Choosing a plastic surgeon in the USA seems simple at first — until you realize how many highly qualified specialists actually work in this field. Every major city has surgeons with impressive credentials, years of experience and extensive portfolios of completed work. And given the research showing that 80–90% of patients report long-term satisfaction after procedures such as breast augmentation or a facelift, choosing the right doctor becomes even more important, since the outcome largely depends on whom you trust. (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2018)
At Beauty by Experts Medical we have seen this firsthand. Over the past 9 years, more than 12,000 patients have undergone treatment and surgery with our support. Their experience — positive, emotional, sometimes difficult — has shaped our approach to evaluating surgeons. This list is not based on advertising or popularity. It is built on real results, consistent patient feedback and the calm, dependable confidence that only truly experienced specialists demonstrate.
1. Dr. Albert W. Chow
Dr. Albert W. Chow is a San Francisco plastic surgeon who works on both the face and the body, with training in plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology. He handles a wide range of aesthetic and reconstructive needs — from rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery to breast and body surgery — and has multidisciplinary training obtained at UCSF, Louisville and Cincinnati. His practice includes both surgical and non-surgical procedures, and his total experience spans more than two decades.
- Specialization: Facial plastic surgery, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, breast surgery, body contouring
- Accreditation: American Board of Plastic Surgery; American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
- Experience: 26 years
2. Dr. William Lao
Dr. William Lao is a double board-certified New York plastic surgeon specializing in facial surgery, Asian blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, as well as breast and body surgery. His training includes fellowships in aesthetic plastic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery. He works with patients for whom both aesthetic changes and functional improvements matter.
- Specialization: Rhinoplasty, Asian blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, liposuction, abdominoplasty, facelift
- Accreditation: Double certification (ABPS; additional certification in Taiwan in reconstructive microsurgery)
- Experience: 15 years
3. Dr. Paul Nassif
Dr. Paul Nassif is a Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon who focuses exclusively on facial work and handles challenges such as age-related changes, nasal reshaping and complex revision surgery. With extensive experience in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, he performs deep-plane facelifts, neck lifts and rhinoplasty, while continuing to work with patients for whom both aesthetic and functional results matter.
- Specialization: Deep-plane facelift, neck lift, facial rejuvenation, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty
- Accreditation: American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Experience: Over 25 years
4. Dr. Babak Azizzadeh
Dr. Babak Azizzadeh is a Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon who primarily specializes in facelift techniques, revision facelifts, rhinoplasty and conditions involving the facial nerves. He is double board-certified and has advanced training at UCLA and Harvard, and works with both aesthetic and reconstructive cases, including facial paralysis and asymmetry.
- Specialization: Deep-plane facelift, revision facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, facial nerve reanimation
- Accreditation: American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
- Experience: 23 years
5. Dr. Babis Rammos
Dr. Babis Rammos practices in the state of Illinois and performs breast, body and facial surgery. His training includes general surgery, plastic surgery and an aesthetic fellowship. He handles a wide range of surgical needs — from abdominoplasty and breast surgery to facelifts and body contouring — and also offers non-surgical aesthetic procedures.
- Specialization: Aesthetic surgery of the breast, body and face
- Accreditation: Double certification (plastic surgery; general surgery)
- Experience: 10 years
6. Dr. Brian S. Glatt
Dr. Brian Glatt is a New Jersey plastic surgeon who performs a wide range of aesthetic procedures on the face, breast and body. His professional training includes education at the University of Pennsylvania, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He works with a variety of aesthetic needs, including body contouring, age-related facial changes and breast surgery.
- Specialization: Breast augmentation, breast lift, abdominoplasty, facelift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, liposuction
- Accreditation: American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Experience: Over 20 years
7. Dr. Christopher S. Jeffries
Dr. Christopher Jeffries practices in Traverse City, Michigan, where he performs both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery on the face, breast and body. His professional path includes training in general surgery, trauma surgery and plastic surgery. The clinic also offers a wide range of non-surgical procedures, including laser techniques, injectable treatments and skin restoration.
- Specialization: Facial surgery, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty
- Accreditation: Board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS); Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- Experience: 16 years
8. Dr. Christopher K. Patronella
Dr. Christopher Patronella is a Houston plastic surgeon specializing in body contouring, revision breast surgery and facial procedures. He is known for combining several techniques within a single treatment plan and has decades of experience addressing aesthetic needs — from abdominoplasty and liposuction to facelifts and breast surgery.
