Miami is one of the busiest markets for cosmetic surgery in the United States, and patients travel from across the country—and around the world—to find a surgeon who combines clinical safety, surgical precision, and aesthetics that look genuinely natural rather than overdone. One practice that consistently surfaces in this conversation is Careaga Plastic Surgery, founded and led by Dr. Daniel Careaga in the heart of Coral Gables.

Dr. Daniel Careaga: Training and Credentials

Credentials are the first filter any patient should apply when researching a plastic surgeon. Dr. Daniel Careaga holds double board certifications from both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, a distinction that sets him apart from the majority of cosmetic practitioners in South Florida. He completed a General Surgery Residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center followed by a Plastic Surgery Residency at Wayne State University, training alongside world-renowned surgeons before returning to Miami to open his own practice in 2012.

Dr. Careaga also holds clinical appointments at several major Miami-area hospitals, including Baptist Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Coral Gables Hospital, Mercy Hospital, and Doctors Hospital. He is a member of the American Medical Association and the American College of Surgeons, and holds certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Trauma Life Support—credentials that speak directly to his preparedness for any scenario in the operating room.

A Philosophy Built on Individualized Care

One of the qualities that distinguishes Dr. Careaga from other surgeons is his rejection of a one-size-fits-all approach. In his own words, he does not believe in cookie-cutter surgery: each patient has a different body, face, and set of goals, and by actively involving them in the planning process he can consistently deliver the best possible result. This individualized philosophy extends from the initial consultation—where advanced 3-D simulation software such as Crisalix may be used to preview potential outcomes—through post-operative follow-up.

Safety Infrastructure: The JCAHO Gold Seal

Patient safety requires more than a skilled surgeon; it requires a facility designed around safety from the ground up. Careaga Plastic Surgery's on-site surgical center holds the Gold Seal from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), one of the most stringent accreditation programs in the healthcare industry. The facility features two state-of-the-art surgical suites equipped with the most advanced cosmetic technologies available. Every detail—from architectural plans to employee training—was designed with patient safety in mind.

What the JCAHO Gold Seal Means for Patients

• Regular independent audits of infection-control protocols, emergency preparedness, and medication management.
• Staff competency requirements that exceed standard licensing, including ongoing training and credentialing reviews.
• Continuous quality improvement programs that track outcomes and drive protocol refinements over time.

Precision Through Technology and Experience

Dr. Careaga has performed over 8,000 cosmetic procedures, giving him a depth of hands-on experience that directly translates to surgical precision. He employs state-of-the-art laser-based technologies to perform procedures such as facelift surgery and cellulite reduction more safely and effectively. He also specializes in minimal and short-scar techniques for tummy tucks and breast augmentations, reducing visible scarring while maintaining structural integrity.

The practice also offers advanced body-contouring innovations like Renuvion®, which uses helium plasma and radiofrequency energy to contract collagen beneath the skin surface. This technology delivers rapid, targeted tissue contraction with greater precision and improved safety compared to traditional radiofrequency and ultrasound skin-tightening devices.

Natural-Looking Results: The Careaga Standard

Achieving results that enhance rather than exaggerate natural features requires both technical mastery and an artist's eye. Dr. Careaga blends technical mastery, artistry, and precision to create results that look and feel natural across the full spectrum of procedures he offers—breast enhancement, body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and non-surgical treatments.

Patient reviews consistently highlight the natural quality of their outcomes. Verified reviews on RealSelf describe patients who are thrilled with how natural their results look after mommy makeovers, breast augmentations, tummy tucks, and liposuction procedures. The practice's philosophy is centered on delivering natural, elevated results with a luxury experience from consultation to recovery.

The Full Careaga Plastic Surgery Team

Comprehensive aesthetic care extends beyond a single surgeon. Dr. Eduardo Careaga, a board-certified plastic surgeon who joined the practice, brings his own expertise in advanced body contouring including Lipo360, precision liposuction, Renuvion® skin tightening, and Brazilian Butt Lift procedures. Known for his calm, caring demeanor and meticulous attention to detail, Dr. Eduardo Careaga focuses on helping patients feel informed, supported, and confident during every stage of their journey. He is fluent in both English and Spanish.

The team also includes non-surgical specialist Reana Myers, who has spent over a decade in the medical field perfecting non-surgical technologies including injectables, laser and radiofrequency treatments, and non-surgical body contouring.

Key Takeaways

• Double board certification matters. Dr. Daniel Careaga is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
• Facility accreditation is non-negotiable. Careaga Plastic Surgery holds the JCAHO Gold Seal, one of healthcare's most rigorous quality benchmarks.
• Volume builds precision. With over 8,000 cosmetic procedures performed, the surgical team brings deep experience to every case.
• Natural results start with philosophy. Rejecting cookie-cutter surgery, the practice customizes every treatment plan to the patient's unique anatomy and goals.
• Technology elevates outcomes. From Crisalix 3-D simulation to Renuvion® skin tightening, the practice integrates the latest innovations into patient care.

How to Evaluate Any Miami Plastic Surgeon for Safety and Results

Whether you ultimately choose Careaga Plastic Surgery or another practice, use the following checklist when evaluating a surgeon:

1. Verify board certification. Look for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery—the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties for plastic surgery.
2. Check facility accreditation. Confirm the surgical center is accredited by JCAHO, AAAHC, or AAAASF.
3. Review before-and-after photos. Assess whether results across multiple patients look balanced and proportionate.
4. Read verified patient reviews. Platforms like RealSelf verify that reviews are written by actual patients.
5. Evaluate the consultation experience. A surgeon who listens, educates, and offers honest recommendations—even discouraging unnecessary procedures—is prioritizing your well-being.
6. Ask about emergency protocols. Certifications such as ACLS and ATLS indicate the surgical team is prepared for critical situations.

Frequently Asked Questions