William Hoffman, MD

Dr. William Hoffman is a plastic surgeon who specializes in treating children with a wide variety of craniofacial (skull or face) abnormalities, including cleft lip and cleft palate, craniosynostosis, facial palsy, and hemangiomas and other birthmarks or vascular anomalies. An innovator in the field of craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery, he routinely performs complex and intricate surgeries, and works with orthodontists and other specialists to correct abnormalities in children's facial appearances while improving their breathing and ability to eat. He also treats adults, performing complex facial reconstructions as well as aesthetic facial surgeries, including facelifts, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). He is UCSF's chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Hoffman is widely published, and his research interests include the biology of hemangiomas, fetal surgery for facial deformities and improving cleft lip surgery. Working with the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, Hoffman led a successful effort to pass legislation in California that greatly expands insurance coverage for children with cleft lip and palate. Hoffman has been named to U.S. News & World Report's list of America's best doctors for the past 15 years, a distinction reserved for the top 1 percent of physicians in the nation for a given specialty.

Hoffman earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry. At UCSF, he completed a residency in general surgery and a residency in plastic surgery, serving as chief resident. He then completed a fellowship in craniofacial and cleft lip surgery at NYU Langone Health.

Hoffman is treasurer of the California Society of Plastic Surgeons. He serves as a senior examiner for the American Board of Plastic Surgery and on its craniofacial surgery advisory council. He is past president of the American Association of Pediatric Plastic Surgeons and American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Education
2019 - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion Training, University of California
M.D., 1977 - School of Medicine, University of Rochester
Residency, - School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
Websites

  1. Falade IO, Knox JA, Piper ML, Hoffman WY, Hansen SL. Soft Tissue Reconstruction After Sacral Neoplasm Resection: The University of California San Francisco Experience. Annals of plastic surgery 2024. PMID: 38689413


  2. Yin R, Gursky A, Falade I, Knox J, Gomez-Sanchez C, Soroudi D, Piper M, Hoffman W, Hansen SL. The Utility of Prevena Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Groin Incisions for Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia: A Single Institution Experience. Annals of plastic surgery 2024. PMID: 38689414


  3. Knox J, Hoffman WY. Facial Gender-Affirming Surgery: Pitfalls, Complications, and How to Avoid Them. Oral and maxillofacial surgery clinics of North America 2024. PMID: 38402140


  4. Do A, Rorison E, Borucki A, Shibata GS, Pomerantz JH, Hoffman WY. Opioid-free Pain Management after Cleft Lip Repair. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open 2023. PMID: 37691705


  5. Parmeshwar N, Hoffman WY. Cultured epidermal autografts as a bridge to definitive reconstruction of the neonatal scalp after infected cephalohematoma. Plastic and reconstructive surgery 2023. PMID: 37307037


  6. Stallworth JY, Hoffman WY, Vagefi MR, Indaram M. Superior oblique palsy after facial feminization surgery. Journal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus 2023. PMID: 37031917


  7. Braun M, Pomerantz JH, Hoffman WY, Mathes EF. Long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet for hair reduction in pediatric microtia repair. Pediatric dermatology 2023. PMID: 36807931


  8. Zebolsky AL, Gulati A, Badiee RK, Pardo ST, Deutsch MB, Knott PD, Park AM, Pomerantz JH, Hoffman WY, Seth R. Patient-Reported Outcomes in Gender-Affirming Facial Surgery: Recommendations from a Multidisciplinary Gender Health Panel. Facial plastic surgery & aesthetic medicine 2023. PMID: 36795977


  9. Watanaskul S, Schwab ME, Colley A, Chern H, Varma MG, Hoffman WY, Sarin A. Robotic repair of perineal hernias: a video vignette and review of the literature. Surgical endoscopy 2022. PMID: 35982283


  10. Abbasi AB, Alcon A, Patel A, Gesthalter Y, Hoffman W, Kratz J. Tracheal Reconstruction Using Endotracheal Stent and Pectoralis Major Muscle Flap. Annals of thoracic surgery short reports 2022. PMID: 39790512


