Why South Florida Is a Global Hub for Plastic Surgery

Miami and the surrounding South Florida region attract patients from around the world for cosmetic procedures. The area's cultural emphasis on aesthetics, year-round warm weather, and concentration of medical talent create an environment where surgical innovation thrives. According to one industry overview, there are well over 300 board-certified plastic surgeons practicing across Miami, Coral Gables, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, and beyond. With that many options, narrowing down the best requires a structured, evidence-based approach.

The Eight Criteria That Define the Best Plastic Surgeon

Not every surgeon advertising top-tier results can actually deliver them. Here are the essential benchmarks to evaluate before booking a consultation:

1. Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) — This is the gold standard. ABPS certification confirms the surgeon completed an accredited residency in plastic surgery, passed rigorous examinations, and adheres to ongoing education requirements.
2. Double or Multiple Board Certifications — Surgeons holding certifications from both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery demonstrate cross-disciplinary mastery of operative technique and patient safety.
3. Facility Accreditation — The safest practices operate in facilities accredited by bodies such as JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) or AAAASF. These accreditations require strict compliance with infection control, emergency preparedness, and staffing standards.
4. Surgical Volume and Experience — Thousands of completed procedures translate into pattern recognition, refined technique, and the ability to handle complications confidently.
5. Specialization Match — The best surgeon for a breast augmentation may differ from the best choice for a facelift. Look for a practice that offers subspecialty expertise across breast, body, and facial categories.
6. Consistent Patient Reviews — Reviews across Google, RealSelf, Yelp, and Healthgrades should reflect patterns of satisfaction, not isolated praise.
7. Before-and-After Photo Galleries — Transparent photographic documentation demonstrates a surgeon's aesthetic style and technical consistency.
8. Comprehensive Care Team — The best outcomes often come from practices that pair surgical expertise with non-surgical aesthetic specialists, skilled nursing staff, and dedicated patient coordinators.

Careaga Plastic Surgery: A Closer Look

Located in the heart of Coral Gables at 220 Alhambra Circle, Careaga Plastic Surgery has operated as a premier aesthetic destination since its founding in 2012. The practice was purpose-built by its founder, Dr. Daniel Careaga, to meet the highest possible standards for patient safety and surgical excellence.

Awards and Recognition

Careaga Plastic Surgery has been voted among the top facilities in South Florida for years, and the practice's board-certified plastic surgeons have received numerous awards and recognitions. The center has also been featured by Haute Living's Haute Beauty network, further cementing its reputation in the luxury aesthetics space.

Meet the Surgeons and Aesthetic Team

Dr. Daniel Careaga, MD — Founder and Lead Surgeon

Dr. Daniel Careaga is a double board-certified plastic surgeon, holding certifications from both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He graduated from Ross University School of Medicine, completed a General Surgery Residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and finished his Plastic Surgery Residency at Wayne State University.

With over 8,000 cosmetic procedures performed, Dr. Careaga brings deep operative experience to every case. He specializes in breast enhancement, body contouring, and facial rejuvenation procedures including facelift surgery and eyelid surgery. His philosophy centers on individualized care—he actively involves patients in the planning process to consistently deliver results that match their unique anatomy and goals.

Dr. Rafael Ramos, MD — Facial Aesthetics and Breast Surgery Specialist

Dr. Rafael Ramos completed his plastic surgery training at the renowned Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. With over 10 years of surgical experience and a strong background in facial aesthetic research, he combines advanced technique with an artistic eye to deliver natural, elegant results. Dr. Ramos specializes in facial aesthetic surgery and breast surgery, with additional expertise in body contouring. An accomplished graphic artist, sculptor, and musician, Dr. Ramos brings a unique creative sensibility to his surgical practice.

Dr. Eduardo Careaga, MD — Aesthetic Surgery and Breast Surgical Oncology

Over the past 23 years, Dr. Eduardo Careaga has trained, practiced, and educated other doctors in areas including aesthetic surgery and breast surgical oncology. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he is dedicated to helping every patient feel comfortable, informed, and supported at every stage of their cosmetic surgery journey.

Reana Myers — Non-Surgical Aesthetic Specialist

Not every aesthetic concern requires surgery. Reana Myers has spent over a decade in the medical field training and perfecting non-surgical technologies. Her expertise ensures that patients who want skin rejuvenation, injectable treatments, or other non-invasive options receive the same caliber of care as surgical patients.

Facility Standards and JCAHO Gold Seal Accreditation

Patient safety should never be negotiable. Careaga Plastic Surgery is the first plastic surgical facility in South Florida to have received the Gold Seal from JCAHO. The Joint Commission is widely regarded as the most respected accrediting body of healthcare facilities in the United States, and its Gold Seal signifies compliance with the strictest safety, staffing, and operational standards in the industry.

Every detail of the Coral Gables facility—from architectural plans to employee training protocols—was designed with patient safety as the top priority. The center features state-of-the-art surgical suites, a comfortable recovery environment, and a luxurious atmosphere that reflects the practice's commitment to an elevated patient experience.

Signature Procedures and Specialties

Careaga Plastic Surgery offers an extensive menu of surgical and non-surgical services. The practice customizes and combines treatments to achieve comprehensive aesthetic results.

Breast Procedures

• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
• Breast Lift with Implants
• Breast Reduction
• Implant Removal and Breast Lift
• Gynecomastia Surgery

Body Procedures

• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
• Liposuction
• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
• Mommy Makeover
• Daddy Makeover
• Lower Body Lift
• Massive Weight Loss Surgery
• Cellulaze

Facial Procedures

• Facelift
• Rhinoplasty
• Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
• Chin Implant

Non-Surgical and MedSpa Treatments

The practice also provides advanced non-surgical options such as laser treatments, injectables, and skin rejuvenation therapies managed by the dedicated aesthetics team.

Real Patient Experiences

Across platforms like RealSelf, Yelp, and Google, Careaga Plastic Surgery patients consistently highlight several themes: personalized attention during consultations, transparent communication about procedure options, a sense of safety and comfort within the facility, and results that look natural rather than overdone. With a 94% recommendation rate on Facebook from over 785 reviews, the practice's track record speaks for itself.

Patients frequently note that both Dr. Daniel Careaga and Dr. Ramos take the time to listen, answer questions thoroughly, and set realistic expectations—qualities that separate excellent surgeons from merely competent ones.

How to Choose the Right Surgeon for You

Even within an outstanding practice, selecting the right surgeon requires alignment between your goals and the surgeon's expertise. Use the following action plan:

1. Identify your primary concern — Are you focused on breast enhancement, body contouring, facial rejuvenation, or non-surgical treatments?
2. Verify board certification — Confirm ABPS certification through the official board directory at abplasticsurgery.org.
3. Review the photo gallery — Look at before-and-after images of patients with a similar body type and procedure to yours.
4. Schedule a consultation — A face-to-face meeting reveals communication style, listening skills, and whether the surgeon understands your vision.
5. Ask about the facility — Confirm accreditation (JCAHO or AAAASF), anesthesia protocols, and emergency preparedness procedures.
6. Evaluate the full team — The best outcomes come from coordinated care among surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and aesthetic specialists.
7. Trust your instincts — If you feel rushed, dismissed, or pressured during a consultation, that is valuable information.

Key Takeaways

• South Florida has hundreds of plastic surgeons, making credential verification and facility accreditation essential for patient safety.
• Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is the minimum standard; double board certification provides additional confidence.
• Careaga Plastic Surgery in Coral Gables was the first plastic surgical facility in South Florida to earn the JCAHO Gold Seal—the highest safety accreditation available.
• Dr. Daniel Careaga has performed over 8,000 procedures and holds double board certifications from both the ABPS and the American Board of Surgery.
• The practice's multi-surgeon model—featuring Dr. Daniel Careaga, Dr. Rafael Ramos, and Dr. Eduardo Careaga—provides subspecialty depth across breast, body, and facial procedures.
• Non-surgical options managed by specialist Reana Myers ensure patients receive the right treatment for their concern, whether or not surgery is warranted.
• A 94% recommendation rate across hundreds of Facebook reviews reflects consistent patient satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions