A Surgical Career Built on Skill, Integrity, and Heart

Dr. Criswell is a board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons with more than two decades of surgical experience and a long-standing commitment to excellence. His reputation for “quiet confidence” reflects his calm, thoughtful, and meticulous approach to patient care, an approach shaped by his Texas roots and early inspiration from his physician grandfather.

About Dr. Bryan Criswell’s Roots

Born in the small town of Ranger, Texas, Dr. Bryan Criswell grew up watching his grandfather practice medicine. He saw his grandfather make a positive difference in patients’ lives, and from an early age knew he wanted to pursue medicine in order to help others.

Largely because of his upbringing, Dr. Criswell has dedicated his medical career to helping others through his plastic surgery practice. His patients and colleagues comment on his “quiet confidence,” describing his gentle and affable nature that fosters a comfortable, relaxed doctor-patient relationship.

Better Together:
How Partnership Elevates Every Patient Experience

Education & Surgical Training

Dr. Criswell’s training spans some of the country’s leading surgical programs:

Plastic Surgery Residency

  • University of Illinois at Chicago – Division of Plastic, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery (2003–2006)

General Surgery Residency & Leadership Roles

  • Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY – General Surgery Residency (1999–2003)
  • Administrative Chief Resident
  • Instructor, Advanced Trauma & Life Support (ATLS)

General Surgery Internship

  • Brown University, Providence, RI – (1998–1999)

Medical School

  • University of New Mexico School of Medicine – M.D., Honors in Research (1994–1998)

Undergraduate Education

  • Texas Christian University – B.A. in Biology & Psychology, Cum Laude (1988–1992)

Professional Experience

  • Medical Director (2012–present)
    - Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery Center
    - AAAASF-certified Ambulatory Surgery Center, Charlotte, NC
  • Plastic, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgeon (2008–present)
    - Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery, Charlotte, NC
  • Plastic, Reconstructive, Cosmetic & Hand Surgery (2006–2008)
    - Holy Cross Hospital, Chicago, IL
Background media
Doctor media

Where Art and Science Come Together

Long before beginning his medical career, Dr. Criswell explored technically demanding artistic pursuits, including classical and flamenco guitar and detailed pen-and-ink drawing. These artistic skills sharpened his precision, spatial awareness, and ability to envision balanced aesthetic outcomes. He brings this dual lens of science and artistry to every cosmetic and reconstructive procedure he performs.

It is important to add an artistic quality to the field of surgery. Plastic surgery is a highly technical and exact science, but ultimately it involves meticulous, artistic technique.

Dr. Bryan Criswell

Hospital Appointments & Affiliations

  • Carolinas Medical Center, Associate, Department of Surgical Specialties, Section of Plastic Surgery
  • Carolinas Medical Center Mercy, Associate, Department of Surgical Specialties, Section of Plastic Surgery
  • Presbyterian Novant Charlotte, Division of Plastic Surgery
  • Presbyterian Novant Matthews, Division of Plastic Surgery
  • Ballantyne Surgery Center, Presbyterian Novant, Division of Plastic Surgery
Background media

In the Clinic

In his practice, Dr. Criswell offers a complete range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures. He performs up-to-date non-surgical procedures, minimally invasive procedures, and more invasive procedures, personalizing every procedure to the individual. He understands that each of his patients has different needs, desires, and goals, and he tailors his practice to cater to every patient.

Outside the Clinic

Dr. Criswell and his wife, Dr. Kara Criswell, live in the SouthPark area with their sons, Jack and Wyatt, and their three beloved dogs—Ozzy, Otis, and Tallulah. Outside of work, he enjoys mountain biking, flamenco guitar, drawing, rock climbing, and exploring Charlotte’s restaurant scene. He is fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Criswell is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, which is a recognition that only goes to the top 7% of all US Board Certified Physicians.

Board Certifications & Licenses

Dr. Criswell is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and licensed by the North Carolina Medical Board.

Kappa Alpha Theta Logo

NABS Logo

North Carolina Medical Society Logo

American Society of Plastic Surgeons Logo

AA OMS Logo

American Board of Plastic Surgery Logo

Woman Surgeons Logo

FACS Logo

American College Of Surgeons Logo

Schedule A Consultation

Contact Us
Contact us media

Top 5 Questions to Ask your Plastic Surgeon During your Consultation

Specialty Training & Advanced Skills

  • Dr. Criswell has completed extensive hands-on training in:
  • Ellacor
  • Stem Cell Harvest
  • PRP and PRP Gel
  • Sciton Joule / Halo
  • SculpSure
  • Maxillofacial Surgery (American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeon
  • BAHA and Osseointegrated Implants
  • Injectables: Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, Letybo, Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, Kybella, Sculptra
  • Breast Implant Systems: Allergan, Mentor, Sientra, Motiva
  • Alloderm and Soft-Tissue Matrices
  • Endotine (Coapt Systems)
Banner media

Community Involvement

  • Dr. Criswell is committed to community service throughout the Charlotte region through:
  • Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
  • Ballantyne Rally for the Cure
  • Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center
  • Carolina Breast Friends
  • Safe Alliance
  • Second Harvest Food Bank
Background media

Named Top Doctor by Charlotte Magazine

Top Doctors 2023

Top doctors media

Dr. Bryan Criswell has been named by Charlotte Magazine as Top Doctor 2023

Read More

Top Doctors 2022

Top doctors media

Dr. Bryan Criswell has been named by Charlotte Magazine as Top Doctor 2022

Read More

Top Doctors 2021

Top doctors media

Dr. Bryan Criswell has been named by Charlotte Magazine as Top Doctor 2021

Read More

Top Doctors 2018

Top doctors media

Dr. Bryan Criswell has been nominated by Charlotte Magazine as Top Doctor 2018

Read More

Top Doctors 2017

Top doctors media

Dr. Bryan Criswell has been nominated by Charlotte Magazine as Top Doctor 2018

Read More

Get Started with Us Today

Begin your transformation with confidence, care, and expertise.

Contact Us
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 704-424-5050.
Contact Us