Dr. Kara Kane Criswell in Charlotte, NC

As one of the few female plastic surgeons in the region and a Charlotte Magazine Top Doctor, Dr. Kara Kane Criswell serves as Chair of Plastic Surgery for Novant Health, bringing over 20 years of surgical experience.

Kara Criswell leaning her arm on the front desk

Turning Passion Into Life-Changing Skills

Dr. Kara Kane Criswell’s admiration and understanding of specialized medical fields led her to pursue a career in surgery. Dr. Criswell’s love of her profession fosters a positive and pleasant environment. As one of the few female plastic surgeons in the country and a Charlotte magazine Top Doctor, Dr. Criswell offers her patients a uniquely feminine perspective. Her sensitivity and warmth promote the development of an open and relaxed relationship with her patients.

Dr. Kara Kane Criswell received her college degree with a major in both studio art and biology with a pre-medical emphasis. She then attended medical school, followed by five years of general surgery training. Dr. Criswell then completed a plastic surgery fellowship dedicated to both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

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Education & Surgical Training

Dr. Criswell’s training spans top institutions and more than a decade of advanced surgical education:

Plastic Surgery Fellowship

University of Illinois at Chicago – Division of Plastic, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery (2005–2008)

General Surgery Training

Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine – PGY-4 & PGY-5 (2003–2005)
Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY – PGY-1 through PGY-3 (2000–2003)

Medical Education

New York Medical College / Mount Vernon Hospital – Fifth Pathway, Honors (1999–2000)Universidad
Autónoma de Guadalajara – M.D., Honors in Surgery (1995–1999)

Undergraduate Studies

Colgate University – B.A. in Biology and B.A. in Studio Art
Tufts University – Biology studies (1993–1995)

Board Certifications & Professional Licensure

American Board of Plastic Surgery – Board Certified (2009–present)
Licensed Physician & Surgeon – State of North Carolina

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In the Surgery Center

In her practice, Dr. Criswell offers a comprehensive range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures. She performs state-of-the-art surgical and non-surgical procedures, personalizing every treatment to the individual. She understands that each of her patients has different needs, desires, and goals, and she tailors her practice to cater to every patient.

In the Community

Dr. Criswell has served as the Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Novant in Charlotte, NC, since 2011. She is active in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery and is a leader in the community, volunteering with Charlotte Breast Friends and serving as Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Criswell is a strong advocate for breast cancer patients and survivors.

The field of plastic surgery provides the perfect combination of my two passions, surgery and art.

Dr. Kara Kane Criswell

Where Surgical Skill Meets Artistic Vision

Long before she became a surgeon, Dr. Criswell was an artist specializing in portraiture. This early foundation sharpened her attention to detail, shaping the meticulous approach she brings to every procedure. Plastic surgery became the perfect intersection of her dual passions: art and medicine. As a practice owner and co-founder of Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery, she offers a full range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures with a focus on individualized care.

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 Matthews, Division of Plastic Surgery
Ballantyne Surgery Center, Presbyterian Novant, Division of Plastic Surgery
Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery, Presbyterian Novant Charlotte since 2011

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.

Research, Publications & Academic Contributions

Dr. Criswell has authored book chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, and research projects in craniofacial surgery, burns, reconstructive surgery, and congenital conditions. Her work appears in:

Principles and Practice of Pediatric Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery Secrets
American Journal of Surgery
eMedicine
Irwin & Rippe’s Manual of Intensive Care Medicine

She has presented nationally on topics including facial shape analysis, burn care, trauma surgery, pilonidal reconstruction, and free-flap techniques.

Named Top Doctor by Charlotte Magazine

Top Doctors 2023

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

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

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

Dr. Kara Criswell has been nominated by Charlotte Magazine as Top Doctor 2020

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

American College of Surgeons – Fellow (FACS)
American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Active Member (2005–present)
American Board of Plastic Surgery – Fellow
Association of Women Surgeons – Member

North Carolina Medical Society
Former American Medical Association member
Former Associate Fellow, American College of Surgeons

Community Involvement

Dr. Criswell is deeply committed to community service, with ongoing involvement in:

Carolina Breast Friends
Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Wine, Women & Shoes – Second Harvest Food Bank
Safe Alliance
Criswell Cares
Young Men’s Service League
Past volunteer work with Operation Smile and Cruz Roja (Mexico)

Her advocacy for breast cancer patients and survivors is central to her mission.

Outside of the OR

Dr. Criswell and her husband, Dr. Bryan Criswell, live in the SouthPark area of Charlotte, North Carolina, with their sons, Jack and Wyatt. The four of them like to take walks together with their three dogs, an English Mastiff, Ozzy, and two English Bulldogs, Otis and Tallulah.

They also love to enjoy the many great Charlotte restaurants. Her other hobbies include rock climbing, scuba diving, and sculpting.

Dr. Kara Kane Criswell in Charlotte, NC

Turning Passion Into Life-Changing Skills

Better Together:
How Partnership Elevates Every Patient Experience