Board Certified
ABPS • FACS
Your Surgeon
James Chen, MD, FACS
Dr. James Chen is a board-certified plastic surgeon whose practice is built on a singular conviction: the finest aesthetic results are indistinguishable from nature. Patients should look like themselves \u2014 rested, refreshed, and quietly radiant \u2014 never “done.”
With dual undergraduate degrees in Art History and Pre-Med from Yale, a medical degree from Johns Hopkins, and a fellowship from Harvard, Dr. Chen brings a rare combination of artistic training and surgical precision. Over 15 years and more than 3,000 procedures, he has earned a national reputation for natural rhinoplasty, his signature “Weekend Facelift,” and comprehensive mommy makeover results.
Education & Training
A Foundation in Art & Science
2001–2005
Yale University
B.A., Art History & Pre-Med (Magna Cum Laude)
Renaissance sculpture coursework first introduced the principles of proportion and symmetry that would later define Dr. Chen’s surgical philosophy.
2005–2009
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine
Graduated with honors. Research focus on wound healing and scar minimization techniques in aesthetic surgery.
2009–2015
Harvard Medical School / Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency & Fellowship
Six-year combined residency and fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Trained under Dr. Elof Eriksson and Dr. Dennis Orgill.
Surgical Philosophy
The Art of Natural Results
Great plastic surgery is invisible. Dr. Chen\u2019s approach begins with the same principles that have guided artists for centuries \u2014 proportion, balance, and harmony. The golden ratio, which appears throughout nature and Renaissance masterworks, informs every surgical plan.
Rather than imposing a single aesthetic ideal, Dr. Chen studies each patient\u2019s unique facial and body architecture. The goal is never to create a “new” person, but to reveal the best version of the person who already exists \u2014 as if time, gravity, and genetics had been a little kinder.
This philosophy extends to technique. Dr. Chen favors deep-plane facelifts over skin-only pulls, preservation rhinoplasty over reductive approaches, and fat grafting over implants wherever possible \u2014 always choosing the method that produces the most natural, long-lasting result.
“I don't think of myself as changing how someone looks. I think of myself as restoring what time has altered.”
— Dr. James Chen
Research & Publications
Advancing the Science
Dr. Chen has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications in the leading journals of plastic and aesthetic surgery.
Long-Term Outcomes of the Deep Plane Facelift: A 10-Year Retrospective Analysis
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery — 2023
Preservation Rhinoplasty in the Asian Nose: Maintaining Ethnic Identity While Achieving Aesthetic Goals
Aesthetic Surgery Journal — 2022
The Role of Fat Grafting in Modern Breast Augmentation: A Systematic Review
Annals of Plastic Surgery — 2021
Three-Dimensional Imaging in Preoperative Planning for Rhinoplasty: Improving Patient Communication and Outcomes
Journal of Craniofacial Surgery — 2020
Minimal-Access Facelift Techniques: Reducing Downtime Without Compromising Results
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery — 2019
Autologous Fat Transfer to the Breast: Predictable Volume Retention with Improved Harvesting Protocols
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery — Global Open — 2018
As Seen In
Media & Recognition
Allure
Top Plastic Surgeon to Watch
Vogue
The Art of Natural Rhinoplasty
RealSelf
Top Doctor, 5-Star Rating
Scottsdale Magazine
Best of Scottsdale
Arizona Republic
Leaders in Healthcare
Honors & Awards
Nationally Recognized
RealSelf Top Doctor
2019–2026
Consecutive annual recognition based on patient reviews and expertise.
Phoenix Magazine Top Doctor
2020–2026
Peer-nominated award recognizing clinical excellence in plastic surgery.
Castle Connolly Top Doctor
2021–2026
National distinction awarded to physicians nominated by their peers for exceptional patient care.
Our Facility
A Private Surgical Experience
AAAHC-Accredited Surgical Suite
Our on-site operating room meets the highest safety standards set by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
Overnight Recovery Suite
Private, hotel-style recovery rooms with dedicated nursing staff for patients who prefer an overnight stay following surgery.
Vectra 3D Imaging
State-of-the-art 3D imaging technology allows you to visualize potential results before your procedure during your consultation.
The Team
Exceptional Care, Every Step
Every member of our team is hand-selected by Dr. Chen for clinical excellence and an unwavering commitment to patient care.
Dr. James Chen, MD, FACS
Lead Surgeon & Founder
Board-certified plastic surgeon. Yale, Johns Hopkins, Harvard. Over 3,000 procedures performed.
Emily Rodriguez, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Specializes in pre-operative assessments and post-operative care. 8 years in aesthetic surgery.
Sarah Kim, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Expert in non-surgical aesthetics and injectables. Certified in advanced facial anatomy.
Lisa Park
Patient Coordinator
Your dedicated point of contact from first inquiry through final follow-up. Guides every patient through the process.
Maria Santos
Licensed Aesthetician
Advanced skincare treatments, medical-grade peels, and pre- and post-surgical skin optimization protocols.
Take the Next Step
Meet Dr. Chen in Person
Schedule a one-on-one consultation to discuss your goals, explore your options, and experience firsthand the care that defines Artisan Plastic Surgery.