Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when considering aesthetic procedures. Orange County is home to numerous qualified surgeons, but finding the right fit for your specific needs requires careful research into credentials, experience, and specialized expertise.
The best plastic surgeon for you will combine board certification, proven surgical skill, and a personalized approach that aligns with your aesthetic goals.
What Qualifications Should the Best Orange County Plastic Surgeons Have?
When evaluating plastic surgeons in Orange County, credentials serve as the foundation of trust and competence. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) ensures a surgeon has completed rigorous training, passed comprehensive examinations, and maintains continuing education in the latest techniques.
Essential credentials to verify:
- Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
- Fellowship training in specialized areas of plastic surgery
- Membership in professional organizations (ASPS, California Society of Plastic Surgeons)
- Training at prestigious institutions (Harvard, Stanford, Duke, Yale)
These qualifications represent the gold standard in plastic surgery credentialing and demonstrate a commitment to patient safety and surgical excellence. Advanced training programs provide exposure to complex cases and cutting-edge techniques that translate directly to superior patient outcomes.
Experience and Specialization in Anti-Aging Procedures
Experience matters profoundly in plastic surgery, particularly for complex anti-aging procedures. The best plastic surgeons in Orange County typically have performed thousands of successful surgeries over many years of practice. This extensive experience allows them to handle diverse patient anatomies, anticipate potential complications, and deliver consistently natural-looking results.
Why Specialization Matters For Plastic Surgeons
When researching surgeons, inquire about their specific experience with the procedure you’re considering—a surgeon who performs dozens of facelifts annually will have refined techniques that a less experienced practitioner may lack.
For anti-aging surgery, seek surgeons who have developed expertise in advanced facelift techniques such as:
- Deep plane facelifts
- High SMAS lifts
- Endoscopic approaches
These specialized methods require additional training and skill but can deliver more natural, longer-lasting results than traditional techniques. Surgeons who focus on facial rejuvenation understand the subtle nuances of facial anatomy and aging patterns, allowing them to create customized treatment plans that restore a youthful appearance while preserving your unique features.
Dr. Peter Lee: Leading Costa Mesa Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Peter Lee has established himself as one of Orange County’s most respected plastic surgeons through decades of excellence in aesthetic surgery. As the founder and CEO of Wave Plastic Surgery, Dr. Lee brings over 20 years of experience and more than 30,000 successful procedures to his practice.
Dr. Peter Lee's Credentials
- Training at the University of Chicago and Rush Medical College
- General surgery residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago
- Plastic surgery residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center
- Advanced Endotine Bioskills surgeon educator and trainer (international recognition)
Specialized Techniques
What sets Dr. Lee apart as a facial plastic surgeon in Costa Mesa is his pioneering work in endoscopic plastic surgery techniques. This innovative approach allows for less invasive procedures with faster recovery times while delivering exceptional results.
Dr. Lee’s specializations include:
- Wave Lift™ endoscopic facelift
- Advanced face and neck lifts
- Double eyelid surgery
- Double Pure Fat Grafting technique for natural volume restoration
Dr. Lee’s bilingual capabilities in English and Korean allow him to serve a diverse patient population, while his focus on individualized care ensures each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.
Dr. Ben Lee: Excellence in Costa Mesa Plastic Surgery
Dr. Ben Lee brings distinguished credentials and over 20 years of experience to Wave Plastic Surgery’s Orange County location. His dual board certifications in both Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology provide a comprehensive understanding of facial and body aesthetics that few surgeons possess.
Educational Background
- University of Colorado School of Medicine (graduated with highest honors)
- Alpha Omega Alpha member
- Surgical residency at Duke University Medical Center
- Dual board certifications in Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology
Areas of Expertise
As a Newport Beach plastic surgeon specialist, Dr. Ben Lee has developed particular expertise in:
- Advanced facelift techniques (including the Cure Lift method)
- Sophisticated abdominoplasty approaches
- Breast procedures (augmentation, lift, reduction, reconstruction)
- Upper and lower eyelid surgery
His patient-centered philosophy emphasizes the profound impact aesthetic procedures can have on confidence and well-being. This compassionate approach, combined with his meticulous surgical technique, has earned him recognition as one of the best Newport Beach plastic surgeons for patients seeking transformative yet natural results.
The Importance of Facility Accreditation and Safety Standards
The setting where your surgery takes place matters as much as the surgeon performing it. Top plastic surgeons in Orange County operate in fully accredited surgical facilities that meet rigorous safety standards.
Wave Plastic Surgery’s Costa Mesa location is accredited by the American Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), ensuring the highest standards of patient safety, equipment maintenance, and emergency preparedness.
What Accreditation Means for Patients
Accredited facilities undergo regular inspections and must maintain strict protocols for:
- Infection control
- Anesthesia administration
- Post-operative monitoring
- Emergency preparedness
This commitment to safety extends beyond the operating room to include comprehensive pre-operative evaluations, detailed informed consent processes, and attentive post-operative care. When researching plastic surgeons, always verify that procedures will be performed in an accredited facility with board-certified anesthesiologists and trained nursing staff.
Personalized Consultation: The Foundation of Excellent Results
The best plastic surgeons in Orange County prioritize thorough consultations that allow them to understand your concerns, assess your anatomy, and develop customized treatment plans. During your consultation, exceptional surgeons will listen carefully to your goals, examine your facial or body structure, and provide honest recommendations about which procedures will achieve your desired outcome.
As Dr. Peter Lee explains, “Everybody is different and everybody’s desire is a little bit different. And meshing, meaning bringing together what their desire is to what is truly matching for them, I believe that is actually the key.” This patient-centered philosophy ensures that surgical recommendations align with both your aesthetic vision and your unique anatomical characteristics.
