Darlene Sparkman, MD
My specialties:
- Plastic surgery
Professional interests:
- Breast reconstruction (DIEPs, LiCAPs, implants, fat grafting, revisions)
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
- Body contouring
- Abdominoplasty
- Body lifts
- Liposuction
- Arm and thigh lifts
- Eyelid lifts
- Skin cancer
Practice philosophy: I see health care through a team-based approach - with patients at the center. I aim to understand the goals of my patients to ensure we are able to accomplish them together as best we can. I strive to listen to each patient, knowing that every body is a unique body and every person has their own sense of self and beauty.
What are you passionate about and why? I am passionate about patient education. I believe patients can make much better decisions about their health when they are empowered with knowledge. Understanding all options available--and the goods and bads of each--helps patients make a much more informed decision.
What is something you have learned from your patients? I have learned more things from patients than I can list!
What is one of the challenges of this career you enjoy? And why? I enjoy the challenge that simple anatomy differences bring. Because no two patients are alike, each patient presents a new challenge in achieving the best aesthetic outcome possible.
What is your personal health goal? To live as much as I can while alive
Credentials
- MD
Board-certified specialties
- Plastic surgery
Awards and recognitions
- Top Doctor 2023
- Top Doctor 2024
- MD Anderson Fellow Excellence Award for Teamwork nominee
- UCMC Graduate Medical Education Trainee Award of Excellence
Educational institutions
- Mayo Medical School
- University of Cincinnati Medical Center
- MD Anderson Cancer Center
Memberships
- American College of Surgeons
- American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Current licenses and certifications
- American Board of Plastic Surgery Board Certification
- MN Medical License
- TX Medical License
Internships
- University of Cincinnati Medical Center
Residencies
- University of Cincinnati Medical Center
Fellowships
- MD Anderson Cancer Center
Years of experience
- 14
Hospital affiliations
- Abbott Northwestern Hospital
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Major health plans we participate in
- Allina Health | Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
- HealthPartners
- Medica
- PreferredOne
- SelectCare/LaborCare
- UCare
- UnitedHealthcare
Other health plans we participate in
- Medicaid/Medicare
- Aetna
- America's PPO
- First Health/Coventry
- CIGNA
- Humana
- Hennepin Health (formerly Metropolitan Health Plan)
- PrimeWest
- South Country Health Alliance
- United Behavioral Health
- Wisconsin Physician Services (WPS)