Dr. Steven R. Cohen

Dr. Steven R. Cohen is an internationally known plastic surgeon and the founder of FACES+ in San Diego. Dr. Cohen has been called “a master of face transformation and the most exquisite artist in the beauty world” by peers in his field.

Prominent Plastic Surgeon in San Diego

Dr. Cohen is responsible for developing several groundbreaking innovations in regenerative medicine. His holistic approach to face, breast, and body rejuvenation is ideal for discerning patients who seek an outcome that cannot be identified as the result of surgery.

Dr. Steven R. Cohen: A Leader in Aesthetic and Craniofacial Surgery

Dr. Steven R. Cohen’s career began with a solid foundation in general surgery, followed by a prestigious two-year fellowship in Cardiac Surgery at the National Institutes of Health. His journey into plastic surgery continued at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he found great personal satisfaction in treating children.

Dr. Cohen then pursued an advanced fellowship in Craniofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery under the mentorship of the legendary Dr. Henry Kawamoto at UCLA. This specialized training equipped Dr. Cohen with the advanced surgical techniques and artistic eye he now brings to his work in cosmetic and craniofacial surgery.

Education and Training

General Surgery: Trained in General Surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City.
General Surgery Residency: Dartmouth College
Fellowship in Cardiac Surgery: Completed a two-year fellowship at the National Institutes of Health.
Plastic Surgery Residency: Trained in Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Craniofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery Fellowship: Completed advanced fellowship with Dr. Henry Kawamoto at UCLA.

The Journey to Distinction in Plastic Surgery

Dr. Cohen’s professional journey includes leading roles in some of the most respected craniofacial programs in the country. From 1990 to 1993, he directed the Craniofacial Program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, establishing himself as a pioneering force in his field. His expertise was further recognized when he became Co-Director of the Center for Craniofacial Disorders at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta from 1993 to 1999, working alongside Dr. Carl Hartramph, a key figure in modern breast reconstruction.

In 1999, Dr. Cohen took on the role of Chief of Craniofacial Surgery and Surgical Director of the Craniofacial Center at Children’s Hospital of San Diego. During this time, he founded FACES+, a practice that has since become synonymous with excellence in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

FACES+: The Destination for Exquisite Transformations in San Diego

Dr. Cohen delivers a natural, refined, and elegant look, emphasizing safety and the most advanced surgical and regenerative techniques. His techniques ensure that there is no trace of an operation, preserving the privacy and confidence of his patients with exquisitely natural, transformative results.

Honors and Awards

Named one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons, 2024, Newsweek Magazine.
Chosen by his peers as one of the Best Plastic Surgeons, as reported in San Diego Magazine.
Recognized as one of the Best Doctors in San Diego by SD Metro Magazine in 2016.
Previously honored as one of the Best Plastic Surgeons in Atlanta by the Atlanta Journal and Constitution.
Cited as one of the nation’s Top Doctors by Best Doctors, Inc. from 2001 to 2016.
Recognized as one of the Top Doctors in America by Castle Connolly from 2002-present.
Selected as one of the Top Plastic Surgeons in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report in 2011.
Voted as “San Diego’s Best” Cosmetic Surgeon in 2008 by the San Diego Union-Tribune Readers Poll.

Innovations in Regenerative Medicine: Age-Reversing Technology

Lipocube

Dr. Steven R. Cohen is at the forefront of regenerative medicine, continuously pushing the boundaries of the possibilities in facial rejuvenation. One of his most groundbreaking innovations is the development of Lipocube, a revolutionary device he co-created with his colleagues. Lipocube processes fat to extract a highly concentrated number of stem cells that can be meticulously injected into the face to stimulate regeneration.

This advanced technique not only rejuvenates tissues but also significantly improves skin quality, offering results that are both natural and long-lasting. When combined with this fat transfer technique, the results of a facelift are far beyond the ordinary—rejuvenating the skin for a more youthful appearance as cells regenerate.

Injectable Tissue Replacement and Regeneration

Dr. Cohen’s holistic approach to facial aesthetics is not limited to surgical techniques; it extends deeply into the regenerative side of care. His unique regenerative facial fat grafting method, also known as Injectable Tissue Replacement and Regeneration, has demonstrated remarkable outcomes. Studies have shown an 80% improvement in facial volume retention two years post-procedure in patients under 55, far exceeding the typical 35% reported by others. This success is attributed to Dr. Cohen’s proprietary techniques and commitment to using the highest quality regenerative cells.

Exosomes

Dr. Cohen has been pioneering the use of exosomes in anti-aging treatments. His latest innovation involves creating exosomes from cord blood, which remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of a baby. The exosomes are then encapsulated in a liposome (a spherical artificial structure outside cells, often used for medication or nanoparticle delivery). This process has led to the term “hybrisomes.” This cutting-edge technology has shown remarkable results in clinical studies, with participants exhibiting not only a more youthful appearance but also significant cellular rejuvenation, actually aging in reverse, which some call the “Benjamin Button effect.”

Other Developments in Medical Science

Inventor of the first commercially distributed internal distraction system, the MID system (Stryker, Inc.).
Patent holder for the Macropore biodegradable distraction device.
Contributed to the development of several new surgical techniques in collaboration with
Macropore Biosurgery, Inc. and Stryker Leibinger, Inc.
Co-inventor of a new outpatient Biofilling kit with Tulip Medical.
Co-inventor of a closed system liposuction and automatic fat grafting device with Millenium Medical Technologies.
First in the world to treat neonates with Pierre Robin syndrome using distraction, a procedure that has become the preferred method to avoid tracheostomy in these infants.

Holistic Care: Reverse Aging at the Cellular Level

At FACES+, Dr. Cohen and his team are committed to offering holistic care that evolves with you over time. Their innovative practices are designed to improve appearance and reverse the aging process at the cellular level for long-term, youthful results.

Dr. Cohen’s vast experience and professional artistic sensibility continue to set the standard for aesthetic surgery, making FACES+ a premier destination for those seeking the most advanced and natural-looking results.

Educator

Dr. Steven R. Cohen is deeply engaged in advancing plastic surgery education through his role at the University of California, San Diego, where he serves as a Clinical Professor. He plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of surgeons by directing the Craniofacial Fellowship at Rady Children’s Hospital and UCSD. His commitment to education has been recognized twice, in 2001 and again in 2011, when he was honored as Teacher of the Year by the plastic surgery residents.

In 2009, Dr. Cohen broke new ground by establishing the UCSD/San Diego Multidisciplinary Aesthetic Fellowship, the first program in the United States. This innovative fellowship integrates expertise from leading specialists in Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery, and Oculoplastic Surgery, offering a comprehensive approach to aesthetic training.

Author and Inventor

Dr. Cohen is also a respected figure in the academic community, currently serving as the section editor for Fat Grafting and Stem Cells in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. His contributions to the field extend globally, particularly in treating children with facial deformities, where he is recognized as a pioneer in Regenerative Medicine. Among his many innovations, Dr. Cohen developed one of the earliest internal distraction systems, the MID system, and holds a patent for the Macropore biodegradable distraction device.

Artist

Beyond his medical achievements, Dr. Cohen is an accomplished entrepreneur and artist. His paintings, celebrated for their creativity and depth, are featured in numerous private collections across the United States, reflecting his multifaceted talent and passion for artistry.