If you are currently researching plastic surgery in San Francisco, you may have noticed that every plastic surgeon claims that he or she is the best. That's probably a good
So, really, who is the best plastic surgeon in the Bay Area?
Whether you want to look more youthful, get your body back after having kids, or enhance what Mother Nature didn't give you, read on to find out.
The Best Plastic Surgeon in San Francisco
While setting up an appointment for a face-to-face consultation is the best way to gauge whether or not a plastic surgeon is the best surgeon for you, we have compiled a list of the best plastic surgeons in San Francisco based on our knowledge of their practice and their patients' feedback.
Sure, every patient experience is different, and the idea of working with the best plastic surgeon is subjective. After all, it’s a matter of taste. But for this list, we chose a few of the best San Francisco Bay Area plastic surgeons who can deliver the most beautiful results.
We've obviously included ourselves on this list. We'll try not to be too biased, but we think we're pretty great and so do our clients.
Hopefully, this article will help narrow down your options in choosing the right plastic surgeon.
Dr. Issa Eshima
Dr. Issa Eshima is well regarded for his facelift skills. Beware, he doesn't come cheap, but neither do the other top surgeons in this list.
Dr. Eshima performs his surgeries at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco.
Patient Review:
Before deciding on Dr. Eshima, I met with four different surgeons (having found everyone on Yelp). But I just felt most comfortable with Dr. Eshima and appreciated his straightforward approach about what to expect, what wouldn't be possible, as well as how long I could wait on the surgery. So happy I found Dr. Eshima! I'd recommend him to everyone!
- Banana J.
Dr. Timothy Marten
Dr. Timothy
Patient Review:
I love my results after my surgery with Dr. Marten. The results look natural, nothing looks pulled, and industry professionals say my incisions look great. I recommend him whole-heartily. He listens and cares. I was excited going into surgery and for good reason. My jawline looks amazing, I look like a younger version of myself but with more confidence. When I was young, I was too insecure to appreciate my beauty. I grew into loving myself but felt I looked tired and my neck added weight to my face. I happy to say I'm appreciating the attention I'm getting. Dr. Marten's staff is friendly and responsive. This is the best present I could have given myself.
- Marcela B.
Dr. Carolyn Chang
Dr. Carolyn Chang practices in San Francisco. She specializes in cosmetic surgery including preventive facial surgery for the younger patient. Dr. Chang was named on Harper's Hot List of Best Beauty Surgeons. She is known as a fashionista and local supporter of the arts.
Patient Review:
During our consultation, Dr. Chang reviewed my wish list and showed me some of the work she has done to set expectations. Her staff also carefully walked me through the pre & post procedure processes. Everything was like clockwork...smooth, no fuss and very professional.
I'm now 6 months post procedure and I am delighted with the results. My arms are firm, no more flappy arm fat. My back is smaller, no more upper back fat rolls. I can actually see the muscles! My dresses fit better and the most important thing, I FEEL GREAT! Dr. Chang did exactly what she is known for...perfection & precision!
-C. L.
Dr. Stephen Ronan
Dr. Stephen Ronan is the founder of Blackhawk Plastic Surgery in Blackhawk, California. He has been named one of the Top Plastic Surgeons in America and was also named one of the Top 3 Hair Restoration Surgeons in America in 2015 (according to the Aesthetic Everything Beauty Network).
Patient Review:
Dr. Ronan is an extremely personably and talented doctor. When I went for my mommy make over, I knew there would be an improvement but I reminded myself that Dr Ronan was a physician not a magician. He may just be both! I am so happy with the results 3 months later, I never thought I could have the shape I was given. My body looks better at 43 than my body at 21. I'm definitely going back to Dr Ronan to obtain a refreshed and revitalized face to match my hotter than ever body!
- Autumn A.
Dr. Jane Weston
Dr. Jane Weston is the founder of Atherton Plastic Surgery in Atherton, California.