What to Expect During a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A quality consultation should include:
- Review of before-and-after photos of previous patients with similar concerns
- Discussion of realistic recovery timelines
- Transparent information about costs
- Comfortable environment where all questions are answered thoroughly
The surgeon should make you feel comfortable, respected, and confident in their ability to deliver the results you’re seeking. This consultation experience often reveals as much about a surgeon’s approach to patient care as their technical credentials do.
Get Your Consultation Today
Give us a call today to schedule your consultation with one of our plastic surgeons at Wave Plastic Surgery.
Advanced Techniques for Natural, Long-Lasting Results
Modern plastic surgery has evolved far beyond the “pulled” or “overdone” look of previous generations. Today’s best Orange County plastic surgeons employ sophisticated techniques across facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and breast procedures that deliver natural, age-appropriate results.
Modern Surgical Philosophy
Whether you’re considering facial anti-aging surgery, body sculpting after weight loss, breast enhancement, or eyelid rejuvenation, the most skilled surgeons prioritize outcomes that look refreshed rather than “operated on.”
The distinction between good and exceptional results often comes down to technical approach:
- Facial procedures: Working with deeper tissue layers to create lifting that lasts a decade or more
- Body contouring: Precision techniques that sculpt natural curves and proportions
- Breast surgery: Selecting implant sizes and placement approaches that complement your frame and lifestyle
The Artistry Behind Excellence
These nuanced techniques require extensive experience and artistic vision to execute properly. The best plastic surgeons combine technical mastery with an aesthetic eye, understanding how different procedures work together to create harmonious, balanced results.
They stay current with emerging technologies and techniques while maintaining the proven methods that consistently deliver beautiful outcomes. This commitment to both innovation and time-tested excellence ensures patients receive care that reflects the cutting edge of plastic surgery while prioritizing safety and natural-looking results.
Comprehensive Care and Long-Term Relationships
The best plastic surgeons view their relationship with patients as a long-term partnership rather than a single transaction. Exceptional surgeons provide comprehensive pre-operative education, attentive care during recovery, and ongoing follow-up to monitor your results.
The Wave Plastic Surgery Care Model
Wave Plastic Surgery exemplifies this comprehensive approach through coordinated care teams that include:
- Board-certified plastic surgeons
- Board-certified anesthesiologists
- Experienced surgical nurses
- Aesthetic consultants
- Patient care coordinators
This collaborative model ensures every aspect of your experience receives expert attention, from your initial consultation through your final follow-up appointments. The practice’s multiple Southern California locations, including Costa Mesa, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and additional Orange County facilities, provide convenient access to world-class care.
Schedule Your Personalized Consultation
Finding the best plastic surgeon in Orange County begins with a thorough consultation where you can discuss your goals, learn about advanced techniques, and determine if a particular surgeon’s expertise aligns with your needs. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Wave Plastic Surgery bring decades of combined experience, prestigious training backgrounds, and a commitment to delivering natural, beautiful results that enhance your confidence while preserving your unique features.
Contact Wave Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation at our Costa Mesa location and discover how specialized expertise in facial rejuvenation and body contouring can help you achieve your aesthetic goals with safety, artistry, and care.
Get Your Consultation Today
Give us a call today to schedule your personalized consultation with one of our plastic surgeons at Wave Plastic Surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prioritize board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, extensive experience with your desired procedure, facility accreditation, before-and-after photo galleries demonstrating natural results, and a consultation style that makes you feel heard and comfortable. Verify the surgeon’s training background and ask about their specific approach to the procedure you’re considering.
Review extensive before-and-after galleries during your research and consultation. The best plastic surgeons maintain comprehensive portfolios showing diverse patients and various procedures. Look for results that appear natural and age-appropriate rather than overdone or obvious. During consultation, bring reference photos of aesthetic outcomes you admire and discuss whether these goals are realistic for your anatomy.
Board-certified plastic surgeons have completed rigorous training, including medical school, general surgery residency, plastic surgery residency, and comprehensive board examinations. “Cosmetic surgeon” is not a protected term and may be used by physicians from various specialties without specific plastic surgery training. Always verify ABPS certification to ensure your surgeon has received proper training in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Extremely important. While board certification establishes baseline competence, extensive experience with your specific procedure indicates refined technique and the ability to handle complications should they arise. Ask potential surgeons how many times annually they perform the procedure you’re considering—dozens of cases per year suggests true specialization and mastery.
Many patients travel to Orange County specifically to access surgeons with exceptional expertise and reputations. If considering this option, ensure you can stay in the area long enough for initial follow-up appointments and understand the logistics of post-operative care. Top practices like Wave Plastic Surgery often work with traveling patients to coordinate convenient appointment scheduling and provide detailed recovery instructions.
References
- American Board of Plastic Surgery. “Certification Matters.” https://www.abplasticsurgery.org/public/certification-matters/
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon.” https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety/choosing-a-plastic-surgeon
- American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. “Why Accreditation Matters for Patient Safety.” https://www.aaaasf.org/patients/why-accreditation-matters
Quick Take Aways:
- Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the gold standard credential, ensuring surgeons have completed rigorous training and maintain the highest safety standards.
- Experience matters profoundly—surgeons who perform hundreds of procedures annually have refined techniques that translate to more natural results and better complication management.
- Wave Plastic Surgery's Dr. Peter Lee and Dr. Ben Lee bring over 40 combined years of expertise, training from prestigious institutions like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Duke, and specialization in advanced facelift techniques.
- Facility accreditation by AAAHC ensures your procedure takes place in a setting that meets rigorous safety protocols for infection control, anesthesia administration, and emergency preparedness.
