Associate Professor

Areas of Interest
breast reconstruction, breast reduction, breast lift, breast augmentation, body contouring, body contouring after massive weight loss, facial rejuvenation, fat grafting, liposuction, abdominoplasty, blepharoplasty, facelift, rhinoplasty, Mohs reconstruction, injectables (botox, fillers)

Biography

Dr. Maria Helena Lima joined the UAB Department of Surgery in August 2023 as an associate professor in the Division of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Lima specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery of the breast, facial reconstruction, and body contouring.

Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Dr. Lima earned her medical degree Cum Laude from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She completed a residency in general surgery at Orêncio de Freitas Hospital in Niterói, Brazil, and a residency in plastic surgery at the National Cancer Institute in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Subsequently, Dr. Lima completed a fellowship in body contouring after massive weight loss, two fellowships in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery, and a reconstructive microsurgery fellowship. She also practiced as a cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for four years.

Dr. Lima is board-certified by the SBCP (Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery) and ABCCMF (Brazilian Society of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery). She carries medical licenses in three states: Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama.

Dr. Lima is also a member of several professional societies, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association, and the American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons. She also has several published materials and has given a multitude of presentations at congresses, courses, and symposiums. She sees value and participates in patient education through the media via podcasts and articles on social media.

Dr. Lima brings a unique and wide breadth of expertise to UAB from her experience in Brazil and the United States. As one of the few female plastic surgeons in the area, she is empathetic with the female patient’s perspective and concerns in aesthetic surgery, reconstructive surgical procedures of the breast, and cosmetic procedures. Dr. Lima is committed to patient safety, has been in practice for 14 years, and is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Dr. Lima and her husband have two daughters. Together, during their free time, they enjoy travel, outdoor activities, and entertaining with friends.

Selected Publications

Lima MH, Harshbarger RJ, George TM. “Treatment of Cephalocranial Disproportion in Shunt-Induced Slit Ventricle Syndrome with Cranial Vault Distraction Osteogenesis”. Pediatric Neurosurgery 2013. 49:187-92 doi: 10.1159/000358924

Alslaim H S, O'Brian D, Lima MH, Ritter E F, Kruse E J. “Evolving Strategies for Reconstruction of Truncal Soft Tissue Sarcoma” Am Surg. 2020 Nov 1;Vol 0(0)1-3 doi:10.1177/ 0003134820952433.

Dymanus K, Chishom T, Moraczewski J, Carroll W, Lima, MH, Yu J, Linder D. “The Association Between Influenza Infection Rates and the Incidence of Orofacial Clefts in the United States.” FACE: Journal of the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons – November 26, Vol 2(1) 23-29 2020 doi: 10.1177/ 2732501620973033

Doroodchi A, Yu J, Yu J, Lima MH, Shukla D, Munoz Monaco G, Baban B. “Pain and Management of Pain - A Clinical Review for Craniofacial Surgeons." FACE: Journal of the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons – May 09, 2021 doi: 10.1177/ 27325016211009271

Abreu A, Lima MH, Hatten E, Klein L, Levy-Bercowski D. "Intraoral digital impression for speech-aid / obturator in children: Report of two cases." The Cleft Palate - Craniofacial Journal CPCJ-20-0358 2022 Feb Vol 59(2) 262-267 doi: 10.1177/ 10556656211002686

Amarath-Madav R, Adamkiewicz D, Bigler D, Yu J, Lima MH. “White-Eyed Orbital Blowout Fracture With Oculocardiac Reflex Secondary to Extraocular Entrapment in a Pediatric Patient." J Craniofac Surg. 2022 Oct 1,33(7):e767-e771. doi:10.1097/SCS0000000000008713.

Education

Medical School

Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Residency

Orêncio de Freitas Hospital, Niterói, Brazil
General Surgery

Residency

National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Plastic Surgery

Fellowship

Iowa City Plastic Surgery, Coralville, Iowa
Body Contouring after Massive Weight Loss

Fellowship

University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals, Austin, Texas
Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery

Fellowship

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery

Fellowship

Augusta University, Augusta, GA
Reconstructive Microsurgery

Contact

Phone
Patient Appointment and Questions: (205) 801-8500
Academic Office: (205) 934-2307

Office Address
JNWB 103