Merit Over Marketing
In an era where "Top Doctor" accolades are often synonymous with paid advertisements or social media follower counts, true clinical excellence can be difficult to find. At Charlotte Plastic Surgery, we believe that the most meaningful endorsement doesn't come from a billboard, but from the colleagues who see our work in the operating room every day.
What is Castle Connolly?
Castle Connolly is a premier healthcare research firm that identifies the top 7% of all board-certified physicians in the United States through a rigorous, peer-nominated vetting process. Unlike pay-to-play lists, doctors cannot pay to be included. They must be nominated by other physicians and screened by a physician-led research team.
Castle Connolly Top Doctor award system at a glance:
| What They Look For | Detail |
| Selection Basis | Peer Nomination & Clinical Excellence |
| National Reach | Top 7% of U.S. Physicians |
| Verification | Medical school, residency, & disciplinary history |
| Integrity | 100% merit-based; no paid inclusions |
The "Top Doctor" Class of 2026
While many practices and practicing doctors celebrate a single award-winner, having our entire Charlotte Plastic Surgery surgical team recognized simultaneously is proof of our unified standard of care. Here is a closer look at our 2026 honorees and the specific medical procedures where their peers recognize their leadership.
Ashley R. Chandler, M.D.
Inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society as the top graduate of her medical school class, Dr. Chandler completed a six-year integrated residency in New York. She further specialized through an Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery Fellowship, cementing her reputation for excellence in complex restorative surgery.
J. Walter Dutton, M.D.
Inducted into the Top Doctors list after establishing a reputation for technical precision, Dr. Dutton completed his plastic surgery residency at the renowned Emory University program. He further refined his expertise through an Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, where he focused exclusively on advanced facial rejuvenation and restorative techniques.
Stephan J. Finical, M.D.
Dr. Finical’s status is anchored in a deep academic history, having served on the Faculty at the Mayo Clinic and as a teacher of the year. A graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine, he is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society and the Rhinoplasty Society—an elite group of just 150 surgeons worldwide.
Theodore T. Nyame, M.D.
A Harvard-educated and Harvard-trained board-certified surgeon, Dr. Nyame graduated at the top of his class at Cornell University before attending Harvard Medical School. His international reputation is built on a legacy of medical missions and research leadership, spanning from the United States to Australia.
Jack F. Scheuer III, M.D.
Recognized for five consecutive years, Dr. Scheuer’s pedigree includes training at UT Southwestern, consistently ranked as one of the top plastic surgery programs in the country. Following his residency, he completed a prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at the Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital in New York City.
Signature Procedures in Charlotte
At Charlotte Plastic Surgery, our collective expertise allows us to provide a tier of care that is rare among private physician practices. Our facility is designed to support the most sophisticated medical procedures in the field, with a focus on results that are anatomically precise and biologically sound.
- Comprehensive Breast Rejuvenation: Whether elevating the bustline through a Mastopexy (Breast Lift), restoring lost volume with a Breast Augmentation, or combining both into an Augmentation-Mastopexy for simultaneous lift and fullness, our surgeons utilize 3D VECTRA technology to ensure a proportionate, elegant result.
- Deep Plane & SMAS Facial Rejuvenation: We specialize in techniques that address the deep structural layers of the face, avoiding the tension of traditional "skin-only" lifts to ensure natural movement and longevity.
- The "Mommy Maker" Protocol: This is a highly tailored combination of breast rejuvenation and circumferential abdominoplasty (Body Lift) designed to restore the silhouette after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
- Autologous Fat Grafting: Utilizing advanced regenerative techniques, we perform fat grafting to the hips and breasts to provide volume and contouring using a patient’s own biological tissue.
- Complex Rhinoplasty: Our surgeons are sought after for both primary and revision rhinoplasty, as well as "Liquid Rhinoplasty" for patients seeking a non-surgical correction or a surgical preview.
Restoring Trust Through Clinical Care
As trust in the broader healthcare system erodes, the difficulty of finding the right physician has become a critical barrier to care. Research conducted in 2025 indicates that nearly half of consumers delayed or avoided medical care in the past year due to frustration with the healthcare system and a lack of trust in providers. This is precisely why Castle Connolly Top Doctors status is vital for patient behavior; it provides a vetted professional reputation that bypasses marketing noise.
Choosing the right doctor is one of the most important decisions you can make, particularly for elective, specific medical procedures where precision directly impacts health outcomes. Unlike general physician practices or health systems that list all practicing doctors, the Castle Connolly list is entirely merit-based. This ensures that healthcare institutions like Charlotte Plastic Surgery are recognized for outstanding accomplishments and clinical excellence, helping patients navigate their health and wellness with confidence.
The Weight of a Castle Connolly Peer Nomination
The foundation of the Castle Connolly Top Doctor status is a simple yet profound question: "As a doctor, where would you go if you or your family needed care?" Every year, tens of thousands of physicians across the country participate in a confidential survey. This provides an insider’s view of professional reputation and clinical care that patient reviews alone cannot capture.
Finding the right doctor in a growing metro area like Charlotte, NC, is a significant challenge for patients. While bedside manner is essential, the technical precision required for complex aesthetic surgery is a matter of safety and outcomes. Research shows that nearly 65% of consumers report that a Top Doctor designation is an influential factor in their choice, helping to restore trust in an uncertain healthcare environment.
Exceptional Patient Care From Top Doctors in Charlotte
Having all five of our surgeons recognized simultaneously is a rare accomplishment even among elite physician practices. It confirms that whether you are seeking a surgical lift or a regenerative body procedure, you are receiving high-quality care that is respected nationally.
This merit-based recognition is a promise to our Charlotte patients that we will continue to provide exceptional patient care backed by a vetted professional reputation.
