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Where Skill, Judgment, and Listening Meet

Dr. Terry E. Restivo is a board-eligible plastic and reconstructive surgeon whose work is guided as much by judgment and listening as by technical skill. Her approach blends surgical precision with an artistic eye, allowing results to feel refined rather than exaggerated.

Patients often describe Dr. Restivo as calm, direct, and thoughtful. She works closely with each individual to understand what they want to address, then provides clear recommendations based on anatomy, experience, and long-term outcomes rather than trends or pressure.

A Full-Spectrum Surgical Perspective

Dr. Restivo’s background includes extensive training in both general surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery. This dual foundation gives her a comprehensive understanding of the body, healing, and function, supporting thoughtful decision-making across cosmetic, reconstructive, and aesthetic care.

Her practice includes surgical and non-surgical treatments of the face, breast, and body, as well as reconstructive procedures. Patients value her ability to look beyond a single concern and consider how each recommendation fits into the whole picture.

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Education and Training

Dr. Restivo’s medical training reflects a deep commitment to both science and clinical excellence.

Fellowship

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), 2012–2015

Residency

General Surgery

UCSF East Bay Department of Surgery
Oakland, CA, 2003–2011

Medical School

Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Vallejo, CA, Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine, 1999–2003

Graduate and Undergraduate Education

San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
Master of Arts in Biology, Emphasis in Physiology, 1996–2002

Mills College, Oakland, CA
Bachelor of Arts in Biology, 1988–1990

Areas of Practice

Dr. Restivo provides a wide range of surgical and non-surgical services, allowing patients to receive comprehensive care in one setting.

Her areas of practice include cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, aesthetic procedures of the face, breast, and body, including labiaplasty, and cosmetic injectables such as Botox, Juvederm, and Voluma. This breadth supports continuity of care as patient needs evolve over time.

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A Commitment to Service Beyond the Practice

Dr. Restivo has participated in humanitarian surgical missions, providing care to underserved populations and gaining a perspective that continues to inform her work today.

Humanitarian Work

  • Project Vietnam – Volunteer mission performing cleft lip and palate repair, March 2008
  • LIGA International – Volunteer mission performing various plastic surgical procedures, November 2009

These experiences reinforce her belief that surgery requires not only technical ability, but humility, adaptability, and respect for the individual.

Hospital Affiliations

Dr. Restivo maintains hospital privileges that support both elective and medically necessary care.

  • Queen of the Valley, Napa, CA
  • Maui Memorial Medical Center, Wailuku, HI
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Dr.Restivo posing looking over her shoulder

Research, Publications, and Academic Contributions

In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Restivo has contributed extensively to medical research and academic literature. Her work reflects a strong foundation in cellular biology, wound healing, and surgical science.

Her publications include peer-reviewed research in journals such as Hybridoma, Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Stem Cells, and Journal of Trauma, as well as academic theses and textbook chapters. Topics span nerve growth factor biology, wound healing, stem cell recruitment, radiation effects on tissue repair, and surgical critical care.This research background informs her analytical approach to patient care and reinforces a commitment to evidence-based decision-making.

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Publications

  • Hongo, J.S.; Laramee, G.R.; Urfer, R.; Shelton, D. L.; Restivo, T.; Sadick, M.; Galloway, A.; Chu, H.; Winslow, J. W. Antibody binding regions on human nerve growth factor identified by homolog- and alanine-scanning mutagenesis. Hybridoma 19:215-227; 2000.
  • Laundry, Y.; Le, O.; Restivo, T. E.; Mace, K. A.; Beausejour, C. Ionizing Radiation Delays Wound Healing by Preventing SDF-1alpha Induction and is Reversed by Multipotent Stromal Cells Injection. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, September 2009. [Epub ahead of print].
  • Mace, K. A.; Restivo, T. E.; Rinn, J. L.; Paquet, A. C.; Chang, H.Y.; Young, D. M.; Boudreau, N. HoxA3 Modulates Injury-Induced Mobilization and Recruitment of Bone Marrow-Derived Cells. Stem Cells Vol. 27 No. 7 July 2009, pp. 1654 -1665.
  • Restivo, T. E. The establishment of a serum-free medium for the TR-1 cell line. San Francisco: San Francisco State University; 2002. Thesis.
  • Restivo, T. E. et al. Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump, Pericardiocentesis, Bronchoscopy, Chapters ICU Recall 3rd Edition.
  • Laundry, Y.; Le, O.; Mace, K.A.; Restivo, T.E.; Beausejour, C. Secretion of SDF-1a by bone marrow-derived stromal cells enhances skin wound healing of C57BL/6 mice exposed to Ionizing radiation. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Vol. 14, No. 6b, June 2010, pp. 1594-1604.
  • Restivo, T. E.; Mace, K. A.; Harken, A. H.; Young, D. M. Application of the Chemokine CXCL12 Expression Plasmid Restores Wound Healing to Near Normal in a Diabetic Mouse Model, Journal of Trauma, Vol. 69, Issue 2: August 2010, pp. 392-398.
  • Wood, W.; Restivo, T. E.; Axelsson, K.; Svahn, J. Myelolipoma in the Spleen: A Rare Discovery of Extra-Adrenal Hematopoietic Tissue, Journal of Case Reports. Accepted, February 2013.
  • Bannon, P.; Wood, S.; Restivo, T. E.; Campbell, L.; Hardman, M. J.; Mace, K. Diabetes Induces Stable Intrinsic Changes to Myeloid Cells that Contribute to Nov-Dec, 2013, 6(6):1434-47

Presentations

  • Vascular Anomalies: Grand Rounds UTHSCSA, San Antonio, TX, November 2013
  • Breast Reconstruction: Grand Rounds UTHSCSA, San Antonio, TX, August 2013
  • Tension Pneumothorax: Grand Rounds UCSF East Bay, Oakland, CA, April 2010
  • Perioperative Nutrition is Beneficial: Grand Rounds UCSF East Bay, Oakland, CA, July 2009
  • Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Action Potential: Ground Rounds UCSF East Bay, Oakland, CA, July 2009

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Restivo’s academic and clinical contributions have been recognized throughout her training.

  • Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award, 2007–2008
  • Outstanding Abstract Presentation, UCSF Department of Surgery Annual Resident Research Symposium, April 2008

Presentations and Teaching

Dr. Restivo has presented on a wide range of surgical topics through grand rounds and academic forums, including vascular anomalies, breast reconstruction, trauma care, perioperative nutrition, and physiological mechanisms relevant to surgery.

These teaching roles reflect her depth of knowledge and ongoing engagement with surgical education.

A Surgeon Patients Trust

Today, Dr. Restivo leads a female-owned, boutique practice serving Hawaii, where care is intentionally calm, private, and patient-centered. Her approach prioritizes honest communication, realistic expectations, and outcomes that support confidence rather than draw attention.

Patients are encouraged to ask questions, take their time, and make decisions that feel aligned with their values and vision. Dr. Restivo believes that clarity is a form of respect. She and her team know that the best results come from collaboration, not persuasion.

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Learn More and Begin the Conversation

Patients interested in learning more about Dr. Restivo’s philosophy, background, or approach are invited to explore additional resources, including video content and patient education materials.

To discuss your goals and determine what makes sense for you, a consultation offers the opportunity for thoughtful conversation and clear guidance.

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