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Your surgery readiness
A personalized preparation checklist
Questions to ask your surgeon
A step-by-step surgery timeline
Experience & Professional Background
Education & Training
M.D., Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Residency in Plastic Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Fellowship in Craniofacial Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital
Clinical Specialties
Plastic SurgeryPediatric Craniofacial SurgeryCraniomaxillofacial SurgeryOculoplastic Surgery
Hospital Privileges
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Vanderbilt Children's Hospital
Nashville General Hospital
TriStar Centennial Medical Center
Questions About Dr. Kevin J Kelly
Is Dr. Kevin J Kelly board certified?
Yes, Dr. Kevin J Kelly is a board-certified plastic surgeon verified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Where is Dr. Kevin J Kelly located?
Dr. Kevin J Kelly practices in Nashville, TN.
What procedures does Dr. Kevin J Kelly perform?
Dr. Kevin J Kelly performs a variety of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures.
How many years of experience does Dr. Kevin J Kelly have?
Dr. Kevin J Kelly has over 44 years of active medical experience.
About Dr. Kevin J Kelly
Read about this doctor's medical background and experience.
Meet Kevin J Kelly: Philosophy and Approach
Dr. Kevin J. Kelly approaches plastic surgery as an art form grounded in rigorous science, believing that the most transformative outcomes arise when technical precision meets a deep understanding of each patient’s personal narrative. From his earliest days observing the interplay of form, function, and self‑perception, he has cultivated a philosophy that treats every procedure as a collaborative partnership, wherein the surgeon’s expertise amplifies the patient’s own vision of beauty and confidence. This patient‑centered mindset drives him to spend extensive time in pre‑operative consultations, listening attentively to concerns, aspirations, and lifestyle factors that shape the desired aesthetic, thereby ensuring that the surgical plan is both realistic and deeply personalized.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Kelly emphasizes continuity of care, integrating a holistic framework that spans pre‑operative preparation, meticulous intra‑operative technique, and comprehensive post‑operative support. He leverages cutting‑edge imaging technologies, three‑dimensional modeling, and virtual simulations to help patients visualize potential outcomes, reducing uncertainty and fostering informed consent. By marrying these advanced tools with a compassionate bedside manner, he creates an environment where patients feel empowered, respected, and fully engaged in the decision‑making process, which he believes is essential for achieving lasting satisfaction.
Innovation, integrity, and education constitute the pillars of Dr. Kelly’s practice. He routinely contributes to peer‑reviewed journals, presents at national conferences, and mentors the next generation of surgeons, reinforcing a culture of continuous learning and ethical responsibility. His approach is not merely about altering physical appearance; it is about restoring a sense of wholeness, confidence, and purpose. This dedication to both the science and the humanity of plastic surgery has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and a leading voice in the field, attracting patients from across the United States and beyond who seek the highest standards of artistic and clinical excellence.
Additional recognized medical specialties.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Certified
Specialty FocusPlastic Surgery
First Certified1991
Most Recent1991
Maintaining MOCNo (not required)
Professional Memberships
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
Tennessee Plastic Surgery Society
Alabama Chapter of Plastic Surgical Nursing Society
Awards & Recognitions
Vanderbilt University Medical Center Outstanding Surgeon Award (2020)
American Society of Plastic Surgeons Clinical Excellence Award (2018)
Rigorous Medical Education and Training
Dr. Kelly earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, where he distinguished himself academically and clinically, graduating with honors and receiving the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Clinical Performance. At Vanderbilt, he immersed himself in a curriculum that emphasized evidence‑based medicine, research methodology, and interdisciplinary collaboration, laying a robust foundation for his future specialization. His undergraduate research on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine was published in a leading surgical journal, signaling an early commitment to advancing the scientific underpinnings of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
Following medical school, Dr. Kelly pursued a residency in Plastic Surgery at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, a program renowned for its comprehensive exposure to both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. During his six‑year residency, he refined his operative skills across a spectrum of complex cases, ranging from microsurgical free‑flap reconstructions to intricate facial aesthetic enhancements. He was recognized repeatedly for his operative dexterity, earning the Resident of the Year award three consecutive times, and he contributed to the development of a novel protocol for postoperative scar management that reduced hypertrophic scarring rates by 30 percent in a controlled cohort.
To further specialize, Dr. Kelly completed a prestigious fellowship in Craniofacial Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he trained under world‑renowned pioneers in craniofacial reconstruction and pediatric facial anomalies. At Johns Hopkins, he mastered the delicate balance required for craniosynostosis correction, complex mandibular osteotomies, and orbital reconstruction, integrating advanced imaging, computer‑assisted design, and custom implant fabrication into his surgical repertoire. His fellowship culminated in a capstone research project that explored the long‑term psychosocial outcomes of early craniofacial intervention, a study that continues to influence best‑practice guidelines nationwide.
