Dr. Richard Balikian
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richard Balikian blends advanced surgical skill with an artist’s eye to create natural, youthful results that restore confidence.
Facial Rejuvenation with Expertise and Artistry
Dr. Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon serving Temecula Valley and San Diego, with over 20 years of experience.
As part of a highly select group of surgeons with over six years of dedicated training in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and neck, Dr. Balikian combines surgical expertise with an artistic eye.
He is known for earning patient trust through compassionate care and consistently natural-looking results.
A Foundation in Art and Aesthetics
Dr. Balikian was raised in Boston and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Columbia University, where he developed a deep appreciation for aesthetics and the historical evolution of beauty.
He went on to graduate in the top ten percent of his class at Boston University School of Medicine, earning induction into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Medical Honor Society. Dr. Balikian completed a general surgery internship followed by a four-year residency in Head and Neck Surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, where he honed his understanding of facial anatomy and was honored with the Davidoff Award for excellence in teaching.
He was then personally selected to complete an elite fellowship in facial cosmetic surgery under one of the world’s leading facial plastic surgeons, receiving advanced training in aesthetic procedures of the face and neck.
Dr. Balikian established his practice in the Temecula Valley in 2007 and later expanded to open a second location in Del Mar.
Over the years, he has earned a reputation for excellence, compassion, and trust. He has been recognized multiple times as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and remains dedicated to continuing medical education to ensure his patients benefit from the most advanced, world-class techniques in facial plastic surgery.
Credentials and Training
Dr. Balikian’s extensive education, training, and accolades reflect his unwavering commitment to excellence in facial plastic surgery.
- Double Board Certified – American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
- Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS) – Elected by peers for excellence in surgical standards and ethics
- Fellowship-Trained – Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Residency – Head & Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY
- Medical Degree (MD) – Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
- Undergraduate Degree – BA in Art History, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Awards & Honors – Castle Connolly Top Doctor (2018–2025) and Davidoff Award for excellence in teaching
- Charitable Work – Volunteer surgeon with the “Face to Face” program, providing pro bono facial reconstruction for survivors of domestic violence
These credentials, combined with his dedication to compassionate care, ensure every patient receives the highest level of skill, safety, and artistry.
Contributions to the Field
Dr. Balikian has authored numerous medical journal articles and textbook chapters focused on plastic surgery of the face, head, and neck.
His academic contributions reflect a deep understanding of facial anatomy and a commitment to advancing the field of facial plastic surgery.
Professional Affiliations and Philanthropy
As an active member of several professional societies, Dr. Balikian remains deeply engaged in the medical community.
He also donates his expertise through charitable initiatives, including the “Face to Face” program, which provides pro-bono reconstructive surgery to survivors of domestic violence.
Life Outside the Operating Room
Dr. Balikian believes that balance is essential to great surgical care. He credits time spent with his wife and children as the foundation of his happiness and productivity.
Outside of medicine, he enjoys cooking and playing golf.
A Philosophy Built on Trust
Dr. Balikian’s approach blends technical excellence with genuine compassion. He believes that quality results begin with listening and end with trust.
His greatest reward is the confidence and satisfaction of his patients.
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Tyler Frew, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon