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Focused on You

When searching for a plastic surgeon who will care for your unique needs, be sure to find someone with the knowledge, experience, and passion to achieve your goals.

Dr. Cara R. Downey is among the most trusted Board Certified plastic surgeons in Houston, Texas.

Her 12 years of unparalleled experience, combined with an artful understanding of the human body, has enabled her to craft life-changing and beautiful results to countless patients around the world.

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About Dr. Downey

Dr. Downey is a proud native of Houston. She attained her undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Texas at Austin’s College of Natural Science.

As a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, Dr. Downey returned to Houston to complete her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine.

Dr. Downey extended her stay at the Baylor College of Medicine in order to complete an integrated residency in plastic surgery.

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Training & Specialization

During her six years of rigorous training, Dr. Downey specialized in breast reconstruction after mastectomy, breast surgery, and cosmetic surgery.

She focused on areas of ‘DIEP’ reconstruction for breast cancer and the restoration of the female figure after childbearing.

As a passionate educator, she has written multiple book chapters and articles in highly-respected peer-reviewed journals.

Leadership in Medicine

In addition, Dr. Downey has led a number of scientific presentations in the United States and Brazil.

Dr. Downey is a board member of Surgical Volunteers International.

As a 501(c) nonprofit organization, Surgical Volunteers International provides free life-changing surgical aid to patients, particularly children, in underserved countries around the world.

To learn more, donate, or support future missions, please visit surgicalvolunteers.org.

Current Appointments

Clinical Assistant Professor

  • Baylor College of Medicine
  • Department of Surgery
  • Division of Plastic Surgery
  • Sept. 2013 – Present

Education

Baylor College of Medicine

  • Michael E. Debakey Department of Surgery
  • Houston, TX
  • Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency 2007-2013
  • Doctorate of Medicine 2002-2007

University of Texas at Austin

  • College of Natural Sciences
  • Austin, TX
  • Bachelor of Science in Human Biology
  • Concentrations in Spanish, Immunology and Pathogenicity, 2003
  • Graduated with High Honors
  • Phi Beta Kappa
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Notable Achievements

2002 – Present, Phi Beta Kappa

2013 – Present, Texas Medical Association

2013 – Present, Harris County Medical Society

Bullocks J, Downey C, Gibler PD, Netscher D. Crystal Deposition Disease Masquerading as Proliferative Tenosynovitis and its Associated Sequelae. Ann PlastSurg. 2009 Feb;62(2):128-33.

McCord S, Naik B, Murphy K, McLane K, Gay A, Basu B, Downey C, Hollier L,Olutoye O. Negative Pressure Therapy is Effective to manage a Variety of Wounds in Infants and Children. Wound Repair and Regeneration. 2007 May; 15(3): 296-301.

Stevens P, Downey C, Boyd V, Cole P, Stal S, Edmond J, Hollier L. Deformational Plagiocephaly Associated with Ocular Torticollis: a Clinical Study and Literature Review. J Craniofac Surg. 2007 Mar;18(2): 399-405.

Brown R, Downey C, Izaddoost S. Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome: A Rare Etiology of Compartment Syndrome. In press.

Kelly B, Downey C, Stal S. Evaluation and Reduction of Nasal Trauma. Seminars of Plastic Surgery 2010.

Downey C, Oluseyi A, Namir S, Naik B, Hatef D, Bullocks J, Friedman J. An Algorithmic Approach to the Management of Limb Ischemia in Infants and Young Children. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 131(3):573-581, March 2013.

2007

Advanced Surgical Suturing CourseCourse Director

Michael E. Debakey Department of Surgery Houston, Texas

2007 – Plastic Surgery Medical Student of the Year

1999-2002 – University Honors, University of Texas at Austin

1999 – Sandi Hanson Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Botulinum Toxin A for the Prevention of Static Rhytids in Young Women.

Modifications of the Lejour Mastopexy for the Treatment of a Variety of Breast Deformities.

Summer 2002 Research Student;

Summer Research Program

Southwestern Medical School Department of Neuroradiology: Fredrick J. Bonte, MD

Projects: Nanoparticles as a drug delivery across the blood brain barrier

Gulf War Syndrome and effects on brain SPECT images

Effects of cocaine abuse to brain SPECT images

2010

An Anatomical Basis for the Management of Peripheral Vascular Injuries inInfants: The Role of Color Flow Doppler

Texas Children’s Hospital Surgical Research Day Houston, TX

Modifications of the Lejour Mastopexy for the Treatment of a Variety of Breast Deformities

Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons

Annual Meeting

Austin, Texas

2008

Eight Years of Experience Using Microvascular Surgery for the Treatment of Peripheral Vascular Injuries: An Adjunct to Vascular Surgery

American College of Surgeons

Southwest Clinical Congress Houston, Texas

Crystal Deposition Disease Masquerading as Proliferative Tenosynovitis and its Associated Sequelae

American Association of Hand Surgeons

Annual Meeting

Beverly Hills, California

Quantitative Strength Analysis of Traditional Suture Closure Techniques Compared to Absorbable Subcuticular Skin Staples and Topical Skin Adhesive

Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons

Annual Meeting

San Antonio, Texas

Postoperative Molding to Improve the Result of Cranial Vault Remodeling

Personal Life

Dr. Downey is married to fellow Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Jamal Bullocks.

She and her husband are proud parents of 5 children, including 2 sets of twins! The Downey-Bullocks family enjoys outdoor activities, sports and the arts.

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“I feel so fortunate to have a career that incorporates my true passions of artistry and creativity, while providing life-changing opportunities for so many amazing people. ”

-Dr. Cara R. Downey