Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr. Carolyn Montes is a fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon known for creating elegant, natural-looking results tailored to each patient’s unique features. She focuses on surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation, blending advanced technical expertise with a deep understanding of aesthetic balance. Growing up on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, Dr. Montes brings a lifelong appreciation for connection and community that laid the foundation for her patient-centered approach.
Dr. Montes earned her medical degree from the University of Florida, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society for excellence in academics and leadership. She played an active role in global health outreach during her training, organizing medical mission trips to underserved communities—experiences that continued to shape her compassionate approach. She completed her residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Colorado, gaining deep experience in both functional and aesthetic procedures of the head and neck. She then pursued advanced fellowship training in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at The Ohio State University under world-renowned mentors Dr. Leslie Kim and Dr. Sumit Bapna.
Her clinical expertise includes:
- Rhinoplasty (cosmetic and functional)
- Deep plane facelift surgery
- Eyelid rejuvenation (blepharoplasty)
- Skin cancer reconstruction
- In-office procedures: lip lift, otoplasty, Botox/fillers, chemical peels
Dr. Montes believes exceptional results stem from a deep understanding of each patient’s aesthetic vision and a thoughtful, individualized plan. Her approach enhances natural features without changing who you are—delivering results that feel authentic and helping patients be the most confident version of themselves.
Dr. Montes enjoys traveling, hiking, skiing and spending time outdoors. She has climbed both Machu Picchu and Mount Kilimanjaro and loves discovering new cultures and cuisines. Her husband shares her love of adventure, and together they’ve explored destinations around the world. Now settled in San Diego with their two cats, Dr. Montes looks forward to building lasting relationships with her patients and community.