Dr. Gary Arishita
Dr. Arishita was born and raised in Petaluma, California. After graduating from the University of California, Davis with highest honors in Physiology, he pursued his medical degree in the US Air Force. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant and studied medicine at the F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland and graduated in 1987. It was in medical school that he became interested in breast reconstruction and decided to become a plastic surgeon.
After graduation, he returned to California to study general surgery to best prepare for a future in plastic surgery. As a resident, he authored presentations and a paper on a new method of diagnosing non-palpable breast lesions. In 1992, he completed his general surgery residency at David Grant USAF Medical Center, California. He worked as a general surgeon for two years and treated patients with breast cancer. These experiences have been invaluable in caring for patients battling breast cancer.
Dr. Arishita moved to San Antonio in 1994 to begin his plastic surgery residency at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Lackland AFB, Texas. He completed a fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery, Louisville, Kentucky. After completing residency in 1997, he was selected to join the staff at Wilford Hall and train future Air Force plastic surgeons. Breast reconstruction remained his primary interest and he served as the lead microvascular plastic surgeon for many years. While on staff at Wilford Hall, he performed the majority of free flap breast reconstructions in the Air Force. He taught breast reconstruction to plastic surgery residents from the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.
Dr. Arishita left the Air Force in 2008 having completed 25 years of military service. During his career, he served many roles – general surgeon, plastic surgeon and as commander. Breast reconstruction was his primary reason for choosing plastic surgery and remained his area of interest throughout his service. He worked to write breast cancer clinical protocols for the Air Force requiring breast reconstruction education during treatment. He remained surgically active, despite being called upon to servie as a leader during his latter years in the Air Force. He was the Chief Plastic Surgeon for the US Air Force from 2003-2008.
Dr. Arishita joined PRMA in 2008 and has been able to pursue his mission of providing reconstruction to breast cancer patients. He has been annually recognized as one of “America’s Top Surgeons.”
Dr. Arishita’s area of professional interest is breast reconstruction and he performs all types of breast reconstruction surgery. He utilizes all techniques ranging from free tissue transfers to implants, tissue expanders and fat grafting.
Dr. Arishita is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Both of these boards are recognized and are members of the American Board of Medical Specialties.
rater8 Verified Patient
Jan-2025
I absolutely love PMRA, the staff are wonderfully skilled and kind. They have been with me on my road to survival from breast cancer. I am so happy of my surgery outcomes, Dr. Arishta listened so good hearted to my wants, my reconstruction is the proof. Thank you for making feel like a human being, a women, and restarting my life again.
Patient Submitted Review
May-2024
The doctor and all of the nurses have made my experience as smooth as possible and they have made me feel so comfortable with my body. I definitely recommend them for your breast reconstruction process.Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2023
Very patient and professional with a great attitude and sense of humor. You make the best decision choosing PMRA and Dr A.
Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2023
Such a great personality and attitude with a great sense of humor. Such a blessing to find all of that in a doctor. You are making the best decision choosing Dr A.
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2016
Dr. A. was very empathetic regarding my situation and explained my options clearly. He answered all of my questions honestly and with respect. The nurse who works with him (Heather W.) is also excellent. The surgery performed was just as described. I had reconstructive surgery and am extremely pleased with the results. Excellent surgeon. Very nice person!Patient Submitted Review
Jul-2016
Dr. Gary and his nurse Heather made me feel comfortable and informed through the whole process. I had a wonderful experience during my challenging time in my life. I thank the team at PRMA.Patient Submitted Review
May-2016
I am very happy with the results of my surgery. The staff was very professional and I would highly recommend PRMA.Patient Submitted Review
May-2016
Phenominal surgeon, excellent care, and such a wonderful bedside manner that he makes you feel at ease no matter what your facing! Highly recommend him!
