‘She has suffered significantly': Manitoba plastic surgeon suspended after multiple complaints

CTV News

4 hours ago

A Manitoba plastic surgeon has been suspended after multiple complaints from patients, ranging from post-operative complications to inserting different sized breast implants than what the patient consented to.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) held a hearing in March 2025 to probe charges of professional misconduct against Dr. Manfred Ziesmann, a licenced plastic surgeon who was initially board certified in 1987.
Dr. Ziesmann pleaded guilty to the charges.
According to the disciplinary hearing report, the charges stem from three patients who Dr. Ziesmann performed multiple surgeries and procedures on over the course of a decade.
The first patient had five procedures performed by Dr. Ziesmann between 2012 and 2022, including an abdominal scar revision surgery which had post-operative complications due to issues with wound healing and a 'retained surgical drain.'
A second patient had two surgeries performed by Dr. Ziesmann – a 2021 procedure to address breast and areola asymmetry and a bi-lateral breast surgery in 2022, in which different sized breast implants were inserted contrary to the patient's consent form, the report said.
According to the complaint, the patient experienced significant post-surgery issues which required follow-up visits to Dr. Ziesmann, urgent care clinics and the emergency room.
Dr. Manfred Ziesmann
Doctor Manfred Ziesmann performs a procedure in an undated image. (Dr. Ziesmann Cosmetic Clinic/ Instagram)
The on-call plastic surgeon at the hospital reported the patient's wound had split open, a thick, black scar had formed and there was noted necrosis – which occurs when body tissue dies from too little blood flow.
'She states she has had a hard time seeing Dr. Ziesmann back following surgery, and feels that her concerns have been disregarded,' the hospital's on-call plastic surgeon wrote in their notes.
The patient subsequently required another procedure performed by a different surgeon to remove the breast implants, the report explained.
The third patient saw Dr. Ziesmann in April 2023 for an excision of a lesion after she was previously diagnosed by her dermatologist with basal cell carcinoma through a shave biopsy.
A pathology report after Dr. Ziesmann's excision noted the lesion did not seem to be taken from the corresponding biopsy site.
The patient had a second excision procedure performed by Dr. Ziesmann in August 2023, the report said, but the dermatologist noted basal cell carcinoma was still present afterwards.
The dermatologist subsequently referred the patient for a third procedure with a different surgeon.
Surgeon displayed lack of knowledge, skill: panel
An inquiry panel tasked with reviewing the complaints concluded Dr. Ziesmann displayed a lack of knowledge, skill and judgement in practicing medicine and breached a number of standards of practice, including failing to fully document informed consent discussions, failing to thoroughly document management plans, and failing to keep detailed and accurate patient records.
'The panel was particularly struck by how the actions of Dr. Ziesmann have had such a negative impact on the health and well-being of patient 2,' the panel's recommendation read, referencing a submitted written impact statement. 'She has suffered significantly over the last few years and there is little doubt that she will continue to be impacted for years to come.'
The report also noted Dr. Ziesmann had six prior complaints or matters levelled against him.
The panel recommended Dr. Ziesmann be suspended for six weeks starting March 24, 2025, and be subsequently monitored and limited to lengthy terms and conditions. He was also ordered to pay over $34,000 to cover CPSM's costs.
The full report can be read on the college's website.