Walter Erhardt, MD, FACS

Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

506 Fourth Avenue | Albany, GA 31701 | (229) 432-9325 | Toll Free (800) 244-6311

Dr. Walter L. Erhardt Jr., MD
Nationally Renowned Plastic Surgeon of Albany, GA!

Education and Training

Dr. Erhardt received his advanced schooling and training in plastic surgery during the 1970s.

Education

  • Graduated cum laude with Bachelor of Science Degree in chemistry from Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia.
  • M.D. Degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia.

Postgraduate Training:

  • Residency, General Surgery, Vanderbilt University Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee.
  • Residency, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vanderbilt University Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee.

Certification and Licensure:

  • Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery.
  • Diplomate, National Board of Medical Examiners.
  • Licensed in Georgia and Virginia.

Experience:

Dr. Erhardt has owned a successful plastic surgery practice in Albany, Georgia, while simultaneously working on projects with other leaders in his field.

  • Solo Private practice in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Albany, Georgia for over 28 years.
  • Director, Children's Medical Services, Plastic Surgery Clinic, 1985-2007.
  • Clinical Investigator with Allergan/INAMED for the Style 410 highly cohesive silicone filled breast implant clinical study, 2001-present
  • Clinical Investigator with Dow corning Wright for the Silastic MSI/Silastic II U.S. augmentation clinical evaluation, 1990-1995.
  • Past Chair, Dept. of Surgery, Past Secretary of the Medical Staff, and currently Chair of the Plastic Surgery Division, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.
  • Director, office surgical facility accredited by AAAAPSF, 1983 to 1987
  • Member, Southwest Georgia Medical Mission Team to Neeyoor, India, 1984 & 1988
  • Member, Plastic Surgery Medical Mission Team to San Salvador, El Salvador, 1987

Highlights of Dr. Erhardt's Professional Contributions on the National Level:

  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons
    • President (2001)
    • Vice-president
    • Treasurer
    • Trustee (2002-2005)
    • Member of the Board of Directors, ASPS, (1996-2005)
    • Chair, Executive Director Search Committee
    • Chair, Public Education Committee
    • Chair, Plastic Surgery Education Campaign
    • Editor, Plastic Surgery News
  • American Board of Plastic Surgery
    • Director (2003-2009)
    • Oral Examiner (1996-present)
    • Chair, Written Examination Committee (2005-2008)
    • ABPS representative to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) 2005-2009)
  • Clinical Investigator with Allergan/INAMED for the Style 410 highly cohesive silicone filled breast implant clinical study, 2001-present
  • Clinical Investigator with Dow corning Wright for the Silastic MSI/Silastic II U.S. augmentation clinical evaluation, 1990-1995
  • Expert Contributor, I Want Cosmetic Surgery, Now What?! by Jodie Green, a Now What?! Series book, Silver Lining Books, New York, NY, 2002
  • Editorial Panel, Plastic Surgery Codelink, Context Software Systems, 1995-2005

Dr. Erhardt, a leader in the field of plastic surgery, is highly qualified, trained in many plastic surgery specialties, and well-known to both the surgical community and the general public. You will see from his biography several qualifications to look for in a plastic surgeon, including board certification in plastic surgery.

As a national spokesperson for plastic surgery, Elle, Self, Cosmopolitan, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USAToday, WebMD and professional publications such as Plastic Surgery News and Cosmetic Surgery Times are just some of the many national media that have solicited Dr. Erhardt's expertise for their readers.

Dr. Erhardt has spent the past 25 years building his plastic surgery practice in Albany, Georgia, based around both strong surgical expertise and his principles of caring and respect, coupled with a real desire to help his patients achieve their dreams. At the same time, he has been active in organized plastic surgery, serving in multiple leadership roles with the largest plastic surgery organization in the world, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (where he served as ASPS President) and the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the prestigious organization that certifies plastic surgeons in the U.S.

Additionally, Dr. Erhardt is a member of the editorial advisory board for the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.

A little history…

Drawn to both the cosmetic and reconstructive aspects of plastic surgery, Dr. Erhardt strives to use his judgment and skill to improve the quality of his patient's lives. He received his bachelor's degree in science from Roanoke College, and his MD from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Following this, Dr. Erhardt then did a residency in general surgery, and another residency in plastic surgery.

Beginning his practice in Albany, Georgia over 28 years ago, Dr. Erhardt says the philosophy he has developed over the years is quite simple: “To treat patients as you would like to be treated.” Through careful communication, he and his office staff help patients know what to expect throughout the stages of surgery and recovery.

“It's a team effort,” he says, “and the common goal is a satisfied patient.”

Dr. Erhardt provides his patients not only competence and quality, but a high level of caring. “You should want your surgeon to be able to relate to the cares, concerns, and questions that patients will experience. It's important to realize that even though we may be performing a procedure for the hundredth or even thousandth time, for the patient, it's usually their first time!”

Dr. Erhardt's genuinely friendly manner will put you at ease, while the depth and breadth of his accomplishments and professional recognition will reassure you about your choice of surgeon. His staff is equally dedicated, and work to make his patients feel at home. When you enter Dr. Erhardt’s practice, they’ll make you feel like part of the family.

Specialties in plastic surgery

Dr. Erhardt performs both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery, as well as facial rejuvenation and facial reconstruction following skin cancer treatment. He has been a practitioner of plastic surgery for more than 25 years.

When selecting a surgeon, it is important to look one who is board certified in the specialty they practice, and is a member of professional societies that require a surgeon to keep his or her skills up to date. Dr. Erhardt far exceeds the standards in this area. Not only is he certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, but he has served as a Director of this Medical Board, helping to examine and create the tests all board-certified plastic surgeons must pass.

As a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Erhardt has contributed his talents to this National organization as well. His over two and a half decades as a contributor and leader of this, the largest plastic surgery organization in the world, was culminated by serving as ASPS President. Recently, as a result of his work on behalf of ASPS, he was the recipient of the ASPS Honorary Citation.

Dr. Erhardt is also a fellow in the American Association of Plastic Surgeons and the American College of Surgery. Throughout his career, Dr. Erhardt has also maintained memberships in the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Southeastern Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons, Medical Association of Georgia, and the Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr. Erhardt is licensed to practice medicine in Georgia and Virginia, and he holds appointments to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and Palmyra Medical Centers, both in Albany, Georgia. Currently chair of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Phoebe, Dr. Erhardt has also served as chair of the Department of Surgery and Secretary of the medical staff at Phoebe Putney as well.

Recognized for his interest and expertise in breast surgery, Dr. Erhardt is currently participating as a clinical investigator in the FDA pre-clinical trials of Allergan’s newest styled highly cohesive silicone gel breast implant, known as the “gummy bear implant”. In 1985 Dr. Erhardt helped organize the Southwest Georgia Children’s Medical Services Plastic Surgery Clinic and served as its Director until 2007. He has also been a member of medical mission teams to serve patients in India and El Salvador.