Scott Lifchez, MD
Plastic SurgeryHand Surgery
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Infant 0-2
- Child 3-12
- Adolescent 13-17
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
- Older Adult 65+
Languages
- Spanish
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
MaleJohns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Scott Lifchez
Professional Titles
- Interim Director, Johns Hopkins Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Director, Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery Service, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
- Program Director, Johns Hopkins/University of Maryland Plastic Surgery Residency
Primary Academic Title
Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Johns Hopkins Physician
Background
Scott D. Lifchez is the interim director of the Johns Hopkins Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is a professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery and orthopaedic surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the director of hand surgery service, and the section chief of plastic surgery at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. He specializes in surgical treatments for injuries and chronic conditions of the hands and fingers.
Dr. Lifchez received his medical training at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago in 1999. He conducted a residency in plastic surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee in 2005, and in 2006 completed a fellowship in hand surgery at Curtis National Hand Center of Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore.
He is a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Council of Educators in Plastic Surgery, the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Lifchez has been recognized as a 2023 faculty inductee into the Miller Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence.
Centers and Institutes
Clinical Trial Keywords
Thumb arthritis, denervation, Competency-based education, Raynaud's Scleroderma botulinum toxin
Find a Clinical Trial
View all trials by this principal investigator.
Videos
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
Additional Academic Titles
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Research Interests
Assessing the role of denervation versus traditional arthroplasty in the treatment of primary osteoarthritis of the thumb CMC joint, effect of botulinum toxin A on vasospasm in scleroderma., improving efficiency and effectiveness of teaching and assessing plastic surgery trainees in a competency-based training model, management of hand conditions associated with rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and other rheumatologic conditions
Research Summary
In his research and clinical practice, Dr. Lifchez focuses on the surgical treatments, particularly plastic and reconstructive surgeries, for injuries and chronic conditions of the hands and fingers, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, nerve damage and compression in the hands and fingers, congenital hand anomalies and tendonitis. Dr. Lifchez has a particular interest in hand conditions associated with rheumatologic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma.
Google Scholar - Publications
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=lifchez+S+&btnG=&hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C21
PubMed - Publications
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=lifchez+S&cmd=search
Selected Publications
- Bello RJ, Cooney CM, Melamed E, Follmar K, Yenokyan G, Leatherman G, Shah AA, Wigley FM, Hummers LK, Lifchez SD. The Therapeutic Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in Treating Scleroderma-Associated Raynaud's Phenomenon: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017 Aug;69(8):1661-1669.
- Cooney CM, Cooney DS, Bello RJ, Bojovic B, Redett RJ, Lifchez SD. Comprehensive Observations of Resident Evolution: A Novel Method for Assessing Procedure-Based Residency Training. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 Feb;137(2):673-8.
- Frost CM, Suresh V, Padovano W, Luck JD, Quan A, Aravind P, Ingari JV, Laporte DM, Shores JT, Lifchez SD. Selective Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Denervation Versus Trapeziectomy and Ligament Reconstruction With Tendon Interposition for Painful Arthritis: A Prospective Study With 2 Years of Follow-Up. J Hand Surg Am. 2023 Sep;48(9):853-860. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.05.015. Epub 2023 Jul 15. PMID: 37452814
- Lifchez SD, Friedrich JB, Hultman CS. The scope of practice of hand surgery within plastic surgery: the ACAPS national survey to assess current practice and develop educational guidelines. Ann Plast Surg. 2015 Jan;74(1):89-92. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000000365. PMID: 25275477
- Williams AA, Carl HM, Lifchez SD. The Scleroderma Hand: Manifestations of Disease and Approach to Management. J Hand Surg Am. 2018 Jun;43(6):550-557
Honors
- Perioperative Services Cardinal Award, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
- Greatest Supporter Award, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Miller Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence
- Top Doc in Hand Surgery, Baltimore Magazine, 11/1/11
Memberships
- American Association of Plastic Surgeons
- American College of Surgeons
- American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons
- American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators
Locations
- JH Health Care & Surgery Center – White Marsh
- 4924 Campbell Boulevard, Suite 130, Nottingham, MD 21236
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-9466
- fax: 410-367-2022
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
- 4940 Eastern Avenue, Bayview Medical Offices, Level 01 (M), MSK, Baltimore, MD 21224
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-9466
- fax: 410-367-2022
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Hand Surgery, 2006
- Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin, Plastic Surgery, 2005
- Medical Education: University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine, MD, 1999
Board Certifications
- Surgery of the Hand: American Board of Plastic Surgery, 2008
- Plastic Surgery: American Board of Plastic Surgery, 2007
Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
149 ratings, 65 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/17/2026
Outstanding
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/17/2026
Follow up visit post surgery with a good surgical result
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/17/2026
Always good with Dr Lifchez
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/13/2026
Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/13/2026
Dr. Scott Lifchez was exceptional. He explained the procedure extremely well and took all questions
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
My provider is amazing he's always been supportive of my past and my present and what's going to happen in my future he's also was amazing in both my surgeries and everything that I had to do for pain control and everything that I had to do for pain control
