South Florida draws patients from across the globe for cosmetic procedures, but not every practice delivers the same level of safety, skill, and patient satisfaction. Instead of relying on flashy marketing, use the seven criteria below to identify a truly elite provider—and see how Careaga Plastic Surgery in Coral Gables measures up on every count.
7 Non-Negotiable Criteria for Choosing a Top Plastic Surgeon
1. Double Board Certification
A single board certification is good; double certification raises the bar. Look for surgeons certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. This combination confirms mastery of general surgical principles alongside specialized cosmetic training.
Careaga checkpoint: Dr. Daniel Careaga holds double board certifications by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, a distinction that separates him from many competitors in South Florida.
2. Facility Accreditation Beyond the Minimum
Florida law requires outpatient surgery centers to meet baseline standards, but leading practices go further. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) Gold Seal is one of the most stringent accreditation programs in the healthcare industry—and far fewer cosmetic surgery offices hold it.
Careaga checkpoint: Careaga Plastic Surgery holds the coveted Gold Seal from the Joint Commission (JCAHO), demonstrating a commitment to patient safety that exceeds standard regulatory requirements.
3. Verified High-Volume Experience
Surgical outcomes improve with volume. Ask any prospective surgeon how many total procedures they have performed and what percentage are in your area of interest.
Careaga checkpoint: With over 10,000 successful aesthetic operations completed, Dr. Careaga brings a depth of hands-on experience that few South Florida surgeons can match. His specialties include breast augmentation, tummy tuck, body contouring, and facial rejuvenation.
4. Multi-Platform Patient Reviews
A single glowing testimonial means little. Cross-reference ratings on RealSelf, Healthgrades, WebMD, Google, and Yelp. Consistency across platforms signals genuine patient satisfaction rather than curated marketing.
Careaga checkpoint: Dr. Careaga maintains a 4.5-star rating on RealSelf across more than 125 verified reviews, a 4.4 out of 5 on RateMDs, and a near-perfect likelihood-of-recommendation score on Healthgrades. He has also been voted among the top five plastic surgeons in Florida by patients and peers for five consecutive years.
5. A Dedicated Non-Surgical and MedSpa Team
The best aesthetic outcomes often combine surgical precision with non-surgical maintenance. Practices that employ full-time injectable specialists, laser technicians, and physician assistants under one roof can deliver a seamless, long-term care plan.
Careaga checkpoint: Non-surgical specialist Reana Myers, MMS, PA-C, has spent over a decade in the medical field perfecting injectables, laser treatments, radiofrequency skin tightening, and non-surgical body contouring—all available at the same Coral Gables location.
6. Advanced Imaging and Technology
Modern consultations should go beyond a hand mirror. Three-dimensional imaging tools allow patients to visualize potential outcomes before surgery, setting realistic expectations and reducing revision rates.
Careaga checkpoint: The practice uses Crisalix, an advanced 3D imaging and simulation tool that creates a realistic three-dimensional model of a patient's anatomy so the surgeon can demonstrate potential outcomes during the consultation.
7. Hospital Affiliations and Emergency Preparedness
Confirm that your surgeon has active admitting privileges at accredited hospitals. This ensures they have been vetted by hospital credentialing committees and can manage any complication that requires inpatient care.
Careaga checkpoint: Dr. Careaga holds clinical appointments at Baptist Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Coral Gables Hospital, Mercy Hospital, and Doctors Hospital—five of the most respected facilities in Miami-Dade County.
Inside the Careaga Plastic Surgery Team
What makes a practice truly stand out is the cohesion of its clinical team. Dr. Daniel Careaga founded Careaga Plastic Surgery in 2012 after completing residencies in general surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and plastic surgery at Wayne State University. His academic foundation includes a Microbiology and Immunology degree from the University of Miami Honors College and a medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine.
Alongside Dr. Careaga, the practice includes Dr. Paul D. Durand, a board-certified, Cleveland Clinic-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon who brings additional expertise in facial and body procedures. Together, the surgical team is supported by physician assistants, patient coordinators, and a dedicated MedSpa staff—creating what patients consistently describe as a luxury atmosphere paired with clinical rigor.
Key Takeaways
- Always verify double board certification—Dr. Careaga is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
- Demand JCAHO-level accreditation; Careaga Plastic Surgery holds the Gold Seal.
- Cross-check reviews on multiple platforms; Careaga maintains high ratings on RealSelf, Healthgrades, RateMDs, and WebMD.
- Look for integrated surgical and non-surgical services under one roof.
- Confirm hospital affiliations; Dr. Careaga holds privileges at five major Miami hospitals.
- Choose a surgeon with verified high-volume experience—over 10,000 procedures in Dr. Careaga's case.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What board certifications should a top South Florida plastic surgeon hold?
- At a minimum, certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Elite surgeons like Dr. Daniel Careaga also carry certification from the American Board of Surgery, demonstrating competence across both general and plastic surgical disciplines.
- Is Careaga Plastic Surgery accredited?
- Yes. The practice holds the JCAHO Gold Seal, one of the most rigorous healthcare accreditation standards in the United States.
- How many procedures has Dr. Careaga performed?
- Dr. Careaga has completed more than 10,000 successful aesthetic operations, specializing in breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, body contouring, and facial rejuvenation.
- Where is Careaga Plastic Surgery located?
- The practice is located at 220 Alhambra Circle, First Floor, Coral Gables, FL 33134—in the heart of the Miami metropolitan area.
- Does the practice offer non-surgical treatments?
- Yes. Reana Myers, MMS, PA-C, leads the non-surgical program, offering injectables, dermal fillers, neuromodulators, laser treatments, radiofrequency skin tightening, and non-surgical body contouring.
- Can out-of-town patients receive care at Careaga Plastic Surgery?
- Absolutely. The practice offers virtual consultations and has a dedicated process for traveling patients coming from out of state or internationally.