Representation in medicine matters. Especially in fields like plastic surgery, where innovation, trust and patient experience intersect. The African American plastic surgeons highlighted in this story earned distinction through board certification, years of experience, leadership roles, awards, community service and innovative contributions. Each surgeon demonstrates excellence in both technical expertise and patient-centered care, while also paving the way for future generations.
Independent of the plastic surgeons chosen for this list, we consulted with double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Jones of Nip & Tuck Plastic Surgery in Atlanta. Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, he outlines the criteria patients should consider. “When selecting a plastic surgeon, patients should always prioritize safety and transparency,” he advises. “The consultation is critical – not only to discuss your goals, but to determine whether you feel a genuine connection and trust with your surgeon. Also, make sure the surgeon you consult with is the one performing your operation.”
1. Dr. Steven Williams
- Founder of Tri Valley Plastic Surgery in California.
- Board-certified in both plastic and reconstructive surgery.
- Advocate for patient safety, new surgical technologies and greater inclusion in medicine.
Dr. Steven Williams served as the president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, making history as its first African American leader. His balance of surgical expertise, innovation and leadership makes him one of today’s most influential voices in plastic surgery.
“Excellence is a blend of two things: technical skill and patient-centered care,” he says. “The best plastic surgeons are not just operators; they’re problem solvers and listeners.” Known for emphasizing safety, education and ethical standards, Dr. Williams advocates for evidence-based techniques across cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Beyond his clinical role, he influences national policy, training standards and public education, helping shape the future of the specialty.
2. Dr. Julius Few
- Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- Serves as a clinical professor at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University.
- Recognized nationally for expertise in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Julius Few is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of The Few Institute for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Chicago. Known for his leadership and patient-first philosophy, he is widely respected for combining advanced surgical techniques with innovative non-surgical treatments.
Dr. Few is a pioneer in minimally invasive procedures, including injectables and energy-based technologies that deliver natural-looking results with less downtime. A frequent educator and researcher, he lectures internationally on advances in aesthetics and safety standards. His commitment to individualized treatment plans helps patients understand their options while achieving balanced, refined outcomes tailored to their goals.
3. Dr. Camille Cash
- One of the few Black female, double-board-certified plastic surgeons in the country.
- Specializes in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.
- Mentor and advocate for diversity in medicine.
Dr. Camille Cash is a Houston-based, board-certified plastic surgeon known for blending artistry with science to deliver transformative, natural-looking results. She specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, emphasizing careful planning, safety and personalized care.
Dr. Cash educates patients with warmth and precision, helping them understand surgical and non-surgical options so they can make confident, informed decisions. Beyond her practice, she uses her platform to mentor and inspire aspiring female surgeons of color. Recognized as a trailblazer for women in plastic surgery, she has influenced the Houston community and the broader medical field.
4. Dr. Wright Jones
- Specializes in breast, body and facial procedures.
- Founder of Muse Plastic Surgery, known for high patient satisfaction.
- Recognized as a top surgeon in Atlanta’s competitive plastic surgery market.
Atlanta-based Dr. Wright Jones is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon admired for delivering natural-looking results that respect individual anatomy and cultural aesthetics. Known for his meticulous approach, Dr. Jones emphasizes listening, precision and personalized treatment planning to help patients achieve authentic, balanced outcomes. He is particularly recognized for innovations in body contouring procedures, including techniques designed to enhance shape while prioritizing safety and recovery.
Frequently featured in local and national media, Dr. Jones is also an educator and advocate for patient awareness, helping individuals better understand both surgical and non-surgical aesthetic options.
5. Dr. Kofi Owusu Boahene
- Known for pioneering work in ethnic rhinoplasty and head/neck reconstruction.
- Active researcher and educator with international mission work experience.
- Leader in developing surgical techniques that respect and enhance natural ethnic features.
Dr. Kofi Owusu Boahene is a double-board-certified surgeon and Professor of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Johns Hopkins University, renowned for blending advanced surgical skill with a deep respect for diverse aesthetic standards. He specializes in both reconstructive and cosmetic facial procedures, emphasizing precision, symmetry and individualized results.
Widely published in medical journals and recognized by his peers, Dr. Boahene also contributes to shaping the next generation of surgeons through teaching and mentorship. Beyond his clinical and academic work, he is committed to global humanitarian initiatives, providing surgical care and expertise to underserved communities worldwide.
6. Dr. Wilmina Landford
- Offers procedures from breast reconstruction to facial aesthetics.
- Board-certified with training from top medical institutions.
- Invested in serving diverse patient populations.
Dr. Wilmina Landford practices in Washington, D.C., and Maryland and is emerging as a rising leader in both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery. She builds her practice on trust, education and open communication, empowering patients to make informed decisions and approach their personal transformations with confidence.
Dr. Landford’s expertise spans procedures from facial rejuvenation to body contouring, always emphasizing safety, natural results and individualized care. As one of the younger voices in the field, she represents the next generation of African American surgeons, blending traditional surgical principles with innovative techniques while inspiring future surgeons through mentorship and community engagement.