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
Doc and phys asst both great and thoughtful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
This doctor is one of the best in his specialty
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
Dr Lifchez is very good at his job.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
Very pleased with results of surgery
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/3/2026
He very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/3/2026
Dr Lifchez was very knowledgeable, easy to talk to and listened to my concerns. I felt confident I was seeing the correct physician for the care I needed .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/3/2026
The doctor and his nurse practitioner were excellent. They understood my needs and were able to assist me in a very timely fashion.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/3/2026
Very pleasant and thorough explanation advice
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
One of the best providers I've ever seen. Personable, kind, thorough and really listened.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Very pleasant provi
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Dr Lifchez was thorough and thoughtful when examining my mother. He was kind and respectful throughout the evaluation. He also responded quickly to mychart messages, which I appreciated. X-ray tech and MA were also great with my mother, who has advanced Alzheimer's disease.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Dr.Scott and his assistant is great they let me know what best for me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
Dr Scott LIFCHEZ was very pleasant during my visit, he asked me how I was coming along after my procedure . I was healing very well
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
Team was amazing and helpful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/10/2026
Very thorough. Friendly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/10/2026
Scholarly gentleman.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/30/2026
Very clear instructions before procedure, which had some pain with shots in hands. The provider and his assistant kept talking to distract me, which helped a great deal.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2026
Provider has excellent communication skills and communicates caring even when definitive answers are not available and even in the wake of acknowledged errors.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2026
The operation was a success and I can now feel pain.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2026
He engaged me, spoke so I could understand, compassionate.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
Very likable and good ability to communicate.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
Keep up the great work
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/23/2026
I recommend DR Lifchez and his team whenever it's relevant
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/23/2025
Caring, pleasant, and always professional!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2025
Dr Lifchez has provided excellent care throughout my orthopedic health care needs.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/25/2025
Dr. Lifchez was extremely professional and courteous to my needs and concerns (IF any) that I had. He was with a resident on the day of the surgery and could not have been more informative and knowledgeable. Great surgeon and great vibes.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Very good. Am. Very satisfied. Thank you for it. Service
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Dr Lifchez is excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/4/2025
I really love my doctor I think he's really great great bedside Manor and does a great job on my surgery and so I would definitely recommend him to everybody
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2025
Dr. Lifchez and all who work with him are excellent!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
He was attentive and helpful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
Felt at ease and respected
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
My nurse was very friendly and helpful..dr L explained everything about fixing my finger that I understood
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
Dr.Scott is great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2025
Friendly and spot on with treatment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2025
He is the best physician I have ever had. He changed my life . I have functioning hands .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2025
Very satisfied with the service provided.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2025
Really like Dr. Lifchez
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
Great job
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
Dr. Lifchez was friendly, knowledgeable and professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/1/2025
Dr Lifchez and his PA were top-notch
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/27/2025
Excellent patient care, thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/27/2025
Very good chairside manner. Appeared extremely knowledgeable. Spoke clearly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/24/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
All were terrific
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
Dr. Lifchez is a fantastic doctor. Our family appreciates the care he provided to our loved one.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
Very nice easy to understand problems that was going on
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
Excellent provider!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
He was very helpful, listened & explained well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/3/2025
Got a Cortizone shot in my hand two days later everything was great again!! Dr says no need for repeat visit. Everything was great.!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/3/2025
I thank the doctor for his good service and kindness.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2025
He is a joy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/9/2025
Dr. Lifchez is excellent!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/9/2025
I'm super pleased
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2025
Very professional, very competent, very empathetic
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2025
He was very understanding and also clear on what the possible problem was.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2025
Comforting, caring demeanor. Provided answers one could clearly understand.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2025
He explains everything on a level of understanding. Very dedicated to his specialty and patients. He even stopped by to see me in the hospital on Saturday to check on me. Fabulous Dr. I traveled 1100 miles to see him.