- Specialization: Facelift, abdominoplasty, liposuction, buttock lift, revision breast implant exchange surgery, mommy makeover
- Accreditation: Board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS)
- Experience: 35 years
9. Dr. German Newall
Dr. German Newall is a Houston plastic surgeon specializing in advanced body contouring, high-volume liposuction, as well as various breast and facial procedures. His medical training includes general and plastic surgery. He works with patients who want to improve the appearance of the face, breast and body.
- Specialization: 360 liposuction, abdominoplasty, mommy makeover, body lift, breast augmentation, mastopexy, facelift
- Accreditation: Board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS); Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS); Fellow of the International College of Surgeons (FICS)
- Experience: 32 years
10. Dr. Joshua Zimm
Dr. Joshua Zimm is a New York facial plastic surgeon who mainly focuses on rhinoplasty, including complex revision surgery, as well as eyelid surgery, facelifts and procedures to improve nasal breathing. His professional training includes extensive education in otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery at leading New York teaching hospitals.
- Specialization: Rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, septoplasty, blepharoplasty, facelift, chin augmentation, otoplasty
- Accreditation: Double certification (facial plastic and reconstructive surgery; otolaryngology – head and neck surgery)
- Experience: Over 20 years
11. Dr. Abigail Rodriguez
Dr. Abigail Rodriguez is a Houston plastic surgeon practicing at ACPS who performs aesthetic surgery on the face, breast and body. Her practice includes drainless abdominoplasty, breast augmentation using gentle techniques and facial rejuvenation procedures. She completed integrated plastic surgery training as well as an ASAPS-approved aesthetic fellowship.
- Specialization: Drainless abdominoplasty, mommy makeover, breast augmentation, mastopexy, revision breast surgery, facelift and neck lift
- Accreditation: Board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS); Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS); Fellow of the International College of Surgeons (FICS)
- Experience: 4 years
12. Dr. Henry Mentz
Dr. Henry Mentz is a Houston plastic surgeon with many years of experience in facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty and body contouring. He is triple board-certified and trained in plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery and head and neck surgery. In his practice he addresses a wide range of aesthetic needs in both men and women.
- Specialization: Facelift, revision facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, liposuction, abdominoplasty, mommy makeover, breast surgery
- Accreditation: Triple certification (plastic surgery; facial plastic surgery; otolaryngology – head and neck surgery)
- Experience: Over 40 years
13. Dr. John Lanier Burns Jr.
Dr. John Burns is a Dallas plastic surgeon with more than two decades of experience performing aesthetic surgery on the face, breast and body. His professional training includes education at Vanderbilt University and the University of Texas system. He previously served as president of the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute.
- Specialization: Aesthetic surgery of the face, breast and body
- Accreditation: American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Experience: 25 years
14. Dr. Zachary Farris
Dr. Zachary Farris is a Dallas plastic surgeon who performs a wide range of aesthetic procedures on the face, breast and body. His professional training includes general and plastic surgery education at leading US medical programs. He works with both surgical and non-surgical aesthetic requests.
- Specialization: Blepharoplasty, facelift, neck lift, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, mommy makeover
- Accreditation: American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Experience: 17 years
15. Dr. Steven R. Cohen
Dr. Steven Cohen is a San Diego plastic surgeon with a long career in aesthetic surgery of the face and body, as well as work in regenerative medicine. His professional path includes nearly five decades of surgical experience and advanced training in craniofacial, plastic and general surgery at leading US medical institutions.
- Specialization: Facelift, deep-plane facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, facial contouring, liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast surgery
- Accreditation: American Board of Plastic Surgery; Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- Experience: 49 years
16. Dr. Rolando Morales Jr.
Dr. Rolando Morales is a Houston plastic surgeon who performs aesthetic surgery on the face, breast and body. His professional training includes medical education and a plastic surgery residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He works with a wide range of aesthetic needs — from breast surgery to body contouring and facial procedures.
- Specialization: Breast augmentation, breast lift, abdominoplasty, body lift, liposuction, thigh lift, arm lift, fat grafting, blepharoplasty
- Accreditation: Board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS); Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS); Fellow of the International College of Surgeons (FICS)
- Experience: 13 years
17. Dr. Michael E. Decherd
Dr. Michael Decherd is a San Antonio plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery of the face, breast and body. He has been in private practice for more than two decades and handles needs such as breast augmentation, body contouring and age-related facial changes, seeing patients in his own accredited surgical facility.
