Education & Credentials
Dr. Paul Whidden is widely recognized as one of Alberta’s leading cosmetic plastic surgeons, renowned for his expertise in breast augmentation, mastopexy (breast lift), tummy tuck, and rhinoplasty procedures. He is certified by the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada and is a member of both the Canadian and American Societies of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Whidden earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1990 from the prestigious Queen’s University in Ontario. He went on to receive his medical degree with distinction from the University of Alberta in 1995, where he also completed his residency training in plastic surgery. He further enhanced his skills through advanced fellowship training at the University of British Columbia, specializing in breast surgery, microvascular surgery, and hand surgery.
A second-generation plastic surgeon, Dr. Whidden spent ten years working alongside his father, Dr. Peter Whidden, before co-founding Macleod Trail Plastic Surgery. Now in his 25th year of practice, he has spent the last decade focusing exclusively on cosmetic surgery. As a respected leader in breast augmentation, Dr. Whidden regularly shares his expertise as a consultant and speaker for Allergan Canada.
Professional Memberships & Appointments
Dr. Whidden's memberships and appointments include the following:
- Member of the Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
- Member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
- Member of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Member of the Alberta Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Member of the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons
- Clinical Professor for the University of Calgary
- Allergan Plastic Surgery Advisor
- Breast Consultant for Allergan Canada
A Brief Q&A With Dr. Whidden
What made you decide to go into plastic surgery:My father, Dr. Peter Whidden, was a plastic surgeon; for as long as I can remember, I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I was always interested in his cases; he sometimes took me to the hospital to do rounds with him. I never felt pressured to become a surgeon; I never questioned whether I would want to be anything else. I suppose it’s in my blood.
What do you enjoy about plastic surgery?Of all the surgical specialties, plastic surgery is the most creative. I enjoy the challenge of restoring function while at the same time giving the most aesthetically pleasing result possible. It is intricate and detailed work that requires both a scientific and artistic approach.
What is the procedure you enjoy performing the most?I started my career off as most plastic surgeons, performing reconstructive surgery. As my career evolved, it was clear that my natural skill set was in cosmetic surgery. I am notably recognized for my expertise in breast augmentation surgery and have subsequently performed thousands of these operations. I enjoy the scientific approach to sizing and working with women to find an aesthetic that makes them feel beautiful and matches their expectations.
What is the most significant change you've seen in the aesthetics field during your career?Breast implant devices have probably changed the most significantly. There were very few options when I first started. I now have many more opportunities to customize to my patient's needs. The devices themselves are much more natural looking and feeling as well.
What other career would you be doing if you weren’t a plastic surgeon?I would be an architect. I love the process of designing something from scratch and watching it materialize. I have been in the process of building or renovating properties for as long as I’ve been a surgeon. Much like plastic surgery, it’s a blending of both artistic vision and scientific precision.
Tell us a bit about your family.I am a proud dad of two terrific kids, and I’ve been happily married to my wife since 2002. We have the unique opportunity of working together as she is a trainer in the building, so we get to catch up with clients throughout the day, which is lovely.
What are you doing when you're not in consultations or surgery?I am a firm believer in staying fit, healthy and active. I am outdoors mountain biking, skiing, backcountry camping or hiking whenever possible. We spend much time together as a family and love to do these activities together when possible. Our family cabin is also an extraordinary place for us, and we like to spend as much time as possible there during the summer months.
Procedures by Dr. Whidden
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Committed to Your Satisfaction
Dr. Whidden's outstanding reputation in his field has been forged by his meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to his patients. His philosophy is to achieve a natural looking, beautiful result that complements and enhances the unique beauty of each patient. He strongly believes this can only be achieved through a comprehensive, detailed consultation and customized surgical plan based on each individual's needs and goals. This commitment combined with his proven results has made Dr. Whidden highly sought after and one of Calgary's leading cosmetic plastic surgeons.
If you are researching plastic surgery in Calgary, request a consultation online to meet personally with Dr. Whidden. You may also call our practice at (403) 452-7953 and a member of our friendly staff will schedule an appointment.