  11. Park KM, Rosli YY, Simms A, Lentz R, Bharadia DR, Breyer B, Hoffman WY. Preventing Rectourethral Fistula Recurrence With Gracilis Flap. 2022. PMID: 35180755


  12. Badiee RK, Popowitz E, Mark IT, Alcon A, Hwang J, Rorison E, Auguste KI, Hoffman WY, Sun PP, Pomerantz JH. Superior Long-term Appearance of Strip Craniectomy Compared with Cranial Vault Reconstruction in Metopic Craniosynostosis. 2022. PMID: 35169528


  13. Nnamani Silva ON, Ammanuel SG, Segobiano BM, Edwards CS, Hoffman WY. Assessing the Readability of Online Patient Education Resources Related to Gynecomastia. Annals of plastic surgery 2021. PMID: 33346559


  14. Logjes RJH, Upton S, Mendelsohn BA, Badiee RK, Breugem CC, Hoffman WY, Pomerantz JH. Long-term Speech Outcomes of Cleft Palate Repair in Robin Sequence versus Isolated Cleft Palate. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open 2021. PMID: 33564582


  15. Nnamani Silva ON, Nguyen AB, Hoffman WY. Craniectomy with microvascular flap reconstruction in a patient taking infliximab for vasculitis. BMJ case reports 2020. PMID: 33298502


  16. Gautam A, Sun Z, Winkler E, Su H, McCalmont TH, Kim H, Tihan T, Hoffman WY, Dowd CF, Frieden IJ, Cooke DL. Concurrent presentation of brain arteriovenous malformation, peripheral arteriovenous malformation, and cerebellar astrocytoma: Case report. Interdisciplinary neurosurgery : Advanced techniques and case management 2020. PMID: 34307056


  17. Buhalog B, Peebles JK, Mansh M, Kim EA, Knott PD, Hoffman W, Seth R, Alcon A, Arron ST. Trainee Exposure and Education for Minimally Invasive Gender-Affirming Procedures. Dermatologic clinics 2019. PMID: 32115138


  18. Garcia SM, Tamaki S, Lee S, Wong A, Jose A, Dreux J, Kouklis G, Sbitany H, Seth R, Knott PD, Heaton C, Ryan WR, Kim EA, Hansen SL, Hoffman WY, Pomerantz JH. High-Yield Purification, Preservation, and Serial Transplantation of Human Satellite Cells. Stem cell reports 2018. PMID: 29478895


  19. Daniels KM, Yang Yu E, Maine RG, Heng Y, Yang L, Shi B, Corlew DS, Hoffman WY, Gregory GA. Palatal Fistula Risk after Primary Palatoplasty: A Retrospective Comparison of a Humanitarian Organization and Tertiary Hospitals. The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal : official publication of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association 2018. PMID: 28001101


  20. Markey J, Maine R, Daniels K, Yu EY, Gregory G, Hoffman W, Palacios J. Otologic Disease Following Palatoplasty In International Cleft Palate Cohort. The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal : official publication of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association 2017. PMID: 29351047


  21. Cho GJ, Wang F, Garcia SM, Viner J, Hoffman WY, McDermott MW, Pomerantz JH. Recalcitrant Invasive Skin Cancer of the Scalp: Combined Extirpation and Microsurgical Reconstruction Without Cranioplasty. The Journal of craniofacial surgery 2017. PMID: 28045814


  22. Piper ML, Delrosario L, Hoffman WY. Distraction Osteogenesis of Multiple Ribs for the Treatment of Acquired Thoracic Dystrophy. Pediatrics 2016. PMID: 26908658


  23. Theiler M, Hoffman WY, Frieden IJ. Breast Hypoplasia as a Complication of an Untreated Infantile Hemangioma. Pediatric dermatology 2016. PMID: 26763884


  24. Xu X, Wilschut KJ, Kouklis G, Tian H, Hesse R, Garland C, Sbitany H, Hansen S, Seth R, Knott PD, Hoffman WY, Pomerantz JH. Human Satellite Cell Transplantation and Regeneration from Diverse Skeletal Muscles. Stem cell reports 2015. PMID: 26352798