Dr. Weston began her career as a reconstructive surgeon and served for many years as a leader of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructions (ASPRS). In 2001, she started Atherton Plastic Surgery with a primary focus on aesthetic surgery of the face, breast, and body.
Patient Review:
I've been a patient here since the early 90s, first for Botox, then for fillers, and small improvement surgeries. Dr. Weston began as a reconstructive surgeon - my first appointment, she'd come in from operating on a child who'd been mauled by a dog. She knows how the body is put together from the inside out, which is important if you want to look natural, and not like an obvious 'botched' plastic doll. She 'puts things back where they're supposed to be', before gravity and collagen loss take their toll. I also receive facials at the office. You can trust the treatments and procedures you'll get; everyone here knows what she's doing, and you'll look terrific!
- Mary N.
Dr. Larry Fan
Dr. Larry Fan is the founding director of 77 Plastic Surgery in San Francisco. Dr. Fan is known for his expertise in facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and Asian cosmetic surgery. He has also been recognized as one of the best breast augmentation surgeons in San Francisco.
Dr. Fan has been named one of America's Top Plastic Surgeons for the past seven years. He has been an invited speaker at numerous national and international meetings including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Fan is also a recognized plastic surgery expert who is highly sought after by both industry and the media and has been featured on CNN, NBC, ABC, Bloomberg, and Refinery 29.
Patients often remark about Dr. Fan's finesse in providing aesthetically beautiful and natural results. He is also known for incorporating nonsurgical cosmetic treatments into his practice as well as being brutally honest.
Patient Review:
Dr. Fan is amazing and does amazing work! I went to Dr. Fan for breast augmentation after he had done one of my friends and my sister's breast augmentation. Not only does he do amazing work but the staff that work there are just as amazing and everyone makes you feel extremely comfortable, I am beyond satisfied with my results and would recommend anyone I know looking to get some work done to Dr Fan.
- Jenny S.
Warning: Board Certification Matters
Why Board Certification in Plastic Surgery Matters
Even if you don't choose one of the outstanding surgeons listed here, it's extremely important to make sure that your surgeon is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Board certified plastic surgeons are the only surgeons who have been rigorously educated, trained, and certified to perform cosmetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body.
To become a board-certified plastic surgeon, a surgeon must successfully complete several years of training specifically in plastic surgery, pass a rigorous series of plastic surgery exams, successfully perform hundreds of plastic surgery procedures, and adhere to a high standard of professional ethics. You can find out if your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons here.
Beware The "Cosmetic Surgeon"
It's important to be aware that ANY licensed doctor can call themselves a "cosmetic surgeon," even if their background is in a completely unrelated specialty such as gynecology, emergency room medicine, family medicine, pathology, general surgery, or even dentistry (all actual scenarios that can be found here in the Bay Area!).
These "cosmetic surgeons" may have "learned" to perform liposuction or breast augmentation by taking a weekend course, and they join official sounding groups like the "(Fancy Name) Academy of Cosmetic Surgery" to give you the impression that they are well trained, but in reality, they lack the rigorous training that plastic surgeons go through. In most instances, the only requirement for being a member of these "academies" is to pay a membership fee.
As a prospective patient, it's critical for you to understand the being a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon are two very different things.
Finally, keep in mind that cheap plastic surgery can turn out to be expensive if complications arise and revisions are required. Choosing and opting for a board-certified plastic surgeon reduces the risks of complications and unsatisfactory outcomes.
All of the surgeons listed above are board certified plastic surgeons.
What's Next?
An excellent way to gain insight about a plastic surgeon’s credentials, and get a feel for their practice’s ambiance, is to ask previous patients about their experience. Alternatively, you can schedule a face-to-face consultation with two or three prospective surgeons on your list.
Before you schedule multiple consultations, we recommend that you acquaint yourself with these 14 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Plastic Surgeon. At 77 Plastic Surgery, we understand that the decision to have plastic surgery is a choice that you will live with for years.
