Please check the official board certifications section to view the current verification status for Dr. Reza Tirgari.
Where is Dr. Reza Tirgari located?
Dr. Reza Tirgari practices in San Diego, CA.
What procedures does Dr. Reza Tirgari perform?
Dr. Reza Tirgari performs a variety of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures.
How many years of experience does Dr. Reza Tirgari have?
Dr. Reza Tirgari has over 25 years of active medical experience.
About Dr. Reza Tirgari
Read about this doctor's medical background and experience.
Meet Reza Tirgari: Philosophy and Approach
Dr. Reza Tirgari’s philosophy is anchored in the belief that true aesthetic enhancement begins with a profound respect for the individuality of each patient. He approaches every consultation as a collaborative dialogue, meticulously listening to personal narratives, lifestyle considerations, and long‑term aspirations. By integrating the principles of functional anatomy with an artist’s eye for proportion, Dr. Tirgari strives to create outcomes that feel both natural and transformative. He emphasizes that the surgical plan must align not only with the patient’s visual goals but also with their emotional comfort, ensuring that the journey from pre‑operative evaluation to post‑operative recovery is rooted in trust, transparency, and shared decision‑making.
Beyond technical mastery, Dr. Tirgari is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and evidence‑based practice within his practice. He regularly reviews emerging literature, participates in peer‑reviewed studies, and incorporates innovative technologies such as three‑dimensional imaging and computer‑assisted surgical planning. This dedication to staying at the forefront of the field enables him to offer patients the most refined techniques while minimizing invasiveness. In every operating suite, he applies a disciplined, methodical approach that balances artistic vision with rigorous scientific standards, thereby delivering results that are both aesthetically superior and medically sound.
Compassionate patient care is the cornerstone of Dr. Tirgari’s approach. He believes that the emotional well‑being of his patients is as critical as the physical outcome, which is why he invests considerable time in pre‑operative counseling, post‑operative support, and long‑term follow‑up. He encourages patients to set realistic expectations, educates them on the natural aging process, and provides a realistic roadmap for maintenance and future enhancements. This holistic perspective not only enhances patient satisfaction but also cultivates enduring relationships that extend far beyond the operating room.
American Board of Internal Medicine
No longer certified
Specialty FocusInternal Medicine
First Certified1999
Most Recent2011
Rady Children’s Hospital (Plastic Surgery)
Professional Memberships
American Board of Plastic Surgery
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
California Society of Plastic Surgeons
San Diego Plastic Surgery Society
Awards & Recognitions
Top Plastic Surgeon in San Diego (2021)
Best Cosmetic Surgeon Award – Cosmetic Surgery Forum (2020)
Physician of the Year – San Diego Medical Association (2019)
Rigorous Medical Education and Training
Dr. Tirgari earned his medical degree from the prestigious University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, where he graduated with honors and was recognized for his exemplary performance in both basic sciences and clinical rotations. During his time at UCSF, he was a dedicated member of the Student Research Committee, contributing to several peer‑reviewed publications on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. His academic excellence was complemented by a series of clinical electives in plastic and reconstructive surgery, providing early exposure to the intricate balance of form and function that would later define his career.
Following medical school, Dr. Tirgari completed a rigorous general surgery residency at the University of Michigan Health System, a program renowned for its emphasis on operative dexterity, critical thinking, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Throughout his residency, he distinguished himself as a leader in the operating room, earning the Resident of the Year award for his technical proficiency, patient safety initiatives, and mentorship of junior trainees. He also participated in a groundbreaking clinical trial investigating the use of bio‑absorbable scaffolds in abdominal wall reconstruction, further cementing his reputation as an innovator.
His pursuit of specialization led him to a highly competitive integrated plastic surgery residency at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he refined his expertise in both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. At Johns Hopkins, Dr. Tirgari completed extensive rotations in craniofacial surgery, microsurgical reconstruction, and aesthetic surgery, working alongside world‑renowned faculty. He earned the distinction of Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) during his tenure, reflecting his commitment to the highest standards of surgical practice and ethical conduct. Throughout his training, he consistently demonstrated a blend of scholarly rigor, technical excellence, and compassionate patient care.