- Specialization: Breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, body contouring, abdominoplasty, facial age-correction procedures
- Accreditation: American Board of Plastic Surgery; American Board of Otolaryngology
- Experience: 21 years
How plastic surgery in the USA usually works
Every clinic has its own way of working, but overall the patient journey in US plastic surgery looks fairly similar. Whether you are in New York, Miami, Dallas or Beverly Hills, the process usually involves a clear sequence of stages: consultation, preparation, the surgery itself and a short period of postoperative follow-up on site. US clinics are used to working with patients from other states and countries, so the whole process generally feels organized and predictable.
What the patient journey looks like
1. Consultation
This is the stage where everything truly becomes clear. You meet the surgeon, discuss your goals, share your medical history and sometimes review examples of work or digital visualizations. Most US surgeons are straightforward about what is realistic and what is not, which helps set the right expectations from the start. A good consultation should leave you feeling informed rather than pressured.
2. The day of surgery
On the day of surgery, local or general anesthesia is used — depending on the procedure. US surgical teams work like a well-coordinated machine: nurses, anesthesiologists and coordinators each handle their own part, so the day proceeds calmly and smoothly. Many patients note that the process feels far calmer than they expected.
3. Recovery and postoperative care
After some operations you can go home the same day. In other cases, one night at a licensed surgical center or recovery unit is required. It all depends on the type of surgery and how the body responds in the first hours. US clinics usually provide clear instructions, medication schedules and a link to a coordinator in case of any questions.
4. Early check-ups
Before you return home or go back to work, the surgeon assesses initial healing, examines the incisions, adjusts the dressings and answers the questions that often arise once the first emotions have settled. These visits are especially important for patients who have flown in from other states.
How long patients usually stay in the USA after popular procedures
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
Many patients spend one night at a recovery center and remain in the city for about four to five days. In the first days the main concern is swelling, so being close to the clinic provides extra peace of mind.
Breast augmentation
Most patients go home the same day. It is usually recommended to stay in the city for about four to five days so the doctor can quickly check the position of the implants and the healing of the incisions.
Rhinoplasty
Hospitalization is generally not required. Patients often stay nearby for about a week in order to return for cast removal, a breathing check and an assessment of early swelling.
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty usually involves two nights at a recovery center and around seven days in the city. The early recovery phase involves drains, slow walking and daily monitoring.
Hair transplant
FUE and DHI procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. Patients usually stay about three days to receive care instructions and have the grafts checked.
BBL (Brazilian butt lift)
Most surgeons recommend two nights at a recovery center and about a week in the city. This allows monitoring of swelling, fluid balance and the survival of the transferred fat.
What patients in the USA really think about the results of plastic surgery
When people search for the “best” plastic surgeons in the USA, most of the time they want simple things — real numbers. No grand promises or marketing slogans, but an honest understanding of how patients feel after surgery. The good news is that there is plenty of reliable research that gives a clear picture of satisfaction and outcomes.
Below is a more conversational, lively overview of what the data shows, with subheadings and properly formatted sources you can use directly in the article.
Overall satisfaction: most patients really are happy
Looking at the big picture, patient satisfaction in the USA remains fairly high. One large analysis found that about 75–80% of patients are satisfied with the results of cosmetic surgery. That may not sound impressive, but for medicine it is a very strong indicator. Behind these figures lies a simple truth: when people choose the right surgeon and have realistic expectations, the outcome often turns out better than they anticipated. (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2000)
Improved quality of life goes beyond appearance
Interestingly, patients report not only changes in appearance. Many studies show improvements in everyday life — self-confidence, comfort in social situations and even general well-being in the morning.
A 2024 study that followed patients for six months found notable improvements in emotional state, body image and social confidence after surgery. (Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 2024)
Some procedures show particularly high satisfaction levels
Some operations in the USA stand out for especially consistent results:
- Breast augmentation: a steady satisfaction rate above 90% after one year
- Rhinoplasty: a complex procedure, but with experienced surgeons satisfaction reaches 80–85%
- Facelift: long-term satisfaction often persists even many years later
Patients are most often satisfied when the surgeon explains the expected results and the recovery process in detail and honestly — something US board-certified surgeons are usually particularly strong at. (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2018)
Conclusion
Overall, the data paints a fairly positive picture. Plastic surgery in the USA is generally safe, strictly regulated and performed by highly qualified specialists. Most patients really are satisfied with the results — not only in appearance, but also in how it affects their everyday life. And while no procedure is ever perfect, the research clearly shows one thing: choosing an experienced surgeon who knows how to listen to the patient is the main factor in long-term satisfaction.
