Dr. Sunishka Wimalawansa
Meet Dr. Sunishka Wimalawansa
Double Board-Certified in Plastic Surgery and Hand and Microsurgery
Dr. Sunishka Wimalawansa is a double board-certified surgeon specializing in Plastic Surgery, Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, and Microsurgical Reconstruction. Based in Ohio’s Greater Dayton area, he is known for his precision, compassion, and commitment to high quality personalized, patient-centered care.
He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Plastic Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery Residency programs at Wright State University, where he helps train the next generation of surgeons.
Dr. Wimalawansa completed his Plastic Surgery residency at Wright State University and went on to pursue advanced fellowship training in Hand and Microsurgery at the prestigious Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery.
Clinical Expertise
Dr. Wimalawansa’s surgical expertise includes:
· Hand and upper extremity surgery, including trauma reconstruction, treating congenital deformities, and performing complex limb salvage operations
· Microsurgical reconstruction, restoring soft tissue, nerves, and function after trauma or cancer
· Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR), an advanced technique for treating painful nerve and phantom limb symptoms following amputation
- Peripheral nerve surgery, including brachial plexus reconstruction and complex nerve reconstruction to treat paralysis, restore sensation, and alleviate pain from severe nerve injury
- Cancer reconstruction, including skin cancer and complex oncologic reconstructive procedures
He also routinely performs:
· Mangled limb reconstruction following traumatic injuries to help salvage and restore severely injured limbs
· Workers’ compensation surgeries to help injured patients recover and safely return to work
· Hand and wrist surgeries to improve function and reduce pain caused by injury or degenerative conditions including treating painful arthritis and tendonitis
- Nerve decompression and repair for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and a variety of other (less common) nerve entrapment conditions
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Wimalawansa is deeply committed to providing individualized care tailored to each patient’s needs and goals.
His approach emphasizes:
· A collaborative, patient-focused partnership
· Compassion and kindness throughout the surgical journey
· A meticulous, perfectionist’s attention to detail for optimal results
· The experience, capability, and confidence to manage complex, high-stakes cases
Academic and Professional Contributions
Dr. Wimalawansa is extensively published in peer-reviewed surgical journals, a frequent presenter at national conferences, and an active contributor to surgical education. He has also served as a guest editor for two microsurgery-related journals, helping shape the direction of innovation and best practices in the field.
Outside the Operating Room
Beyond surgery, Dr. Wimalawansa is passionate about medical outreach, and enjoys spending time with his family, listening to great music, being an epicurean (i.e., “foodie”), and following his favorite basketball team, the Houston Rockets.
Congratulations to Dr. Wimalawansa Voted Top Hand Surgeon in Dayton 2021 from Dayton Magazine!
Education & Training
Dr. Sunishka Wimalawansa received his Doctor of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He completed his General Surgery and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery residency training at Ohio’s distinguished Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, where he also held a teaching appointment as a Clinical Instructor. He went on to complete a prestigious Fellowship in Hand and Microsurgery at the Christine M. Kleinert Institute in Louisville, Kentucky.
His educational background includes:
· Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery
Louisville, KY (2014–2015)
Fellowship – Hand and Microsurgery
· Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Division of Plastic Surgery
Dayton, OH (2008–2014)
General Surgery Internship and Residency (2008–2011)
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Residency and Chief Residency (2011–2014)
Clinical Instructor, Junior Faculty Appointment
· Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, TX (2003–2008)
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
· Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Management
Houston, TX (2005–2006)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
· Rice University
Houston, TX (1999–2003)
Bachelor of Arts – Economics
Dr. Wimalawansa is board-certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, with subspecialty certification in Surgery of the Hand and Upper Extremity.
As an Assistant Professor at Wright State University, he remains deeply involved in education, mentoring and training the next generation of Plastic and Orthopedic surgery residents.
SPECIALTY
Dr. Wimalawansa utilizes cutting-edge technology and the most advanced surgical techniques to deliver the best possible outcomes for his patients. He draws on his extensive expertise to restore both function and appearance in body structures affected by trauma, arthritis, disease, or congenital conditions.
Known for his meticulous, perfectionist approach, Dr. Wimalawansa applies the same high standard to every procedure he performs. His warm and compassionate nature helps put patients at ease—both in the office and the operating room—reassuring them that they are in expert hands.
To request an appointment with Dr. Wimalawansa, please call (937) 704-2130.
Hospital Affiliations
Publications
1. Kitchin S, Whiteside J, Mahanpour S, Robbins J, Alwani M, Wimalawansa S, Wax M, Schwartzberg G, Kadakia S. Autologous Arteriovenous Loop Graft Creation for Head & Neck Microsurgical Reconstruction: A Pictorial Essay. Head & Neck. Submitted for publication: March 14, 2025.