  25. Koo KS, Dowd CF, Mathes EF, Rosbe KW, Hoffman WY, Frieden IJ, Hess CP. MRI phenotypes of localized intravascular coagulopathy in venous malformations. Pediatric radiology 2015. PMID: 26143286


  26. Patel AS, Schulman JM, Ruben BS, Hoffman WY, Dowd CF, Frieden IJ, Hess CP. Atypical MRI features in soft-tissue arteriovenous malformation: a novel imaging appearance with radiologic-pathologic correlation. Pediatric radiology 2015. PMID: 25916383


  27. Daniels KM, Yu EY, Maine RG, Corlew S, Bing S, Hoffman WY, Gregory GA. Palatal fistula risk after primary palatoplasty: a retrospective comparison of humanitarian operations and tertiary hospitals. Lancet (London, England) 2015. PMID: 26313085


  28. Wang ED, Conkling N, Xu X, Chern H, Finlayson E, Varma MG, Hansen SL, Foster RD, Hoffman WY, Sbitany H. Perineal flap reconstruction following oncologic anorectal extirpation: an outcomes assessment. Plastic and reconstructive surgery 2015. PMID: 25539325


  29. Nguyen JT, Koerper MA, Hess CP, Dowd CF, Hoffman WY, Dickman M, Frieden IJ. Aspirin therapy in venous malformation: a retrospective cohort study of benefits, side effects, and patient experiences. Pediatric dermatology 2014. PMID: 25040175


  30. Sbitany H, Xu X, Hansen SL, Young DM, Hoffman WY. The effects of immunosuppressive medications on outcomes in microvascular free tissue transfer. Plastic and reconstructive surgery 2014. PMID: 24675207


  31. Sanchez Rodriguez R, Pauli ML, Neuhaus IM, Yu SS, Arron ST, Harris HW, Yang SH, Anthony BA, Sverdrup FM, Krow-Lucal E, MacKenzie TC, Johnson DS, Meyer EH, Löhr A, Hsu A, Koo J, Liao W, Gupta R, Debbaneh MG, Butler D, Huynh M, Levin EC, Leon A, Hoffman WY, McGrath MH, Alvarado MD, Ludwig CH, Truong HA, Maurano MM, Gratz IK, Abbas AK, Rosenblum MD. Memory regulatory T cells reside in human skin. The Journal of clinical investigation 2014. PMID: 24509084


  32. Vogel SA, Hess CP, Dowd CF, Hoffman WY, Kane AJ, Rajaii R, Frieden IJ. Early versus later presentations of venous malformations: where and why? Pediatric dermatology 2013. PMID: 23679583


  33. Oberoi S, Hoffman WY, Chigurupati R, Vargervik K. Frequency of surgical correction for maxillary hypoplasia in cleft lip and palate. The Journal of craniofacial surgery 2012. PMID: 23147311


  34. Oberoi S, Hoffman WY, Vargervik K. Craniofacial team management in Apert syndrome. American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics 2012. PMID: 22449603


  35. Ohtani J, Hoffman WY, Vargervik K, Oberoi S. Team management and treatment outcomes for patients with hemifacial microsomia. American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics 2012. PMID: 22449602


  36. Maine RG, Hoffman WY, Palacios-Martinez JH, Corlew DS, Gregory GA. Comparison of fistula rates after palatoplasty for international and local surgeons on surgical missions in Ecuador with rates at a craniofacial center in the United States. Plastic and reconstructive surgery 2012. PMID: 22286446


  37. Chang EI, Leon P, Hoffman WY, Schmidt BL. Quality of life for patients requiring surgical resection and reconstruction for mandibular osteoradionecrosis: 10-year experience at the University of California San Francisco. Head & neck 2011. PMID: 21584893


  38. Chang EI, Galvez MG, Padilla BE, Freise CE, Foster RD, Hoffman WY. Ten-year retrospective analysis of incisional herniorrhaphy following renal transplantation. Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) 2011. PMID: 21242441


