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Cosmetic Surgery · Durham, NC/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Cosmetic Surgeons in Durham, NC

Finding the right cosmetic surgeon is crucial for your aesthetic goals. Here are the top picks in Durham to help you make an informed decision.

Editorially independent5 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceCARE Plastic Surgery
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 5 Durham-metro cosmetic surgery businesses evaluated, top 4 ranked by Vetted Score.

Cosmetic surgery can significantly impact your self-esteem and quality of life, making the choice of surgeon a critical one. In Durham, NC, exceptional cosmetic surgeons offer a range of procedures, from breast augmentations to facelifts, ensuring clients achieve their desired outcomes.

We evaluated five local cosmetic surgery providers based on their ratings, review counts, and patient feedback. Our goal is to present you with the best options, ensuring you have the information needed to make a confident decision.

5cosmetic surgeons evaluated in Durham
4.85average rating across the field
1.1Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does cosmetic surgery cost in Durham? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
Editor's Choice
96Score

CARE Plastic Surgery

★★★★★4.9(665 reviews)

With a stellar rating of 4.9 from 665 reviews, CARE Plastic Surgery is highly praised for its attentive staff and exceptional results.

Read full review
Best Value
94Score

Wake Plastic Surgery

★★★★★4.9(304 reviews)

Wake Plastic Surgery boasts a 4.9 rating based on 304 reviews, with clients praising their professionalism and results.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
91Score

Gunn Plastic Surgery Center

★★★★★4.9(153 reviews)

Gunn Plastic Surgery Center holds a 4.9 rating from 153 reviews.

Read full review

All 4, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
CARE Plastic Surgery
CARE Plastic Surgery
Editor's Choice
96Score
4.9★★★★★
665Comprehensive cosmetic procedures
2
94Score
4.9★★★★★
304Value and customer service
3
91Score
4.9★★★★★
153Facial cosmetic surgeries
4
78Score
4.7★★★★★
13Personalized experience
Methodology

How we evaluated all 5 cosmetic surgeons.

To determine the top cosmetic surgeons in Durham, we analyzed their Vetted Scores, focusing on both patient ratings and the volume of reviews. This ensures that our rankings reflect not only quality but also the experiences of a substantial number of clients.

We maintain transparency in our evaluations, with no business paying for placement. Our rankings are refreshed monthly to provide the most up-to-date information, ensuring you have access to the latest reviews and insights.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

CARE Plastic Surgery

★★★★★4.9(665 reviews)
96Score

With a stellar rating of 4.9 from 665 reviews, CARE Plastic Surgery is highly praised for its attentive staff and exceptional results. Reviewers highlight the personalized care and thorough consultations, making it a top choice for various cosmetic procedures. However, its popularity may lead to longer wait times for appointments.

Pros

  • Highly rated staff
  • Personalized care
  • Wide range of procedures

Cons

  • Potentially long wait times
  • Higher demand may affect availability
Best forComprehensive cosmetic procedures
Service areaDurham and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$5,000 to $10,000
2
Best Value

Wake Plastic Surgery

★★★★★4.9(304 reviews)
94Score

Wake Plastic Surgery boasts a 4.9 rating based on 304 reviews, with clients praising their professionalism and results. Many appreciate the transparent pricing and detailed explanations provided during consultations. However, the review count, while solid, is not as extensive as some competitors, making it a promising but unproven option. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is value and customer service. It serves Durham and Wake County, with $4,000 to $9,000 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are less extensive review base and fewer before-and-after photos.

Pros

  • Professional staff
  • Transparent pricing
  • Detailed consultations

Cons

  • Less extensive review base
  • Fewer before-and-after photos
Best forValue and customer service
Service areaDurham and Wake County
Typical pricing$4,000 to $9,000
3
Most Reviewed

Gunn Plastic Surgery Center

★★★★★4.9(153 reviews)
91Score

Gunn Plastic Surgery Center holds a 4.9 rating from 153 reviews. Patients commend the skilled team and their results, particularly in facial procedures. The center is well-regarded for its friendly atmosphere and patient-focused approach. However, it has a thinner review base compared to the top choices, leaving its overall consistency somewhat uncertain.

Pros

  • Skilled team
  • Friendly atmosphere
  • Good for facial procedures

Cons

  • Thinner review base
  • Limited range of body procedures
Best forFacial cosmetic surgeries
Service areaDurham and nearby areas
Typical pricing$3,500 to $8,500
4

Dr. Ronald E. Riefkohl, MD

★★★★★4.7(13 reviews)
78Score

Dr. Ronald E. Riefkohl, MD, has a rating of 4.7 from just 13 reviews. While patients appreciate the thoroughness and care during procedures, the limited review count makes it difficult to assess overall consistency. This provider might suit those seeking a more personalized experience, but the lack of extensive feedback is a potential drawback.

Pros

  • Thorough consultations
  • Personalized care

Cons

  • Limited review base
  • Fewer procedures offered
Best forPersonalized experience
Service areaDurham and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$4,000 to $7,000
Before you book

How to choose a cosmetic surgeon in Durham

Choosing the right cosmetic surgeon involves careful consideration of several factors. Here are some tips to guide your decision-making process.

Review Credentials

Check the surgeon's education, training, and board certification to ensure they are qualified.

Look for Experience

Consider how long the surgeon has been practicing and their specialization in the specific procedure you desire.

Read Patient Reviews

Patient feedback can provide valuable insights into the surgeon's skill, bedside manner, and overall satisfaction.

Consultation Availability

Choose a surgeon who offers an initial consultation to discuss your goals and address any concerns.

What it costs

What cosmetic surgery costs in Durham

The cost of cosmetic surgery in Durham can vary widely depending on the procedure and the surgeon's expertise. Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect to pay.

Breast Augmentation$5,000 to $10,000 depending on techniques and implants.
Facelift$7,000 to $15,000 based on complexity and surgeon experience.
Liposuction$3,000 to $8,000, varying by area treated and amount of fat removed.
Tummy Tuck$6,000 to $12,000, influenced by the extent of the procedure.

Frequently asked questions

How much does cosmetic surgery cost in Durham?

Costs vary widely based on the type of procedure, ranging from $3,000 to $15,000.

What should I look for in a cosmetic surgeon?

Look for qualifications, experience, patient reviews, and availability for consultations.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Durham residents: CARE Plastic Surgery

For those seeking top-notch cosmetic surgery in Durham, CARE Plastic Surgery stands out with its exceptional ratings and extensive reviews. Following closely are Wake Plastic Surgery, known for its value, and Gunn Plastic Surgery Center, praised for its facial procedures.