Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
November 10, 2026
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon Craig Lehrman, MD Named 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor
TLDR
- Dr. Craig Lehrman of Athēnix in Scottsdale joins the top 7 percent of physicians as a four-time Castle Connolly Top Doctor.
- Castle Connolly selects Top Doctors through peer nominations and research on education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary history.
- Dr. Lehrman's fourth Castle Connolly honor reflects his commitment to individualized care that helps patients feel natural and confident.
- Only 7 percent of licensed U.S. physicians receive Castle Connolly Top Doctor recognition each year, and doctors cannot pay for it.
Impact - Why it Matters
The Castle Connolly Top Doctor designation is one of the most trusted markers of clinical excellence in American medicine, and Dr. Lehrman's fourth selection signals sustained peer recognition rather than a one-time honor. For patients considering aesthetic or reconstructive surgery, this distinction offers an independent, physician-vetted signal of quality that cannot be purchased—Castle Connolly explicitly bars doctors from paying for inclusion. In a field where outcomes depend heavily on surgeon skill, training, and judgment, such validation helps patients make more informed choices. Dr. Lehrman's recognition also reflects the broader reputational strength of the Scottsdale medical community as a destination for advanced plastic surgery. His fellowship training, research contributions, and broad procedural range—from facial rejuvenation to complex body contouring—further underscore the depth of expertise behind the award. For anyone weighing surgical options, this news matters because it highlights a surgeon whose peers have repeatedly identified him among the top 7 percent in his specialty.
Summary
Craig Lehrman, MD, a plastic surgeon with Athēnix Advanced Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Centers in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been named a 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor—his fourth time receiving the honor. Only 7 percent of licensed U.S. physicians are selected annually as Castle Connolly Top Doctors for their specialties in their regions. The recognition is peer-nominated and physician-led, and doctors cannot pay to be selected.
Dr. Lehrman called the designation especially meaningful because it reflects the trust of both peers and patients. He emphasized his commitment to thoughtful, individualized care and natural-looking results. At Athēnix Advanced Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Centers, he evaluates and treats a broad range of aesthetic and reconstructive conditions, including facial rejuvenation, body contouring, breast surgery, and post-weight-loss body reshaping.
Key procedures include Facelift, Neck Lift, Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery), Brow Lift, Facial Fat Transfer, Lip Augmentation, Lip Flip, Breast Augmentation (including Motiva® implants), Natural Fat Transfer to Breasts, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction, Explant of Implants (Breast Implant Removal), Tummy Tuck, Extended Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, Surgical Body Contouring, Mommy Makeover, Body Lift, Arm Lift, and Thigh Lift. Dr. Lehrman earned his medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and completed integrated residency training in general surgery and plastic surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center, followed by specialized fellowship training in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. He has contributed to peer-reviewed publications, participated in clinical research, and held memberships in leading national plastic surgery societies. Athēnix Advanced Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Centers offers on-site consultation rooms, modern treatment suites, and specialized clinical staff focused on supporting patient care through recovery.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon Craig Lehrman, MD Named 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor
