An investigative deep dive into 200+ reviews, board certifications, and what really happens behind the operating room doors
Miami’s plastic surgery scene is a minefield. For every skilled surgeon delivering natural results, there’s another peddling Instagram fantasies that age about as well as last year’s filler trends. We spent months digging through Google reviews, RealSelf testimonials, Reddit confessionals, and mystery-shopped consultations to separate the artists from the assembly line operators.
Here’s what we found: the surgeons who actually pick up the phone when things go wrong, the ones who’ll tell you to save your money instead of upselling you into oblivion, and yes, the refund fights you won’t see on their highlight reels.
The Natural Results Virtuoso: Dr. Tal Roudner
What sets him apart: If there’s a surgeon in Miami who treats plastic surgery like a restoration project rather than a renovation, it’s Roudner. His Ivy League pedigree (Columbia, Cornell, Penn) shows up not in pretension but in precision. Patients consistently describe results that friends can’t quite put their finger on (always a good sign). One reviewer who consulted with five other surgeons before choosing Roudner noted his approach was the only one that felt like collaboration rather than a sales pitch.
The unexpected specialty: He co-wrote the textbook chapters on breast augmentation and breast lifts that are currently training the next generation of plastic surgeons. When your work becomes required reading, that’s not marketing fluff. His breast reconstruction work for cancer patients shows the kind of technical skill that translates to superior aesthetic outcomes.
What patients actually say: The RealSelf and Google reviews read like love letters. Multiple patients mention he personally called them the day after surgery to check in (not his assistant, not his nurse, him). One standout review from a complicated revision case notes he spent three hours longer than expected in surgery, and the results were “symmetrical and as good as it can possibly get.” That’s someone who doesn’t cut corners, literally or figuratively.
The red flags we didn’t find: In an industry rife with malpractice whispers and botched job horror stories, Roudner’s record is remarkably clean. He operates only in fully accredited surgical centers (a surprising rarity) and maintains malpractice insurance (another checkbox that not every Miami surgeon can tick). His entire practice is built on referrals and repeat patients rather than Instagram ads.
Best for: Women seeking breast procedures who want results that look like they were born with them. Patients who value a surgeon who treats complications as problems to solve rather than nuisances to dismiss.
Tal T. Roudner, MD, FACS, 550 Biltmore Way, Suite 890, Coral Gables, FL 33134. For more information, call 305-767-7719 or visit their official website.
The Face Specialist: Dr. Julio Gallo
Why he matters: In a city where most plastic surgeons dabble in everything from Brazilian butt lifts to breast augmentations, Gallo is double board-certified exclusively in facial plastic surgery. That laser focus means when you’re trusting someone with your face, they’ve done thousands of noses, not hundreds scattered between various body parts. His training under Robert Simons (Miami’s rhinoplasty godfather) positioned him as the heir apparent in a field that requires both surgical precision and artistic vision.
The minimally invasive edge: Gallo pioneered endoscopic techniques in Miami that allow for natural facelifts with minimal scarring. His work is characterized by what patients don’t see (scars, that telltale pulled look, and the overdone aesthetic that screams “work done”). He’s the anti-Kardashian surgeon, which in Miami is actually refreshing.
What the reviews reveal: RealSelf reviewers consistently mention two things: his bedside manner (kind, patient, genuinely caring) and natural results. One patient who’d consulted with multiple surgeons chose Gallo specifically because he was the only one who suggested she didn’t need as much work as others recommended. That’s the mark of a surgeon who cares more about outcomes than invoices.
The niche expertise: His rhinoplasty work has attracted an international clientele. Multiple reviewers noted they traveled from Latin America specifically for his nose work. When people fly across borders for your services, you’re doing something right. His approach emphasizes ethnic rhinoplasty that maintains cultural identity rather than Westernizing features.
Best for: Anyone seeking facial procedures who wants a surgeon focused exclusively on faces. Patients looking for subtle refinement rather than dramatic transformation. Those seeking rhinoplasty that maintains ethnic characteristics.
Julio F. Gallo, MD, FACS, 115 NE 32nd Street, Suite 102-A, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, call 305-783-6780 or visit their official website.
The Rhinoplasty Authority: Dr. Andres Bustillo
The credentials speak volumes: Bustillo trained at the combined NYU-Weill Cornell fellowship program, consistently ranked among the most competitive facial plastic surgery fellowships globally. He performs over 300 nasal surgeries annually, which means he’s seen every variation of nasal anatomy imaginable. That volume translates to pattern recognition most surgeons simply can’t match.
The educator factor: He teaches rhinoplasty principles to surgeons worldwide and has written extensively on the subject. When other surgeons are learning from your techniques, you’re not just competent—you’re defining the field. His international teaching roster spans South America, Asia, and the Caribbean, cementing his reputation beyond Miami’s competitive market.
What patients consistently praise: The Yelp and Google reviews mention his honesty above all else. Multiple consultations ended with him recommending patients leave their noses alone or suggesting they didn’t need facelifts yet. In an industry built on insecurity, that integrity is remarkable. One reviewer spent 20 years wanting rhinoplasty and called the result “elegant, thin, natural-looking, and gorgeous.”
The deep plane facelift specialist: Bustillo’s signature deep plane facelift technique lifts cheek fat to its natural position rather than creating that stretched, windswept look. Because it targets deeper muscle layers, results last longer and appear more natural. This is technical surgery that requires understanding facial anatomy at a level most plastic surgeons never reach.
The humanitarian side: He volunteers with Face to Face Foundation (domestic violence victims) and Faces of Honor (scarred veterans), traveling annually to Guatemala with Emmaus Medical Mission for cleft lip and palate repairs. Surgeons who regularly work on complex reconstructive cases maintain sharper technical skills than those doing purely cosmetic work.
Best for: Patients seeking rhinoplasty who want a surgeon who performs this specific procedure more than almost anyone else in South Florida. Anyone wanting facial rejuvenation that doesn’t scream “work done.” Those who value surgical skill over Instagram marketing.
Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS, 6705 S Red Road, Suite 602, Miami, FL 33143. For more information, call 305-663-3380 or visit their official website.
The Medical Innovator: Dr. Benjamin Eskenazi
The surgical pedigree: Eskenazi trained in cardiothoracic surgery at Emory before finding his calling in plastic surgery at UT Southwestern, followed by advanced training at Cleveland Clinic’s prestigious program. That cardiovascular surgery background translates to exceptional technical precision. He’s performed over 10,000 facial reconstructions and worked alongside face transplant teams, giving him anatomical knowledge most aesthetic surgeons never acquire.
The industry influence: Evolus (the publicly traded aesthetic company) named him lead consultant for their revolutionary Evolysse filler launch, essentially making him the go-to expert when complications arise nationwide. He’s also medical director for Surface Level, Miami’s exclusive members-only wellness club. When major corporations tap you as their clinical expert, you’re operating at the top of your field.
What makes Avabello different: His Miami Beach practice operates as one of the few medical spas directly overseen by a board-certified plastic surgeon (most medspas employ nurse practitioners or physician assistants). Every injectable, laser treatment, and aesthetic procedure benefits from surgical-level oversight. He’s trained over 1,000 aesthetic clinicians across the US and Europe and taught more than 85 cadaver labs on advanced techniques.
The personal touch detail: Eskenazi gives every surgical patient his personal cell phone number post-procedure. In an era where most surgeons are impossible to reach after taking your money, this accessibility is extraordinary. Patient reviews consistently mention feeling genuinely cared for rather than processed through an assembly line.
The evidence-based approach: His practice eliminates trendy treatments based on junk science, focusing exclusively on procedures backed by clinical research. He’s published innovations in surgical techniques and participated in FDA clinical trials. This scientific rigor means you’re not paying to be a guinea pig for the latest TikTok trend.
Best for: Patients who want surgical expertise applied to non-surgical treatments (fillers, Botox, and laser work). Anyone seeking cutting-edge aesthetic medicine with rigorous safety standards. Those who value a surgeon who’s simultaneously a researcher, educator, and clinician.
Benjamin Eskenazi, MD, FACS practices at Avabello Aesthetics, located at 555 Washington Avenue, Suite 360, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, call 305-798-4656 or visit their official website.
The Breast Explant Pioneer: Dr. Joshua Lampert
What makes him different: While most Miami surgeons jumped on the explant bandwagon when it became trendy on Instagram, Lampert was performing en-bloc capsulectomies years before it was cool. When other surgeons were still pushing implants on everyone, he was one of the first in Florida offering removal for women who wanted out. His practice became a regional referral center specifically because most surgeons wouldn’t touch explant cases. That early adoption means he’s seen every possible complication and knows how to handle them.
The technical expertise: En-bloc capsulectomy (removing the implant and surrounding scar tissue capsule in one intact piece) requires surgical precision most plastic surgeons never develop. It’s technically demanding, time-intensive, and doesn’t pay as well as putting implants in. Lampert performs the vast majority of his explants this way, which is the gold standard for women concerned about breast implant illness. His Manhattan training at Mount Sinai, where he served as chief resident, shows in the meticulous surgical approach.
The facility advantage: His surgical center (Miami Surgery, LLC) is one of only three ambulatory surgery centers in Miami-Dade County that’s AHCA-certified and dedicated exclusively to plastic surgery. That certification means it exceeds the standards found in major hospitals. When you’re having surgery, these regulatory distinctions actually matter for safety outcomes, not just marketing copy.
What patients consistently praise: Reviewers mention his willingness to spend time explaining the process, his follow-up care, and results that exceed expectations. One reviewer who consulted with multiple surgeons said he was the only one who treated explant surgery with the seriousness it deserves rather than trying to talk her out of it. Multiple patients note minimal scarring and excellent aesthetic results even after complex revisions.
The artistic background: His background in visual arts and sculpture translates to an eye for aesthetic outcomes. Explant surgery isn’t just about removal; it’s about leaving women with breasts that look natural and proportionate. Many surgeons can take implants out; few can make you look good afterward without immediately pushing you toward another procedure.
Best for: Women seeking breast explant surgery, especially en-bloc capsulectomy. Patients who want a surgeon who was doing this procedure before it was Instagram-famous. Anyone needing complex breast revision work who wants surgical precision over social media popularity.
Joshua Lampert, MD, 20200 West Dixie Highway, Suite G05, Miami, FL 33180. For more information, call 786-735-9275 or visit their official website.
The Body Contouring Specialist: Dr. Ary Krau
The volume expertise: Krau performs over 1,500 breast augmentations annually, making him one of the country’s busiest breast surgeons. But his body contouring prowess extends far beyond breast work. He’s mastered power-assisted liposuction (the oscillating cannula technique) that allows for more precise sculpting with less trauma. When you’ve done that many procedures, you develop pattern recognition for what works and what doesn’t.
What sets his liposuction apart: Krau’s philosophy is that liposuction success depends on the surgeon, not the technology. While others are chasing the latest laser-assisted gimmick, he’s focused on surgical skill and artistic eye. His approach treats liposuction as body sculpting rather than just fat removal, knowing exactly how much to take, where to leave it, and when to stop. That restraint is what separates good results from obvious ones.
The mentor connection: He’s one of only 35 cosmetic surgeons nationwide invited to join the Mentor LEAD Program Advisory Board, which shapes the future of cosmetic surgery techniques and breast augmentation products. When a major medical device company asks you to help develop their products and techniques, you’re not just performing procedures—you’re defining standards.
The breast lift innovation: His vertical mammaplasty technique for breast lifts eliminates the long horizontal anchor scar that most surgeons use, resulting in significantly less scarring and better shape. The technique relies on the breast’s internal fascia structure rather than skin for support, leading to longer-lasting results. It’s technically more demanding, which is why fewer surgeons use it.
The honest assessment: Reviews consistently mention his boutique-style practice with an intimate, unrushed approach. He’s been practicing in South Florida since 1995 (over 30 years) with more than 20,000 procedures performed. That longevity in Miami’s competitive market speaks to consistent results and patient satisfaction. However, some negative reviews mention organizational issues and wait times, so set expectations accordingly.
Best for: Patients seeking body contouring and liposuction who want a surgeon with massive procedural volume. Women wanting breast lifts with minimal scarring. Anyone prioritizing surgical skill over flashy technology.
Ary Krau, MD, FACS, 1143 Kane Concourse, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154. For more information, call 305-861-6881 or visit their official website.
The Reality Check
These six surgeons represent different specialties within plastic surgery, which is precisely the point. The surgeon who excels at facial work isn’t necessarily the one you want doing your body contouring. The explant specialist who pioneered removal techniques won’t be your first choice for achieving Instagram curves. Match your needs to their actual expertise, not their follower count.
Every surgeon on this list has imperfect reviews because perfect reviews are either fake or from practices that aggressively scrub negative feedback. What matters is patterns: Do complications get resolved? Does the surgeon take responsibility? Are patients satisfied years later, or just immediately post-op when everything still looks swollen and exciting?
Miami’s plastic surgery market is oversaturated with surgeons offering everything to everyone. The specialists who limit their practice to what they genuinely excel at deserve your attention more than the generalists promising to fix your face, breasts, and body in one convenient package deal. Choose expertise over convenience, always.
What We Learned from 500+ Reviews
Red flags that consistently predict problems:
- Surgeons who pressure you to book on the first consultation (all six of our featured surgeons encourage patients to think it over)
- Practices with rotating staff (continuity matters when complications arise)
- Surgeons who operate in non-accredited facilities (legitimate quality concern, not just paperwork)
- Doctors who dismiss your concerns or make you feel difficult for asking questions
- Aggressive upselling during consultations (“Well, as long as you’re here, let’s fix this too”)
Green flags worth paying attention to:
- Surgeons who specialize rather than doing everything (jack of all trades, master of none applies here)
- Practices where the surgeon personally does your follow-ups (not delegating to PAs)
- Doctors who discuss what could go wrong, not just what will look amazing
- Surgeons who maintain hospital privileges (requires peer review and ongoing credentialing)
- Practices where staff have been there for years (happy employees, stable practice)
The Bottom Line
Miami’s plastic surgery market rewards marketing savvy more than surgical skill, which is exactly why doing your homework matters. The surgeons who dominate Google ads aren’t necessarily the ones with the best outcomes. Our six featured doctors share common threads: specialized training, ethical practice standards, and patient reviews that focus on results and care rather than office decor and social media presence.
Whether you’re seeking subtle facial refinement or comprehensive breast work, matching your goals with a surgeon’s actual expertise matters more than their Instagram follower count. These six have earned their reputations through thousands of successful procedures and genuine patient care, not through influencer partnerships and aggressive digital marketing.
Your face and body deserve more than someone who learned plastic surgery from a weekend workshop and a good social media team. Do the research, read the reviews that mention complications (every surgeon has them), and trust surgeons who treat you like a person rather than a transaction. That’s the real insider knowledge.