Reliable support from Beauty by Experts Medical
When people reach out to us, they usually need more than just a procedure. What matters to them is clarity, trust and a person who will guide them from the first message to the final result. That is exactly what we do. For 9 years now, we have helped more than 12,000 patients choose the right surgeon, the right clinic and the optimal timing — and we stay by their side throughout the entire journey.
At Beauty by Experts Medical we work the way we would want others to work for us: attentively, honestly and relying on genuine medical expertise in every recommendation. Our team personally evaluates clinics, meets surgeons, verifies their qualifications, analyzes patient outcomes and keeps track of new techniques and safety standards. When we match you with a doctor, it is never by chance. The choice is based on your goals, medical history and the details that truly matter.
We are here to make the process simpler, safer and more predictable. And after surgery we do not disappear. We accompany you throughout the entire recovery, answer questions and monitor how healing is progressing.
What we do and how we help
- We match you with the right surgeon: not just someone “highly rated,” but a surgeon whose skills, style and experience truly match your goals.
- We personally evaluate clinics: we check the level of service, equipment, safety standards and surgical techniques before recommending a center.
- We organize everything from A to Z: consultations, travel, transfers, surgery planning, the hotel — everything is coordinated by our team.
- We are available 24/7: your medical coordinator is always reachable for questions, updates and support.
- We provide full postoperative support: even after you return home, we help with recovery and stay with you until you are fully healed.
- We work only with verified and accredited clinics: centers with JCI, ISO and ISAPS certification and consistent treatment outcomes.
- We make the process stress-free: you focus on the procedure — we take care of the organization, the questions and the details.
We are proud that most people come to us by referral — from a sister, a friend or a colleague. For us, that is the highest praise and the main reason to keep doing what we do.
Conclusion
Finding the right plastic surgeon in the USA is not about chasing big names, but about precisely matching your goals with a surgeon whose training, technique and communication style genuinely suit you. Even highly experienced specialists differ in philosophy and strengths, and these nuances matter far more than they may seem at first glance. Whether the priority is breathing function in rhinoplasty, fat survival in a BBL or reducing the risk of revision surgery after a facelift — the best results are almost always achieved when you choose a specialist who regularly works with your particular need.
If you are ready to take the next step, use this list as a starting point, not as a final answer. From here, it is important to ask deeper questions, compare techniques and make sure the surgeon you choose is able to deliver exactly the result you are counting on.
FAQ
How do you compare two surgeons who specialize in the same procedure?
Look beyond the formal name of the procedure. Compare the nature of the before-and-after results, the techniques used and how the surgeon explains risks and limitations during the consultation. Two doctors may perform the same operation but take different approaches to incisions, tissue support, the use of grafts or anesthesia. You want the one whose approach matches your expectations.
If a surgeon is double or triple board-certified, does that automatically mean a better result?
Not necessarily. Certifications speak to the training path, but not to artistic taste or the consistency of results. They are important, especially in facial and reconstructive surgery, but the outcome still depends on the surgeon’s current technique, surgical volume and how often they perform the specific procedure you need.
What is the real difference between a primary operation and a revision?
Revision operations are more complex because the anatomy has already been altered. There may be scar tissue, weakened support structures or limited options for using cartilage and fat. If you are considering a correction, choose a surgeon who performs revision operations regularly, not just occasionally.
Where is it safer to have surgery — in a hospital or a private surgical center?
Both options can be safe. What matters most is the accreditation of the facility, the experience of the anesthesia team and the presence of emergency protocols. Many leading plastic surgeons work almost exclusively in accredited private centers, since they are more efficient and specifically tailored to aesthetic surgery.
How does Beauty by Experts Medical help with choosing a surgeon?
At Beauty by Experts Medical, we evaluate surgeons based on real patient outcomes, not marketing or reputation. Our recommendations are based on 9 years of work and supporting more than 12,000 patients, analyzing complications, satisfaction levels, communication style and differences in techniques. Our goal is to match each patient with the surgeon who best fits their specific needs, rather than simply a “well-known name.”