  39. Maguiness SM, Hoffman WY, McCalmont TH, Frieden IJ. Early white discoloration of infantile hemangioma: a sign of impending ulceration. Archives of dermatology 2010. PMID: 21079059


  40. Oberoi S, Gill P, Chigurupati R, Hoffman WY, Hatcher DC, Vargervik K. Three-dimensional assessment of the eruption path of the canine in individuals with bone-grafted alveolar clefts using cone beam computed tomography. The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal : official publication of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association 2010. PMID: 20184425


  41. Paydar KZ, Hansen SL, Chang DS, Hoffman WY, Leon P. Implantable venous Doppler monitoring in head and neck free flap reconstruction increases the salvage rate. Plastic and reconstructive surgery 2010. PMID: 20335864


  42. Vargervik K, Oberoi S, Hoffman WY. Team care for the patient with cleft: UCSF protocols and outcomes. The Journal of craniofacial surgery 2009. PMID: 19816331


  43. Oberoi S, Chigurupati R, Gill P, Hoffman WY, Vargervik K. Volumetric assessment of secondary alveolar bone grafting using cone beam computed tomography. The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal : official publication of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association 2009. PMID: 19929098


  44. Porwal R, Ousterhout DK, Hoffman WY, Vargervik K, Oberoi S. Hemimaxillofacial dysplasia: a variable presentation. The Journal of craniofacial surgery 2008. PMID: 19098550


  45. Hansen SL, Foster RD, Dosanjh AS, Mathes SJ, Hoffman WY, Leon P. Superficial temporal artery and vein as recipient vessels for facial and scalp microsurgical reconstruction. Plastic and reconstructive surgery 2007. PMID: 18090750


  46. Hansen SL, Dosanjh A, Young DM, Boudreau N, Hoffman WY. Hemangiomas and homeobox gene expression. The Journal of craniofacial surgery 2006. PMID: 16877932


  47. Rhoads K, Arderiu G, Charboneau A, Hansen SL, Hoffman W, Boudreau N. A role for Hox A5 in regulating angiogenesis and vascular patterning. Lymphatic research and biology 2005. PMID: 16379594


  48. Busfield BT, Huffman GR, Nahai F, Hoffman W, Ries MD. Extended medial gastrocnemius rotational flap for treatment of chronic knee extensor mechanism deficiency in patients with and without total knee arthroplasty. Clinical orthopaedics and related research 2004. PMID: 15534542


  49. Mathes EF, Haggstrom AN, Dowd C, Hoffman WY, Frieden IJ. Clinical characteristics and management of vascular anomalies: findings of a multidisciplinary vascular anomalies clinic. Archives of dermatology 2004. PMID: 15313815


  50. Hoffman W. Outcome of tongue-lip plication in patients with severe Pierre Robin sequence. The Journal of craniofacial surgery 2003. PMID: 14501317


  51. Sydorak RM, Hoffman W, Lee H, Yingling CD, Longaker M, Chang J, Smith B, Harrison MR, Albanese CT. Reversed latissimus dorsi muscle flap for repair of recurrent congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Journal of pediatric surgery 2003. PMID: 12632338


  52. Uusitalo M, Ibarra M, Fulton L, Kaplan M, Hoffman W, Lee C, Carter S, O'Brien J. Reconstruction with rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flap after orbital exenteration in children. Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) 2001. PMID: 11709024


  53. Foster RD, Williams ML, Barkovich AJ, Hoffman WY, Mathes SJ, Frieden IJ. Giant congenital melanocytic nevi: the significance of neurocutaneous melanosis in neurologically asymptomatic children. Plastic and reconstructive surgery 2001. PMID: 11252085


  54. Mathes SJ, Steinwald PM, Foster RD, Hoffman WY, Anthony JP. Complex abdominal wall reconstruction: a comparison of flap and mesh closure. Annals of surgery 2000. PMID: 10998657