2. Zhukauskas R, Smetana B, Strohl A, Wimalawansa S, Melamed E, Moore A, Leversedge F, Marjoua Y, Safa B. More than epineurium deep: characterizing peripheral nerve damage using high-resolution micro-computed tomography for simulated peripheral nerve lacerations. Journal of Hand Surgery. Submitted for publication: March 4, 2025.
3. Zakeri BS, Wimalawansa SM. Cephalic vein-associated angioleiomyoma of the wrist causing nerve compression and DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis: a case report. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – Case Connector. Submitted for publication: October 8, 2024.
4. Berkay F, Minhas A, Schneider A, Wimalawansa SM. Mangled thumb injury reconstruction with the use of definitive external fixation and the Masquelet technique: a case report. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – Case Connector. March 14, 2024; 14(1). DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.23.00390. PMID: 38484095.
5. Pak K, Anderson SR, Langenfeld T, Tan K, Slijepcevic A, Wimalawansa SM, Ducic Y, Wax M, Kadakia SP. Microvascular head and neck reconstruction with an autologous arteriovenous loop: multicenter series of 36 patients. Head & Neck. May 2023; 45(5):1237-1243. PMID: 36891641.
6. Guest Journal Editors: Kadakia SP, Wimalawansa SM. Special Edition: Complications in Head and Neck Reconstruction. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. February 9, 2023; 37(1):1-82. PMID: 36776803.
7. Anderson SR, Spitz HC, Williams MK, Wimalawansa SM. Reconstructing a chronic, malunited Galeazzi fracture with distal radial ulnar joint instability: a simple, modified technique. BMJ Case Reports. November 2, 2022; 15(11):e250484. PMID: 36323448.
8. Anderson SR, Wimalawansa SM, Lans J, Eberlin KR, Valerio IL. Targeted muscle reinnervation of the brachial plexus region: a cadaveric and clinical study. Orthoplastic Surgery. September 2, 2022; 9: 116-121. PMID: pending.
9. Anderson SR, Vincent JA, Wimalawansa SM. Multi-staged management of a mangled, exploded-hand crush injury with long-term outcome: the critical link between surgery and therapy. BMJ Case Reports. May 20, 2022; 15(5):e248429. PMID: 35606023.
10. Bashorun OH, Anderson SR, Mulenga CM, Wimalawansa SM. Multiple simultaneous venous flow-through free flap salvage for multi-finger revascularizations. BMJ Case Reports. March 4, 2022; 15(3):e247413. PMID: 35246436.
11. Anderson SR, Harrison LM, Wimalawansa SM. Treatment of painful snapping extensor pollicis longus tendon subluxation: description of technique. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – Case Connector. March 25, 2021; 11(1). PMID: 33764926.
12. Parrish AJ, Anderson SR, Mulenga MA, Wimalawansa SM, Kadakia SP. Revisiting the cervicodeltopectoral flap for reconstruction of cutaneous head & neck defects: technique description and case correlates. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. April 1, 2021; 33(2):669-671. PMID: 34292242.
13. Wimalawansa SM, Lygrisse D, Anderson SR, Eberlin KR, Westenberg R, Schultz S, West J, Valerio IL. Targeted muscle reinnervation in partial hand amputations. Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Online. May 28, 2021; 9(5):e3542. PMID: 34881140.
14. Anderson SR, Harrison LM, Garret CC, Wimalawansa SM, Kadakia SP. Potential Complications with Cryo-Preserved Cadaveric Veins in Arteriovenous Loop Formation for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. Jan 7, 2021; 32(5):1874-1876. DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000007413. Online ahead of print. PMID: 33427784.
15. Anderson SR, Rako KM, Wimalawansa SM. Reconstructing complex open back wounds with a modified minimal-access keystone flap. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – Case Connector. December 24, 2020; 10(4):e20.00128. PMID: 33449550.
16. Guest Journal Editors: Kadakia SP, Wimalawansa SM. Special Edition: Technological advances in head and neck reconstruction. Facial Plastic Surgery. December 24, 2020; 36(6):679-680. PMID: 33368120.
17. Anderson SR, Wimalawansa SM, Roubaud MS, Mericli AF, Horne BR, Valerio IL. Targeted muscle reinnervation following external hemipelvectomy or hip disarticulation: an anatomic description of technique and clinical case correlates. Journal of Surgical Oncology. Sept 3, 2020. DOI: 10.1002/jso.26189. Online ahead of print. PMID: 32885434.
