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Dr. Amir M. Karam, MD - Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon in San Diego, California

Dr. Amir M. Karam, MD

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

San Diego, California
NPI: 1326079765· License: A82484 (CA) verify

20+ years of experience · self-reported

Industry payments (2024): $45 across 2 payments (what this means)
4.8(245 ratings)

Consultation $1,000

In Dr. Amir M. Karam's own words

How Dr. Amir M. Karam describes their own approach, from their TikTok posts. Each statement links to the original.

Approach

  • One thing that stays true to each case is that I am dedicated to ensuring the most seamless healing experience possibleTikTok ↗

Technique

  • The Vertical Restore also includes direct work underneath the neck at the level of the muscles and deep fat to achieve a beautiful contour.TikTok ↗
  • To properly address the neck, the doctor performs a Vertical Restore, which involves the upward elevation of the platysma (attached to the SMAS) to lift everything up and create a beautiful neck contour.TikTok ↗

Recovery guidance

  • I enjoy sharing patient healing journeys.TikTok ↗

Statements are quoted or closely paraphrased from Dr. Amir M. Karam's own public posts and are their claims, not NavMDs' medical advice. Doctors can correct or remove any item via their claimed profile or support [at] navmds.com.

About

Dr. Amir M. Karam, MD is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon practicing in San Diego, California at the Carmel Valley Aesthetic Center. He specializes in facial rejuvenation and is the creator of Vertical Restore® and Trifecta skincare. Known for his natural-looking results, Dr. Karam has earned a stellar 4.5-star rating and boasts excellent reviews from over 170 patients. Connect with him on various social media platforms to learn more about his innovative approach to helping people look as young as they feel.

Connect with Dr. Amir M. Karam on Social Media

SpecialtiesProceduresAverage CostReviewsIndustry PaymentsInsuranceLocationAffiliationsEducationFAQ

Specialties

  • Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Procedures & Services

Select a service to schedule an appointment · each is approximately 60 minutes

Procedure details

Everything on this page about each procedure Dr. Amir M. Karam offers: pricing in context, what they've said about it, related videos and photos, and what patients ask.

Average Cost of Surgery

Healthcare costs shouldn't be a mystery. Each figure below is the average of the total costs patients reported in their own published reviews of Dr. Amir M. Karam, with the number of reports and the years they were written. Prices are not adjusted for inflation and are not a quote: your final cost is set at consultation and depends on your specific medical needs. How we calculate these prices

Facelift

$70,000

1 patient report · 2024

Above typicalTypical in San Diego: $14,000–$29,750 (median $22,250, 8 reports) compare ↗

Help us keep this data current and accurate. If you've had a procedure with Dr. Amir M. Karam, please take a moment to contribute your cost information.

Questions, Answers, and Information Directly from Dr. Amir M. Karam

Sourced directly from Dr. Amir M. Karam's social posts and replies.