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2016
Dr. Arishta and his staff are amazing!! It's unfortunate that I had to undergo breast reconstruction at such an early age (32)due to breast cancer but I can honestly say that I am so pleased with the outcome of my reconstructed breast. They look and feel very natural which was a big concern for me after my bilateral mastectomy. A huge thanks to Dr. Arishta for his wonderful skill that helps me still feel like a woman!Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2016
Dr. Arishta and his staff are amazing!! It's unfortunate that I had to undergo breast reconstruction at such an early age (32)due to breast cancer but I can honestly say that I am so pleased with the outcome of my reconstructed breast. They look and feel very natural which was a big concern for me after my bilateral mastectomy. A huge thanks to Dr. Arishta for his wonderful skill that helps me still feel like a woman!Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2015
I am so grateful to Dr. A for being an expert in breast reconstruction and giving back what cancer took away. Thanks to Dr A. I feel whole again and I donâ??t have to wear prosthetic breast ever again.Patient Submitted Review
Oct-2015
This man is not only a fantastic doctor but also kind, compassionate and feels like a close friend when all is said and done. I could NOT have had better care anywhere!!!Patient Submitted Review
May-2015
I traveled from Kansas and Dr. Arishta completed my DIEP procedure. For a working Mom that was worn out from chemo, radiation and things gone wrong for 15 months of breast cancer, Dr. Arishta was able to make me feel like I wasn't the patient and that we were going to fix what cancer had ruined! He made sure he handled every concern I had no matter how small! With both phase 1 and phase 2, he took notes on small issues that made me unhappy even though they were so insignificant compared to the huge surgery he was doing! My follow-up visit came with questions related to how he handled my concerns! I woke up from phase1 instantly knowing the cording had been removed from under my arm and an annoying stitch from my mastectomy had been taken out! Both pretty minor compared to the overall diep but nonetheless issues that were big to me. In addition he always kept in mind that I had traveled a long distance and had three boys at home. I was so appreciative that he was always ready to let me get home!Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2015
I highly recommend PRMA, finding out that you have breast cancer is very difficult but PRMA was the best thing aboit breast cancer. The doctors and the staff are the best,Patient Submitted Review
Nov-2013
I retired after 30 years in the medical field where some of my specialties were mammograms, stereotactic biopsy and working with cancer patients. There have been a lot of changes in the medical field in the last 40 years and we are lucky to have the choice of options. I had early stage of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ cancer. I did not want radiation therapy nor did I want to think about the possibility of cancer developing in the other breast. Therefore, I chose to have the Bilateral Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy with immediate DIEP Flap reconstruction. My surgery experience and outcome were truly amazing. Dr. Gary A. and his staff were very professional and friendly. They patiently answered all of the questions my family and I had about the surgery and recovery. They prepared me for everything I would need pre and post surgery. My recovery was much faster and easier than I had imagined it would be. The surgery has made me feel like a woman who has had a tummy tuck with breast enhancement and not like a breast cancer survivor. The Methodist Hospital were Dr.Gary A. has chosen to do his surgeries was excellent. The staff was prompt, respectful and very polite. I have and will continue to recommend Dr. Gary A. to as many women as possible because I want them to have the same amazing outcome as I did.
Education Information
Undergraduate Education
University of California, Davis Davis, California
B.S. Physiology, 1983
Postgraduate Education
Residency: General Surgery, David Grant USAF Medical Center Travis AFB, California, 1987-1992
Residency:Plastic Surgery, Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center Lackland AFB, Texas, 1994-1997
Fellowship: Hand Surgery, Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery Louisville, Kentucky. January-June 1996
GRADUATE EDUCATION
F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Bethesda, Maryland
M.D., 1987
LICENSURE
Texas California Kentucky
Career Information
CERTIFICATION
American Board of Surgery May 1993
Recertified March 2003
American Board of Plastic Surgery March 1999
Recertified October 2007
MEDICAL STAFF APPOINTMENTS
Plastic, Reconstructive Microsurgical Associates of South Texas (PRMAST), San Antonio, Texas. 2008- Present
Commander, 59th Surgical Operations Squadron Lackland AFB, Texas, 2005-2008
Deputy Commander, 59th Surgical Operations Group Lackland AFB, Texas 2004-2005
Chief of Professional Services 59th Surgical Operations Group Lackland AFB, Texas 2002-2004
Plastic Surgery Flight Commander, 59th Surgical Operations Group Lackland AFB, Texas 2001-2002
Assistant Chairman Plastic Surgery Flight 59th Medical Operations Group, Lackland AFB, Texas, 1999-2001
Staff Plastic Surgeon, 59th Surgical Operations Group Lackland AFB, Texas 1997-1999
Staff General Surgeon 374 Medical Group Yokota Air Base, Japan 1992-1994
Staff General Surgeon, David Grant USAF Medical Center Travis AFB, CA, 1992
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Association of Military Surgeons of the United States Bexar County Medical Society
Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons
Texas Medical Association
Uniformed Services University Surgical Associates
Honors and Awards:
Meritorious Service Medal, 5th OLC, 59th Medical Wing, 2008 Bronze Star Medal, 455th AEW, 2008
Meritorious Service Medal, 4th OLC, 332nd AEW, 2006 Meritorious Service Medal, 3rd OLC, 59th Medical Wing, 2005 Meritorious Service Medal, 2nd OLC, 59th Medical Wing, 200
Meritorious Service Medal, 1st OLC, 59th Medical Wing, 2000
Air Force Achievement Medal, 59th Medical Wing, 1997
Meritorious Service Medal, 374th Medical Group, 1999
Distinguished Graduate, Aerospace Medicine Primary Course, 1993
Air Force Commendation Medal, David Grant USAF Medical Center, 1992
Best Resident Research Paper, Department of Surgery, David Grant USAF Medical Center, 1990 Joint Service Achievement Medal, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 1986 Outstanding Young Men of America, 1985
High Honors in Physiology, U.C. Davis, 1983
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS
Assistant Professor of Surgery
F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine Bethesda, Maryland
December 1993-Present
HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS
Methodist Healthcare System, 2008-Present Baptist Healthcare System, 2008-Present
PUBLICATIONS
G. Arishita. Scar Revision. Pediatric News. 10:6. 2003.
G. Arishita, T.M. Tsai. Anterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome. Hand Surgery. 3:1. 1998.
G. Arishita, B. Cruz, C. Harding, D. Arbutina. Mammogram Directed Fine Needle Aspiration of Non- palpable Breast Lesions. Journal of Surgical Oncology. 48:153-157, 1991.
G. Arishita, S. Lovich, C. Rieder, R. Peters. May Thurner Syndrome. Contemporary Surgery. 36:47-50, 1990.
G. Arishita, L. Ostrow, A. Kline. Atypical Carcinoid Tumor of the Lung: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Milt Medicine. 154:421-424, 1989.
G. Arishita, J. Vayer, R. Bellamy. Cervical Spine Immobilization of Penetrating Neck Wounds in a Hostile Environment. J Trauma. 29:332-337, 1989.
F. Edwards, R. Albus, R. Zajtchuk, G. Graeber, M. Barry, J. Rumisek, G. Arishita. Use of Bayesian Statistical Model for Risk Assessment in Coronary Artery Surgery. Ann Thorac Surg. 45:437-440. 1988.
Presentations by Invitation:
Lower Extremity Reconstruction. Extremity Trauma Course. San Antonio, Texas. Sept 2006. Burn Treatment. Trauma for First Responders Course. Kathmandhu, Nepal. Aug 2005.
Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction. 6th Annual Orbital / Facial Anatomy Course. Aug 2001. Cleft Lip Repair. Paraguay Head and Neck Reconstruction Course. May 2001.
Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction. Paraguay Head and Neck Reconstruction Course. May 2001.
Rectus Abdominus Myofascial Advancement Flap Repair of Ventral Hernia Defects. Symposium of Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons. April 1997.
Anterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome. Symposium of Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons. 15 April 1997
Traumatic Optic Neuropathy Complicating LeFort I Osteotomy. Symposium of Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons. April 1996.
Rattlesnake Bite to the Hand. Symposium of Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons. 25 April 1995.
Leiomyosarcoma of the Spermatic Cord. Symposium of Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons. 21 April 1993.
Hydrops of the Gallbladder Associated with Kawasaki Syndrome. Symposium of Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons. April 1992.
The Diagnostic Value of Computed Tomography in Evaluation of Penetrating Neck Injury in a Pediatric Patient. Symposium of Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons. 14 April 1992.
Mammogram Directed Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Non-palpable Breast Lesions. Symposium of Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons. April 1990.
Fine Needle Aspiration of Needle Localized Breast Lesions: A New Approach to Intraductal Carcinoma. Symposium of Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons. April 1989.
May Thurner Syndrome. Symposium of Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons. April 1989.
Atypical Carcinoid Tumor of the Lung. Symposium of Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons. 26 April 1988.
rater8 Verified Patient
Apr-2025
An absolutely wonderful Doctor. Very caring and professional. I highly recommend him. He’s the best!!