . View in PubMed
• Free flap scalp reconstruction in a 91-year-old patient under local-regional anesthesia: case report and review of the literature J Reconstr Microsurg. 2012 Mar; 28(3):189-93. . View in PubMed
• Use of human acellular dermal matrix in implant- based breast reconstruction: evaluating the evidence J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2011 Dec; 64(12):1553-61. . View in PubMed
• A comparison of the new preservation solution Celsior to Euro-Collins and University of Wisconsin solutions in lung reperfusion injury Transplantation. 1999 Jan 15; 67(1):152-5. . View in PubMed
• Addition of aprotinin to organ preservation solutions decreases lung reperfusion injury Ann Thorac Surg. 1998 Jul; 66(1):225-30. . View in PubMed
• Addition of a mast cell stabilizing compound to organ preservation solutions decreases lung reperfusion injury J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1998 Mar; 115(3):631-6; discussion 636-7. . View in PubMed
• A new organ preservation solution, Celsior, is superior to Euro-Collins and University of Wisconsin solutions in decreasing lung reperfusion injury Transplant Proc. 1997 Feb-Mar; 29(1-2):1357-8. . View in PubMed

• Russin, Jonathan
• Demetriades, Demetrios
• Armstrong, David
• Inaba, Kenji
• Daar, David
• Zalavras, Charalampos
• Kokot, Niels
• Matsuo, Koji
• Cohen-Gadol, Aaron