18. Anderson SR, Scott BA, Harrison LM, Wimalawansa SM, Kadakia SP. Common carotid-to-internal jugular arteriovenous loop for single-stage microsurgical reconstruction in the vessel-depleted neck: description of technique and clinical case correlates. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. Aug 28, 2020; 32(2):711-715. DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000006953. Online ahead of print. PMID: 32868729.
19. Book chapter: Parrish AJ, Scott BA, Wimalawansa SM, Kadakia SP. Management of deep soft tissue injuries of the face. Medical and Surgical Management of Facial, Orbital, and Eyelid Trauma. Publisher: Springer. Accepted for publication (pending press): July 26, 2020.
20. Anderson SR, Wimalawansa SM, Markov NP, Fox JP. Cannabis abuse or dependence and post-operative outcomes after appendectomy and cholecystectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis. Journal of Surgical Research. 2020; 255:233-239. PMID: 32570125.
21. Metoyer GT, Anderson SR, Horne BR, Mancho SN, Wimalawansa SM. Preserving the knee in the setting of high segmental tibial bone and massive soft tissue loss using vascularized distal tibial bone docking and a foot fillet flap: a case report. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery Case Connector. 2020;10(2):e0496. PMID: 32649142.
22. Harrison LM, Anderson SR, Wimalawansa SM. Case Report: Outcome of Early Motion Protocol for Total Hand Replantation, One and Two Year Postoperative Results. Journal of Hand and Microsurgery. 2019; 00:1-5. PMID: 33335378.
23. Schneider A, Srinivas M, Hijji F, Jerkins D, Wimalawansa SM. Anatomic Considerations and Reconstruction of the Thumb Flexor Pulley System. Techniques in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery. 2019;23(4):191-195. PMID: 31188276.
24. Sharma P, Wimalawansa S, Gould G, Johnson R, Excoffon K. Adeno-associated virus 5 transduces adipose-derived stem cells with greater efficiency than other adeno-associated viral serotypes. Human Gene Therapy. 2016;27(6):219-27. PMID: 27820963.
25. Wimalawansa S, Rodriguez Lopez R, Garcia de Lucas F, De Smet L, Dorweiller M, Boin M, Degreef I. Salvage of the failed Achilles tendon interposition arthroplasty for DRUJ instability after ulnar head resection. Hand. 2016. PMID: 28832196. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1558944716676251
26. Warren W, Droz N, Wimalawansa SM, Mancho S, Bernstein J. It’s not always what it seems: necrotizing fasciitis mimicking angioedema. SkinMed. 2016;14(1):45-6. PMID: 27072731.
27. Wimalawansa SM, Fox JP, Johnson RM. The measurable cost of complications for outpatient cosmetic surgery in patients with mental health diagnoses. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2014;34(2):306-16. PMID: 24497616.
28. Bates B, Wimalawansa SM, Monson B, Rymer MC, Shapiro R, Johnson RM. A simple cost-effective method of microsurgical simulation training: the turkey wing model. Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery. 2013;29(9):615-8. PMID: 24019174.
29. Wimalawansa SM, AlSamkari R. Unusual presentation of hemochromatosis as isolated metacarpophalangeal joint osteoarthritis: a case report. Hand. 2011;6(3):329-32. PMID: 22942860.
30. Wimalawansa S, McKnight A, Bullocks JM. Socioeconomic impact of ethnic cosmetic surgery: trends and potential financial impact the African-American, Asian, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern communities have on cosmetic surgery. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2009;23(3):159-62. PMID: 20676308.
31. Wimalawansa SM, Shankar VS, Simmins DJ, Wimalawansa SJ. The mechanism of bone resorption by cyclosporin: involvement of the NO-cGMP pathway. Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions. 2000;1(2):141-3. PMID: 15758508.
32. Wimalawansa SM, Wimalawansa SJ. A novel pharmacological approach to prevention of musculoskeletal losses associated with simulated microgravity. Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions. 2000;1(1):35-41. PMID: 15758523.
33. Wimalawansa SM, Chapa T, Fang L, Yallampalli C, Simmons D, Wimalawansa SJ. Frequency-dependent effect of nitric oxide donor nitroglycerin on bone. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 2000;15(6):1119-25. PMID: 10841180.
34. Wimalawansa SM, Wimalawansa SJ. Simulated weightlessness-induced attenuation of testosterone production may be responsible for bone loss. Endocrine. 1999;10(3):253-260. PMID: 10484289.
35. Wimalawansa SM, Chapa MT, Wei Jingna N, Westlund Karin N, Quast MJ, Wimalawansa SJ. Reversal of weightlessness-induced musculoskeletal losses with androgens: quantification by MRI. Journal of Applied Physiology. 1999;86(6):1841-6. PMID: 10368347.
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