What are Dr. Karam's essential skincare recommendations for anti-aging?
Dr. Karam emphasizes that preventing skin aging is significantly easier than restoring youthful skin. His essential recommendations include diligent sun protection (staying out of the sun, wearing a hat, and consistent use of sunscreen), regular use of a simple retinol, and incorporating a good antioxidant like Vitamin C cream, ideally at a 10-20% concentration, applied regularly and consistently. He advises patients to avoid expensive skincare products that do not deliver effective results.
Source →
What is Dr. Karam's philosophy on the use of dermal fillers for facial rejuvenation?
Dr. Karam views fillers primarily as a tool for replacing lost volume, but cautions against their regular use for anti-aging. He explains that fillers are foreign bodies that trigger an inflammatory response, and contrary to popular belief, they do not completely go away; they can persist or turn into scar tissue, making future surgery more difficult and dangerous. He observes these consequences daily in his practice, noting that long-term filler use can cause the face to morph into an unnatural appearance. While fillers might make a person look less tired, especially under the eyes or temples, they do not make one look younger. Dr. Karam advises against adding volume where it never naturally existed, emphasizing that consistent filler use, at any age, can lead to undesirable facial changes over time.
Source →
What is the Vertical Restore procedure and how does it address neck aging?
The Vertical Restore is Dr. Karam's preferred approach to addressing neck aging, as he views neck sagging as a symptom of overall facial sagging. The procedure involves the upward elevation of the platysma muscle, which is connected to the SMAS, along with direct work on the muscles and deep fat underneath the neck. This comprehensive technique aims to restore a youthful 90-degree neck angle, provide firmness and contour to the jawline, and ensure all facial features fit together harmoniously, potentially making a patient look 20 years younger. Dr. Karam recommends the Vertical Restore over a standalone neck lift for optimal, integrated results.
Source →
What can patients expect regarding recovery and healing after a Vertical Restore facelift?
Dr. Karam emphasizes transparency in recovery, sharing real patient healing journeys to set realistic expectations. He notes that every individual's healing process is unique, influenced by factors like anatomy, genetics, and overall health. While meaningful changes are visible early on (e.g., foundation of results by Day 2 post-op), refinement continues over time as swelling resolves. Post-operative restrictions are typically lifted around four weeks. The practice is dedicated to ensuring the most seamless healing experience possible, acknowledging that recovery involves ups and downs, not just highlights.
Source →
How often does Dr. Karam recommend using retinol?
Dr. Karam recommends incorporating a good, simple retinol into your skincare routine regularly and consistently for long-term benefits in preventing skin aging.
Source →
Does Dr. Karam recommend daily sunscreen use, even when mostly indoors?
Dr. Karam strongly emphasizes consistent sun protection as the greatest accelerator of skin aging. While he doesn't explicitly address indoor use, his general recommendation to 'keep that sun protection on' and 'stay out of the sun' suggests a diligent approach to minimizing sun exposure at all times.
Source →
What is Dr. Karam's view on mini facelifts versus a full, comprehensive approach?
Dr. Karam advocates for a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation, emphasizing the clear benefit of addressing the entire face in totality, including eyelids, volume, and laxity. He believes that treating all aspects of the aging face simultaneously leads to an incredibly different and more optimal outcome compared to addressing only components of the face in isolation, which would include procedures like a 'mini facelift'.
Source →
How does Dr. Karam ensure natural results and avoid complications like a 'pulled' look after a facelift?
Dr. Karam emphasizes that achieving desired aesthetic results and avoiding unnatural or 'pulled' appearances requires proper technique and an experienced surgeon. His holistic approach to facial rejuvenation focuses on addressing the entire face in totality, ensuring all segments 'jive' with each other to create a harmonious and natural-looking outcome.
Source →
Does Dr. Karam recommend fillers for deep nasolabial folds?
Dr. Karam states that you cannot correct sagging in a face by simply filling it, and fillers do not create a younger-looking face. While fillers can replace volume, his philosophy suggests that addressing deep nasolabial folds effectively requires a more comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation rather than relying on fillers alone.
Source →
Do dermal fillers completely go away, or are there permanent fillers?
Dr. Karam clarifies that fillers do not completely go away. Due to their engineering, they can persist in their native form or transition into scar tissue (collagen) through the body's inflammatory process. He notes that fillers can stack on themselves over time, leading to long-term changes in facial appearance.
Source →
What are Dr. Karam's recommendations for addressing neck aging, and does he recommend non-surgical options?
Dr. Karam emphasizes that neck sagging is a symptom of overall facial sagging. He recommends a comprehensive approach like his Vertical Restore or a facelift to properly address the neck, rather than a standalone neck lift. While he doesn't explicitly detail non-surgical options for the neck, his philosophy suggests that surgical intervention is the most effective way to achieve significant and lasting rejuvenation for neck aging.
Source →
Is platysmaplasty part of Dr. Karam's Vertical Restore procedure?
Yes, platysmaplasty, which involves the upward elevation of the platysma muscle, is a key component of Dr. Karam's Vertical Restore procedure. This technique, combined with direct work on deep fat and muscles, helps to create a beautiful and firm contour of the neck and jawline.
Source →

What patients ask Dr. Amir M. Karam

Questions people asked under Dr. Amir M. Karam's TikTok videos, 5 answered by the doctor.

  • She looks amazing for 2 days post-op! What is a Vertical Restore?

    asked on TikTok ↗· 150 engagements

  • How long until she can go out without people noticing she had surgery?

    asked on TikTok ↗· 90 engagements

  • Is a neck lift the only option or are there non-surgical treatments that actually work?

    asked on TikTok ↗· 50 engagements

  • What is the typical downtime for a deep plane facelift?

    asked on TikTok ↗· 38 engagements

  • I'm scared of looking 'done'. How do you ensure a natural look?

    asked on TikTok ↗· 30 engagements

  • Is Vertical Restore different from a regular facelift?

    asked on TikTok ↗· 120 engagements· not yet answered

  • What is the best age to get a facelift?

    asked on TikTok ↗· 60 engagements· not yet answered

  • Do you do revisions for facelifts done by other surgeons?

    asked on TikTok ↗· 35 engagements· not yet answered

  • What is the difference between fillers and Botox?

    asked on TikTok ↗· 35 engagements· not yet answered

  • I heard facelifts don't last forever. How long do they typically last?

    asked on TikTok ↗· 25 engagements· not yet answered

Are you Dr. Amir M. Karam? 5 of these questions are waiting for an answer. Claim your profile to respond.

Questions are from public comments, shown without the commenter's name. Answers are Dr. Amir M. Karam's own statements from their videos and replies, not NavMDs' medical advice.

Videos from Dr. Amir M. Karam

@dramirkaram on TikTok →

Videos posted on TikTok by @dramirkaram. Press play to watch here, or open the original on TikTok.

  • Lynn is 69, almost 70, and this is just 2 days post-op from her Vertical Restore facelift (full p…

    4.3M views · Jan 2026 · TikTok ↗

  • from a Facial Plastic Surgeon. Keep skin young looking.