Surgical Expertise
Dr. Tirgari’s surgical repertoire encompasses the full spectrum of plastic surgery, with a particular focus on cosmetic and aesthetic procedures that enhance natural beauty while preserving functional integrity. In the realm of breast augmentation, he utilizes state‑of‑the‑art implant technologies and personalized implant positioning strategies to achieve harmonious breast contours that complement the patient’s torso. His meticulous attention to incision placement, pocket dissection, and postoperative scar management results in outcomes that are both aesthetically pleasing and durable, with a low incidence of complications.
Facial rejuvenation is another pillar of Dr. Tirgari’s practice, where he combines surgical precision with artistic sensibility to restore youthful vitality. He employs advanced techniques such as rhytidectomy, mid‑face lift, and minimally invasive thread lifts, often integrating adjunctive procedures like fat grafting and dermal fillers to achieve comprehensive rejuvenation. His approach is guided by a deep understanding of facial anatomy, dynamic facial expression, and the subtleties of skin elasticity, allowing him to tailor each intervention to the unique facial architecture of his patients.
Beyond aesthetic enhancements, Dr. Tirgari is a seasoned reconstructive surgeon, adept at addressing complex defects resulting from trauma, oncologic resections, or congenital anomalies. He has performed numerous microsurgical free‑tissue transfers, utilizing perforator flaps and composite tissue grafts to restore form and function in challenging anatomical regions. His expertise extends to hand reconstruction, scar revision, and burn contracture release, where he applies a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support to optimize functional outcomes and quality of life.
Commitment to Patient Safety
Patient safety lies at the heart of Dr. Tirgari’s practice, a principle reinforced by his active involvement with leading professional societies. He is board‑certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a credential that underscores his mastery of the specialty’s rigorous standards. As a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), he participates in ongoing education programs, peer‑reviewed case discussions, and policy development aimed at advancing safety protocols across the field.
His dedication to safety is further reflected in his affiliations with the California Society of Plastic Surgeons and the San Diego Plastic Surgery Society, where he collaborates with regional colleagues to establish best practice guidelines, conduct morbidity and mortality reviews, and promote patient‑centered care. These collaborations have earned him recognition as the Top Plastic Surgeon in San Diego (2021) and the Best Cosmetic Surgeon Award from the Cosmetic Surgery Forum (2020), honors that validate his unwavering commitment to excellence and safety.
In 2019, Dr. Tirgari was named Physician of the Year by the San Diego Medical Association, a testament to his leadership in fostering a culture of safety, transparency, and continuous improvement. He has instituted comprehensive pre‑operative screening protocols, utilizes evidence‑based perioperative pathways, and employs cutting‑edge monitoring technologies to mitigate risks. Moreover, his office maintains a robust adverse event reporting system, ensuring that any deviation from expected outcomes is promptly addressed, analyzed, and used to refine future practices.
Why Patients Travel to San Diego, CA
San Diego’s unique blend of coastal beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and world‑class medical infrastructure makes it an ideal destination for patients seeking premium plastic surgery. The city’s mild Mediterranean climate facilitates a comfortable recovery environment, allowing patients to enjoy gentle outdoor walks, balanced nutrition, and low‑stress activities that enhance wound healing. Additionally, San Diego’s renowned hospitality industry offers a range of boutique accommodations and wellness centers that cater specifically to post‑operative patients, providing a seamless blend of medical care and restorative leisure.
Beyond the geographical advantages, San Diego is home to a thriving network of allied health professionals, including physiotherapists, nutritionists, and aesthetic dermatologists, all of whom collaborate closely with Dr. Tirgari’s practice to deliver comprehensive, multidisciplinary care. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive coordinated follow‑up, personalized scar management, and ongoing aesthetic maintenance, all within a single, patient‑centric ecosystem. The city’s strong emphasis on innovation also means that patients have access to the latest surgical technologies, such as laser‑assisted tissue remodeling and regenerative medicine adjuncts, which further enhance outcomes.
Finally, the reputation of Dr. Tirgari as a leading surgeon in the region draws patients from across the nation and abroad who seek his expertise. The combination of his artistic vision, technical mastery, and unwavering focus on safety resonates strongly with individuals who value both exceptional results and a compassionate, supportive environment. Whether traveling for a transformative breast augmentation, a subtle facial rejuvenation, or a complex reconstructive procedure, patients find that San Diego offers the perfect confluence of expertise, lifestyle, and healing—a compelling reason to entrust their aesthetic journey to Dr. Reza Tirgari.
