Meet Dr. Mary Herte
Dr. Mary C. Herte brings her Midwestern values to all of her endeavors. She was born, raised and educated in Milwaukee and graduated cum laude from Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, with a Bachelor of Science. Afterwards, she earned her M.D. degree from the Medical School at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Even in medical school, a love of the plastic surgery specialty took hold of her. Dr. Herte thought plastic surgery was magic and wanted very much to do it. She apprenticed with Dr. David Dibbell at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and received confirmation that she had the skills and talents to pursue that love of plastic surgery. She changed course and chose the field she was passionate about, an un-welcoming specialty for women at that time.
As a fresh M.D., she spent her first four months at the Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine, as the Plastic Surgery Department’s youngest ever research fellow. Her research focused on tendon and wound healing and the uses of ultrasound, suggesting well before liposuction came to the United States that ultrasound technology should be developed for fat removal.
She went on to her general surgery residency and plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and became the fellowship’s first woman to graduate as a plastic surgeon. A natural and intuitive surgeon, Dr. Herte was able to hone her skills and develop the aesthetic sense and the creativity that serves her today in her problem solving approach to plastic surgery.
Her background with the reconstructive surgical challenges of plastic surgery is extensive and goes well beyond her excellent residency training. She has extensive experience in correcting facial birth defects such as cleft lip and palate, and has used this knowledge to help children in Ecuador with Interplast and in her past children’s plastic surgery practice here in Las Vegas. She has also helped many women regain confidence through breast reconstruction or breast augmentation surgery following mastectomy for breast cancer.
As a female plastic surgeon, Dr. Here has broken down many barriers. Not only has she served as past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Sunrise Children’s Hospital, but she has also held the position of Chief of Surgery at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center (the first woman ever in this position). Additionally, Dr. Herte was awarded a fellowship in the American College of Surgeons, and was the first woman plastic surgeon in Nevada to have been given this honor.
Certifications and Memberships
Her trailblazing career is further distinguished by her status as the first female plastic surgeon in Nevada to become board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)—a prestigious certification that reflects her advanced training, surgical skill, and commitment to patient safety. To achieve ABPS certification, a surgeon must complete extensive education and training, including a minimum of five years of surgical residency, with at least two years specifically dedicated to plastic surgery. Candidates must also pass rigorous written and oral examinations that assess their knowledge, judgment, and ability to provide safe and effective care.
Dr. Herte has been widely respected for her surgical expertise and long-standing commitment to excellence. She is also heralded as a passionate educator and patient advocate. Her commitment to staying at the forefront of her specialty is reflected in her active membership in several esteemed professional organizations, including:
- The Aesthetic Society® (formerly the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery): Membership is by invitation only and is extended to board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in cosmetic procedures. Members must demonstrate a significant commitment to aesthetic surgery through ongoing education and ethical practice.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS): The largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world, ASPS membership requires ABPS certification and a strict adherence to ethical standards.
- American College of Surgeons (ACS): As a Fellow of the ACS, Dr. Herte has been recognized for her surgical competence, ethical conduct, and dedication to continuous improvement. Fellowship is awarded to surgeons who meet stringent requirements for education, professional qualifications, and experience.
- Association of Women Surgeons (AWS): A national organization dedicated to supporting and empowering women in surgery, AWS promotes mentorship, education, and professional development for female surgeons at all career stages.
Aesthetic surgery has always been an area of special interest and expertise for Dr. Herte. Ongoing study in all areas of plastic surgery, and especially cosmetic surgery, allows her to embrace and perfect the very best advances and technology.
Currently, Dr. Herte is Medical Director of the Herte Center for Cosmetic Surgery. For more than 20 years she has focused her practice exclusively on cosmetic surgery, quietly beautifying Las Vegas with natural-looking results, one patient at a time. Dr. Herte brings a unique perspective and expertise as a female plastic surgeon, offering a compassionate and detailed approach to care. Her deep understanding of the cosmetic concerns and aesthetic goals of her patients, particularly women, allows her to create results that align beautifully with their individual goals.
The Importance of Board-Certification in Plastic Surgery
With any plastic surgery procedure, you want to feel confident that it will be handled safely by a highly skilled surgeon. In this regard, board-certification is important as it signifies that a surgeon has met rigorous standards of education, training, and expertise in plastic surgery. To achieve board-certification, a surgeon must complete specific training and residency requirements, pass comprehensive exams, and demonstrate their commitment to ongoing education and ethical practice. This certification provides patients with assurance that a surgeon is qualified to perform complex surgical procedures safely and effectively. It also indicates a dedication to maintaining the highest standards of patient care and professional competence. Choosing a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, an organization recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, helps ensure you are in the care of a highly trained professional respected by their peers for their skills and expertise.
Awards
Dr. Herte’s experience, surgical excellence, and commitment to compassionate care have earned her numerous accolades and solidified her reputation as one of the top plastic surgeons in Las Vegas and a true pioneer in her profession.
For more than a decade, Dr. Herte has received the TALK Customer Service Award, a distinction based on outstanding patient reviews and feedback. She is also a RealSelf Verified Doctor, a recognition granted to physicians who demonstrate a high level of transparency, engage meaningfully with patients through Q&A forums, and maintain excellent patient ratings.
In addition to professional awards, Dr. Herte has received several honors that celebrate her leadership and influence as a woman in medicine. These include the “Woman of Promise” award from Good Housekeeping Magazine and the “Woman of Distinction” award from Soroptimist International of Greater Las Vegas. Dr. Herte has also been named a “Top Female Doctor” by NewBeauty Magazine, a trusted publication known for its expert coverage of aesthetic medicine and beauty innovation.
Dr. Herte In The Media
Dr. Herte has appeared on multiple media outlets thanks to her expertise, board-certification, and vast qualifications. View some of her media appearances below.
A Female Plastic Surgeon’s Perspective
Choosing a female plastic surgeon can offer unique advantages, particularly when it comes to understanding the aesthetic and emotional needs of women. Female surgeons like Dr. Herte may provide a perspective that resonates more with women seeking cosmetic procedures, offering a shared understanding of how things such as aging, pregnancy, and other factors affect the body—as well as the resulting impacts of these changes on body image and self-confidence. Dr. Herte’s approach emphasizes natural, subtle results, aiming to enhance confidence while respecting one’s inherent beauty. Additionally, much like many other female surgeons, Dr. Herte naturally embodies a nurturing communication style, fostering a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue about expectations and outcomes.
“Dr. Herte is truly exceptional!! Her talent and expertise are unmatched. From the consultation to the follow-up care, she demonstrated an incredible depth of knowledge and skill, making me feel confident every step of the way. The results are beyond what I could have hoped for, and I feel like a new person. Dr. Herte’s experience shines through in her meticulous work and her dedication to patient satisfaction. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking outstanding care!”
“I can’t say enough about the staff at Herte Cosmetic Center. They are very friendly and kind. I’m absolutely in love with the results of my procedure. Dr. Herte takes her time explaining the procedure and even drew pictures for me. My after care was the best! Post surgery care and recommendations were thoroughly explained. I highly recommend the Herte Cosmetic Center!”
Why Patients Choose Dr. Herte
Many patients pursue plastic surgery transformations with Dr. Herte due to her reputation for producing natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing results. As the first female plastic surgeon in Nevada to be certified by the ABPS, Dr. Herte has long been recognized for her surgical expertise and dedication to excellence. She is known for her vast knowledge and ability to minimize scarring, helping patients achieve beautiful results. In addition to providing exceptional outcomes, Dr. Herte fosters a warm environment where open communication and patient education are prioritized. She has been praised for thoroughly explaining procedures and intently listening to the questions and concerns of her patients. Dr. Herte also ensures each member of her staff is compassionate and welcoming, helping to make the process as comfortable as possible from beginning to end for all patients.