  55. Lopoo JB, Hedrick MH, Chasen S, Montgomery L, Chervenak FA, Goldstein R, Hoffman WY, Harrison MR, Longaker MT. Natural history of fetuses with cleft lip. Plastic and reconstructive surgery 1999. PMID: 9915161


  56. Stelnicki EJ, Vanderwall K, Hoffman WY, Harrison MR, Glowacki J, Longaker MT. A new in utero sheep model for unilateral coronal craniosynostosis. Plastic and reconstructive surgery 1998. PMID: 9462758


  57. Stelnicki EJ, Vanderwall K, Harrison MR, Longaker MT, Kaban LB, Hoffman WY. The in utero correction of unilateral coronal craniosynostosis. Plastic and reconstructive surgery 1998. PMID: 9462759


  58. Stelnicki EJ, Longaker MT, Holmes D, Vanderwall K, Harrison MR, Largman C, Hoffman WY. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 induces scar formation and skin maturation in the second trimester fetus. Plastic and reconstructive surgery 1998. PMID: 9427911


  59. Stelnicki EJ, Hoffman W. Intracranial migration of microplates versus wires in neonatal pigs after frontal advancement. The Journal of craniofacial surgery 1998. PMID: 9558569


  60. Foster RD, Anthony JP, Mathes SJ, Hoffman WY, Young D, Eshima I. Flap selection as a determinant of success in pressure sore coverage. Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) 1997. PMID: 9267271


  61. Foster RD, Anthony JP, Mathes SJ, Hoffman WY. Ischial pressure sore coverage: a rationale for flap selection. British journal of plastic surgery 1997. PMID: 9245873


  62. Stelnicki EJ, Hoffman WY, Ousterhout DK. A method for repairing zygomatic arch fractures using a hydroxyapatite cement paste (BoneSource). The Journal of craniofacial surgery 1997. PMID: 9482072


  63. Anthony JP, Foster RD, Sharma AB, Kearns GJ, Hoffman WY, Pogrel MA. Reconstruction of a complex midfacial defect with the folded fibular free flap and osseointegrated implants. Annals of plastic surgery 1996. PMID: 8863985


  64. VanderWall KJ, Meuli M, Szabo Z, Bruch SW, Kohl T, Hoffman WY, Adzick NS, Harrison MR. Percutaneous access to the uterus for fetal surgery. Journal of laparoendoscopic surgery 1996. PMID: 8832931


  65. Trabulsy PP, Kerley SM, Hoffman WY. A prospective study of early soft tissue coverage of grade IIIB tibial fractures. The Journal of trauma 1994. PMID: 8189467


  66. Hoffman WY, McCarthy JG. The effects of facial nerve ablation on craniofacial skeletal development in neonatal rabbits. Plastic and reconstructive surgery 1994. PMID: 8171143


  67. Ciresi KF, Anthony JP, Hoffman WY, Bowersox JC, Reilly LM, Rapp JH. Limb salvage and wound coverage in patients with large ischemic ulcers: a multidisciplinary approach with revascularization and free tissue transfer. Journal of vascular surgery 1993. PMID: 8411472


  68. Anthony JP, Mathes SJ, Hoffman WY. Immediate flap coverage in the treatment of large surgical defects after tumor resection. Surgery, gynecology & obstetrics 1993. PMID: 8460411


  69. Hoffman WY. Reanimation of the paralyzed face. Otolaryngologic clinics of North America 1992. PMID: 1625868


  70. Kiener JL, Hoffman WY, Mathes SJ. Influence of radiotherapy on microvascular reconstruction in the head and neck region. American journal of surgery 1991. PMID: 1951899


  71. Hoffman WY, McCarthy JG, Cutting CB, Zide BM. Computerized tomographic analysis of orbital hypertelorism repair: spatial relationship of the globe and the bony orbit. Annals of plastic surgery 1990. PMID: 2204304


  72. Hoffman WY, Barton RM, Price M, Mathes SJ. Rigid internal fixation vs. traditional techniques for the treatment of mandible fractures. The Journal of trauma 1990. PMID: 2388304