    1.8M views · Jan 2021 · TikTok ↗

  • I love to share these healing journeys because everyone’s healing journey is so unique! There are…

    1.8M views · Feb 2024 · TikTok ↗

  • People want to look as young as they feel. That’s why they come to see me. In order to achieve th…

    1.1M views · Nov 2022 · TikTok ↗

  • madonna is one of my all time favorites... I literally grew up listening to her❤️ as I am sure ma…

    668K views · Feb 2023 · TikTok ↗

  • How do we address neck aging and sagging? It’s important to know that neck aging is a symptom of…

    546.7K views · Dec 2022 · TikTok ↗

From Dr. Amir M. Karam's Instagram

@dramirkaram →

Recent photos posted by @dramirkaram, Dr. Amir M. Karam's own Instagram account. Each image opens the original post on Instagram.

Images © Dr. Amir M. Karam / @dramirkaram, shown here with a link to the original post. Procedure labels are inferred from the post's caption and hashtags. If you are the account owner and want an image removed, contact support [at] navmds.com.

Patient Experience

Dr. Amir M. Karam Review Summary

4.65
Dr. Karam has an impressive average rating of 4.65 stars, combining his overall 4.5 rating with a 4.8 rating on Google reviews. Patients consistently praise his professionalism, care, and the amazing results they've experienced.

Ratings from Other Platforms

Google Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Based on 245 reviews

View on Google Reviews
Dr. Amir M. Karam, MD - Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon in San Diego, California

Carmel Valley Aesthetic Center

11943 El Camino Real #100, San Diego, California

(858) 259-3223

Book a Service Consultation

Consultation fee: $1,000

Each service is approximately 60 minutes.

Industry Payments

Federal law (the Physician Payments Sunshine Act) requires drug and medical-device companies to report anything of value they give to a physician — consulting and speaking fees, research funding, travel, royalties, and even meals. Medicare publishes all of it in a public database called Open Payments. We show it here so you don't have to go looking for it.

Total received (2024)

$45

Payments

2

Compared to peers

Small

Dr. Amir M. Karam received $45 across 2 payments in 2024. That is in the lower half for physicians here — totals this size are typically meals at sponsored talks. Most of it was categorised as compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program, and the largest single payer was ABBVIE INC..

What this means for your care

  • A disclosed payment is a business relationship, not evidence of wrongdoing, and it says nothing on its own about the quality of your care.
  • Most payments are small. Across the physicians listed on NavMDs, the single most common category is food and beverage at industry-sponsored talks.
  • Larger consulting, speaking or royalty payments mean an ongoing financial relationship with a company whose products your doctor may use or recommend. That is worth knowing about, and it is reasonable to ask about.
  • A fair question to ask: “Do you have a financial relationship with the maker of the implant, filler or device you're recommending — and what alternatives did you consider?”

Source: CMS Open Payments, the federal database created by the Sunshine Act. View the full record on CMS Open Payments ↗

Patient Awards

Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Insurance Information

Please contact Dr. Amir M. Karam's office directly for information about accepted insurance plans.

Phone: (858) 259-3223

Help us improve this profile

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Location & Contact Information

Carmel Valley Aesthetic Center

11943 El Camino Real #100

San Diego, California 92130

Get Directions

Office Information

Phone: (858) 259-3223

Where does Dr. Amir M. Karam practice?

Doctor's Office

Carmel Valley Aesthetic Center (Primary)

11943 El Camino Real #100, San Diego, California 92130

(171 reviews)

Hospital Affiliations

Hospital affiliations unknown

Do you know which hospitals Dr. Amir M. Karam is affiliated with? This information helps patients understand where they might receive care.

Education & Experience

Certifications & Licenses

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Double Board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make an appointment with Dr. Amir M. Karam online?
The provided information doesn't confirm online booking availability. It's best to contact the office directly at (858) 252-6826 or visit their website for appointment scheduling options.
Does Dr. Amir M. Karam offer telehealth?
The provided information doesn't specify whether Dr. Karam offers telehealth services. Contacting the office directly is recommended for inquiries about telehealth options.
What do patients have to say about Dr. Amir M. Karam?
Patients rave about Dr. Karam's professionalism, attentiveness, and gentle care. They express high satisfaction with their procedures, describing the experience as flawless and even life-changing. Many are thrilled with their stellar results and eagerly anticipate their final outcome. While many patients report remarkable, natural-looking facelift results and praise Dr. Karam and his staff, some patients have expressed dissatisfaction with visible scarring and post-operative pain, sometimes requiring scar revision. Cost can also be a significant factor, with some procedures reportedly approaching $200k.
What areas of care does Dr. Amir M. Karam cater to?
Dr. Karam specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, focusing on facial rejuvenation. He offers procedures such as rhinoplasty, facelifts, and likely facial fat transfer, given his expertise in Vertical Restore, a technique aimed at restoring youthful facial volume. He also has a premium skincare line, KaramMD, indicating a comprehensive approach to facial aesthetics and skin health. Dr. Karam advocates for a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation, emphasizing the clear benefit of addressing the entire face in totality. This means treating all aspects of the aging face, including eyelids, volume, and laxity, simultaneously. He believes that ensuring all segments of the face 'jive' together through a combination of procedures leads to a profoundly different and more natural outcome than treating individual components in isolation. He also offers his own skincare line, KaramMD, which includes products like the Enrich ointment and the Trifecta system, recommended for consistent rejuvenation of facial and neck skin.