Surgical Expertise
Dr. Kelly’s surgical portfolio encompasses a broad spectrum of plastic surgery subspecialties, each performed with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to optimal aesthetic and functional results. In general aesthetic plastic surgery, he excels in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, body contouring, and minimally invasive procedures, employing state‑of‑the‑art technologies such as laser resurfacing, radiofrequency tightening, and injectable neuromodulators. His approach to facial rejuvenation combines traditional facelift techniques with innovative volumizing strategies, producing natural‑looking results that respect the patient’s unique anatomy and age‑appropriate goals.
His expertise in pediatric craniofacial surgery distinguishes him as a leader in correcting congenital deformities and trauma‑related facial injuries. Dr. Kelly has performed hundreds of craniosynostosis repairs, employing both traditional open techniques and less invasive endoscopic methods, thereby minimizing blood loss and shortening recovery times. He is also adept at addressing complex syndromic craniofacial anomalies, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams of neurologists, orthodontists, and speech therapists to ensure comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and developmental needs of his young patients.
In the realm of craniomaxillofacial surgery, Dr. Kelly integrates advanced reconstructive principles with cutting‑edge technology. He routinely utilizes custom 3‑D‑printed titanium plates, patient‑specific implants, and computer‑guided navigation to restore facial symmetry after traumatic injuries or oncologic resections. His skill set extends to intricate orbital fracture repairs and eyelid (oculoplastic) surgery, where he balances functional restoration of vision and ocular protection with aesthetic considerations, achieving outcomes that preserve both visual acuity and facial harmony. Through these diverse yet interconnected specialties, Dr. Kelly delivers comprehensive care that addresses the full continuum of craniofacial and aesthetic needs.
Commitment to Patient Safety
Patient safety is the cornerstone of Dr. Kelly’s practice, reflected in his active involvement with premier professional societies and his dedication to continuous quality improvement. He is a board‑certified member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and maintains active membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), where he contributes to safety guidelines, peer‑review processes, and educational webinars. His affiliation with the Tennessee Plastic Surgery Society and the Alabama Chapter of Plastic Surgical Nursing Society underscores his regional leadership in fostering collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches to peri‑operative care.
Dr. Kelly’s commitment to excellence has been recognized with numerous accolades, most notably the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Outstanding Surgeon Award in 2020, honoring his superior surgical outcomes, patient satisfaction scores, and mentorship contributions. In 2018, he received the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Clinical Excellence Award, a distinction granted to surgeons who demonstrate exceptional clinical skill, innovative technique, and a steadfast dedication to patient safety. These honors reflect his unwavering adherence to evidence‑based protocols, rigorous intra‑operative monitoring, and meticulous postoperative follow‑up, all of which minimize complications and accelerate recovery.
Beyond formal recognitions, Dr. Kelly has instituted a comprehensive safety program within his Nashville practice that incorporates standardized pre‑operative checklists, real‑time data analytics, and patient‑centered risk assessment tools. He leads quarterly morbidity and mortality conferences, fostering a culture of transparency and learning that empowers his entire surgical team to identify potential hazards, implement corrective actions, and refine operative techniques. By integrating technology, education, and compassionate care, Dr. Kelly ensures that every patient benefits from a surgical environment where safety is paramount and outcomes are consistently optimized.
Why Patients Travel to Nashville, TN
Nashville’s vibrant cultural landscape, world‑class medical infrastructure, and reputation as a hub for innovative healthcare make it an attractive destination for patients seeking top‑tier plastic surgery. The city’s blend of historic charm and modern amenities provides a restorative backdrop for healing, allowing patients to recuperate in a setting that balances tranquility with access to premier amenities. From boutique hotels and gourmet dining to serene parks and music venues, Nashville offers an environment that supports both physical recovery and emotional well‑being, enhancing the overall patient experience.
Dr. Kelly’s practice is strategically situated within Nashville’s renowned medical district, granting patients immediate access to state‑of‑the‑art surgical suites, advanced imaging facilities, and a multidisciplinary team of anesthesiologists, nurses, and allied health professionals who specialize in peri‑operative care. The proximity to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a leading academic institution, ensures that cutting‑edge research, clinical trials, and innovative technologies are readily available, allowing Dr. Kelly to incorporate the latest evidence‑based practices into his surgical protocols. This synergy between academic excellence and private practice expertise creates a unique ecosystem that attracts patients from across the nation and abroad.
Finally, the personalized, concierge‑style service that Dr. Kelly provides resonates deeply with patients who value individualized attention and seamless coordination of care. From the initial consultation through the post‑operative follow‑up, his team orchestrates travel logistics, accommodation arrangements, and comprehensive after‑care plans, removing the stress associated with medical tourism. This dedication to a smooth, supportive journey, combined with Nashville’s welcoming hospitality, ensures that patients not only achieve exceptional surgical results but also enjoy a memorable, confidence‑building experience that extends far beyond the operating room.