7. Dr. Anthony Griffin
- Board-certified surgeon with decades of experience.
- Nationally known for work in ethnic rhinoplasty and body contouring.
- Featured on television and in the media as a thought leader.
Dr. Anthony Griffin, based in Los Angeles, is a board-certified plastic surgeon recognized for his expertise in treating ethnic skin types and developing scar-minimizing surgical techniques. He is a pioneer in cosmetic innovation, particularly in procedures where darker skin tones are prone to pigmentation changes or visible scarring.
Dr. Griffin combines artistry, precision and a patient-centered approach to achieve natural, balanced results while prioritizing safety and long-term outcomes. Beyond his clinical work, he is a dedicated educator, mentoring other surgeons and raising patients’ awareness of best practices. His contributions help ensure more effective, inclusive and culturally sensitive care for communities of color.
8. Dr. Carl Truesdale
- Focuses exclusively on facial and neck procedures.
- Double-board certified.
- Trained at top medical institutions with fellowship training in facial plastics.
Beverly Hills-based Dr. Carl Truesdale is the only African American surgeon in the area who specializes exclusively in facial plastic surgery, highlighting how Black surgeons are breaking barriers in elite medical communities. Renowned for his artistry, precision and innovative approach, Dr. Truesdale delivers natural-looking, customized results that balance aesthetics with individual facial harmony.
In one of the nation’s most competitive cities, he has quickly become a sought-after surgeon, attracting patients who value both technical excellence and a personalized experience. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Truesdale advocates for diversity in surgery and serves as an inspiring role model for the next generation of surgeons.
9. Dr. Stanley Okoro
- Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
- Served as Commander in the United States Navy with extensive reconstructive surgery experience.
- Recognized internationally for expertise in body contouring and cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Stanley Okoro is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder of Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Atlanta, recognized globally for his expertise and patient-centered approach. Specializing in both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures, he emphasizes safety, precision and natural-looking results tailored to each individual.
Dr. Okoro is widely respected not only for his surgical skill but also for his contributions to advancing the field through education, mentorship and philanthropy. He frequently lectures, publishes research and pioneers innovative techniques that improve outcomes. His commitment to excellence and community impact has established him as a leading voice among African American surgeons worldwide.
10. Dr. Aisha Baron
- Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Marietta, Georgia.
- Specializes in breast and body contouring, as well as advanced microsurgical breast reconstruction.
- Cancer survivor who brings personal insight and empathy to patient care.
Dr. Aisha Baron is recognized nationally for her expertise, compassionate approach and commitment to patient education. She empowers individuals with clear guidance on both surgical and non-surgical options while pioneering innovative techniques in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Her mentorship, advocacy for diversity and dedication to excellence have made her a leading voice among African American plastic surgeons, shaping both patient care and the future of the field.
Which ethnicity has the most plastic surgery?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Caucasians make up the largest percentage of patients receiving plastic surgery in the United States. However, demand among African Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans continues to grow. This rise reflects both increased access and changing beauty standards that embrace cultural diversity.
Where is the best place in the U.S. to get plastic surgery?
The best location depends on the procedure and the surgeon’s expertise. Cities like Beverly Hills, Miami, New York and Houston are well-known for concentrations of board-certified plastic surgeons. Patients should focus less on geography and more on qualifications.
Bottom line
When choosing a top plastic surgeon, Dr. Jones advises patients to confirm that their surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which signifies rigorous training and adherence to the highest standards of safety and ethics. When it comes to excellence in the operating room, it’s about consistently delivering safe, natural-looking results – and then critically reviewing them over time, incorporating advancements in technology and patient safety. Beyond certification, patients should look at their surgeon’s years of experience and review before-and-after photos and patient feedback.
“Choosing a plastic surgeon is about more than technical skill. It’s about integrity, compassion and a commitment to advancing the field,” Dr. Jones advises. “It can be reassuring to know that your surgeon is involved in advancing the specialty through education, innovation or professional contributions.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has the best quality plastic surgery?
South Korea is widely regarded as offering the best quality cosmetic plastic surgery, particularly in facial procedures. The U.S., however, remains a global leader in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery due to its advanced training programs and board-certification standards.
How many Black female plastic surgeons are there in the US?
Fewer than 40 Black women are currently board-certified in plastic surgery across the United States, making them extremely rare and highly sought after for their expertise and representation.
What is safer, BBL or implants?
Both procedures carry risks, but the Cleveland Clinic notes that the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has a higher complication rate compared to buttock implants.
Citations
Wimalawansa, Sunishka, McKnight, Aisha, and Bullocks, Jamal M. Socioeconomic Impact of Ethnic Cosmetic Surgery: Trends and Potential Financial Impact the African American, Asian American, Latin American, and Middle Eastern Communities Have on Cosmetic Surgery. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. August 2009. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2884924/
Cleveland Clinic. Butt Implants. Cleveland Clinic. June 27, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23353-butt-implants
