Credentials at a Glance

Education

  • Residency – Wake Forest Baptist Health
  • Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) – The Ohio State University
  • Undergraduate – University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Credentials

  • Board Certification – The American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Licensure – Colorado State Board of Medical Examiners

Society Memberships

  • Alpha Omega Alpha
  • American Medical Association
Logos for American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The American Board of Plastic Surgery Inc, American Medical Association and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
Logos for American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The American Board of Plastic Surgery Inc, American Medical Association and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

Academic Excellence

Dr. Cunningham grew up in the suburbs of Milwaukee and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She graduated with highest honors, earning a Bachelor of Science in biology and minoring in Spanish.

She then went on to graduate magna cum laude with her medical degree from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio (Go Buckeyes!). In medical school, she fell in love with the breadth of the plastic surgery field and its ability to combine artistry and medicine to solve complex problems.

Dr. Cunningham’s stellar academic performance secured her a place in the prestigious medical honor society Alpha Omega Alpha. Her mastery of both practice and theory earned her further accolades and scholarships during her time in medical school, including for Outstanding Academic Merit and Excellence in General Internal Medicine.

Dr. Cunningham performing surgery on a patient
Dr. Cunningham and Dr. Mija Khan at the ASPS annual meeting
Dr. Cunningham and Dr. Mija Khan at the ASPS annual meeting

Advanced Training and Ongoing Learning

After medical school, Dr. Cunningham completed an integrated plastic surgery residency at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She earned back-to-back awards for her in-service examinations and was elected the “Best Resident Teacher” in her department.

Dr. Cunningham embraces additional opportunities to learn and refine her skills. She attended a lecture and anatomic dissection with acclaimed closed rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Mark Constantian, honed her knowledge of microsurgical techniques, and pursued additional training in cranio-maxillofacial trauma and reconstruction.

This commitment to continued learning keeps Dr. Cunningham at the cutting edge of her field. As the newest member of The Center for Cosmetic Surgery team, she enjoys the mutual exchange of knowledge with her colleagues and refining her skills in two CCS specialties: the short-scar facelift and the drain-free tummy tuck.

Dr. Teresa Cunningham

Special Clinical Interests

Dr. Cunningham gets great satisfaction from helping her patients feel whole again through plastic surgery of the face, breast, and body. Some of her favorite and most rewarding procedures to perform include:

Whether her patients have concerns caused by trauma, cancer, pregnancy, aging, or a congenital condition, Dr. Cunningham takes immense pride in helping them restore their confidence and enhance their natural beauty.

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Dr. Cunningham is knowledgeable, kind, and has a special talent for making patients look their best. … I’m so glad [I] chose her to help me achieve my dream body.

– Real 5-Star Google Review

A Robust Research Portfolio

Dr. Cunningham has presented her clinical research extensively, covering a wide range of plastic and reconstructive surgery topics. She has shared her expertise at prominent medical conferences such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Burn Association, addressing complex surgical techniques like extremity reconstruction, electrical injury management, and innovative approaches to flap surgery.

Additionally, Dr. Cunningham has led educational discussions at academic institutions, presenting on such topics as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, tissue expander infections, and plastic surgery tourism. Her presentations have spanned critical areas of breast reconstruction, hand surgery, wound healing, and skin cancer treatments, reflecting her depth of knowledge and novel contributions to her field.

Dr. Cunningham has also made significant scholarly contributions through her published research, focusing on innovative surgical techniques and improving patient outcomes in plastic and reconstructive surgery. She has published in prestigious academic journals on complex wound healing, carpal tunnel surgery outcomes, and pediatric cranial reconstruction. She is also actively engaged in ongoing studies on breast reconstruction techniques.

Dr. Cunningham wine tasting with big group of friends sitting on couch
Dr. Cunningham and an international group of female surgeons at the ASAPS meeting in Miami, FL

Professional Outreach

Dr. Cunningham with big team of upcoming surgeons
Dr. Cunningham and a team of surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia providers on a mission trip to Cochabamba, Bolivia providing reconstruction at a pediatric burn hospital

During her residency, Dr. Cunningham had the privilege of traveling abroad to Moldova and Bolivia as a volunteer surgeon. There, she cared for pediatric burn patients and other underserved populations. She also helped train and educate the local physicians on how to perform complex breast and craniofacial procedures so they could provide advanced care for years to come.

Fans of the local morning show Colorado & Company may also recognize Dr. Cunningham! She was featured as a medical expert to discuss women’s health topics and lesser-known plastic surgery procedures such as labiaplasty.

Who better for the job of sculpting a women’s body than another woman! I am now 8 weeks post operation and my only regret was not doing it sooner. … I can confidently say Dr. Cunninham understood the assignment!!!

– Real 5-Star RealSelf Review

Warm, Empathetic, and Honest

As a female board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Cunningham offers a unique advantage in helping her female patients achieve beautiful, natural-looking results. Dr. Cunningham believes the most important thing she can do is listen to her patients. Each one has unique goals and needs and deserves a personalized plan to achieve them.

Both men and women appreciate Dr. Cunningham’s attentiveness and commitment to delivering exceptional care, from consultation through post-op. She and her fellow plastic surgeons are known for their enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols and willingness to go the extra mile for patients. Read for yourself why so many patients choose Dr. Cunningham on our reviews and testimonials page.

Dr. Cunningham on TV talk show
Appearance on the 9 News local morning show “Colorado & Company” talking about women’s health and lesser-known procedures like labiaplasty

Making your cosmetic goals a reality is easier than ever with our flexible financing options:

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Financing Logos including Prosper Healthcare Lending, PatientFi, and CareCredit
Dr. Cunningham and breast surgeon Dr. Kayla Griffith at a breast cancer-related foundation fundraising event
Dr. Cunningham and breast surgeon Dr. Kayla Griffith at a breast cancer-related foundation fundraising event

Outside the Operating Room

When she’s not working, Dr. Cunningham enjoys spending time with her husband, Eric, and their two dogs, Lulu and Rue. She enjoys traveling, painting, cheering on her favorite sports teams, listening to live music, and cooking and tasting new foods. As a dancer from early childhood through college, Dr. Cunningham is committed to staying active. She has completed numerous half marathons, including her favorite races through the Disney parks.

To get to know Dr. Cunningham in person, please request a consultation or call us at (303) 278-2600 to schedule your appointment.