Dr. David Gilpin, MD
IN NASHVILLE, TN
Dr. David Gilpin is a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of Gilpin Facial Plastics, located in Nashville, Tennessee. He holds certifications from both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, and completed advanced fellowship training in facial plastic surgery at Tulane University under Dr. Calvin Johnson, a globally recognized pioneer in rhinoplasty and cosmetic facial surgery.
Dr. Gilpin specializes exclusively in facial plastic surgery, with particular expertise in facelift techniques including the deep plane facelift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, neck lifting, and facial rejuvenation. His background in facial reconstructive surgery including skin cancer removal and traumatic injury repair provides a clinical foundation that distinguishes his approach to cosmetic procedures and enables him to support patients navigating both elective and medically necessary facial interventions.
He has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for six consecutive years, named a RealSelf Top Doctor, featured in Nashville Lifestyles magazine, and selected by Allergan as the host for the official Botox Day celebration two years running. Dr. Gilpin is also a national speaker, regularly presenting to peers across the country on advances in facial plastic surgery.
Education & Training
Vanderbilt University
Bachelor of Science — Biomedical Engineering
Vanderbilt University
Bachelor of Science — Biomedical Engineering
University of Tennessee College of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
University of Tennessee College of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Case Western Reserve University
Surgical Residency — Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery (5 years)
Case Western Reserve University
Surgical Residency — Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery (5 years)
Tulane University
Fellowship Training — Facial Plastic Surgery Mentor: Dr. Calvin Johnson, globally recognized pioneer in rhinoplasty and cosmetic facial surgery
Tulane University
Fellowship Training — Facial Plastic Surgery Mentor: Dr. Calvin Johnson, globally recognized pioneer in rhinoplasty and cosmetic facial surgery
Board Certifications
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS)
Certified 2015
The only certification dedicated exclusively to facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Requires documented surgical experience, rigorous written and oral examinations, and ongoing continuing medical education to maintain the highest standards of patient care.
American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Certified 2011
Confirms advanced surgical training and examination in head and neck anatomy, function, and surgical technique. Requires completion of an accredited residency program and passage of comprehensive written and oral board examinations.
Areas of Expertise
Surgical Procedures
- Facelift (Deep Plane, SMAS, Mini, Preservation, MADE)
- Rhinoplasty(Primary, Revision, Ultrasonic, Ethnic, Preservation)
- Blepharoplasty(Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery)
- Neck Lift & Deep Neck Lift
- Brow Lift(Endoscopic, Temporal)
- Lip Lift
- Chin Augmentation & Jawline Contouring
- Ear Surgery(Otoplasty)
- Buccal Fat Removal
- Submental & Neck Liposuction
- Facial Reconstructive Surgery
Non-Surgical & Aesthetic Treatments
- BOTOX® and Dysport® Neurotoxins
- Dermal Fillers(Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, RHA Collection)
- Sciton Laser Treatments(HALO, BBL, MOXI, ProFractional)
- RF Microneedling
- Chemical Peels & Dermaplaning
- HydraFacial & DiamondGlow® Facial
- Non-Surgical Facelift
- SkinPen® Microneedling
Continuing Education
& Surgical Peers
Dr. Gilpin is committed to continual advancement in facial plastic surgery technique. He regularly trains alongside and visits with some of the most recognized surgeons in the field, including:
This commitment to peer learning ensures Dr. Gilpin’s patients benefit from the most current and refined surgical techniques available globally.
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Dr. Mike Nayak
St. Louis, MO; nationally recognized for facial rejuvenation and facelift technique
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Dr. Ben Talei
Beverly Hills, CA; known for his expertise in deep plane facelift and facial anatomy
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Dr. Neil Gordon
international authority on facial aging and aesthetic surgery
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Dr. Andrew Jacono
New York, NY; leading expert in the extended deep plane facelift
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Dr. Cameron Chesnut
Spokane, WA; educator and innovator in facial aesthetic medicine
Castle Connolly Top Doctor — 6 Consecutive Years Peer-nominated recognition placing Dr. Gilpin among the top-rated physicians in the United States, as evaluated by fellow medical professionals. Castle Connolly Top Doctor status is determined entirely by physician nomination — not patient voting.
RealSelf Top Doctor & Hall of Fame Awarded to surgeons who demonstrate consistent patient satisfaction, accurate educational responses, and a high volume of peer-endorsed activity on RealSelf.com.
Allergan Botox Day Host — Two Consecutive Years Selected by Allergan — the makers of BOTOX® — to host the official Botox Day celebration two consecutive years, reflecting national recognition among injector peers and industry leaders.
Featured in Nashville Lifestyles Recognized as a leading facial plastic surgeon in Nashville Lifestyles, the city’s premier lifestyle publication.
National Speaker Invited speaker at national conferences and professional gatherings, sharing advances in surgical technique and facial aesthetic medicine with peers across the country.
Each patient is unique and deserves a customized surgical plan
Dr. Gilpin believes that no two patients present the same facial anatomy, goals, or concerns. Every consultation begins with a thorough review of the patient’s aesthetic objectives, medical history, and anatomical considerations before a personalized treatment plan is recommended.
His background in facial reconstructive surgery — including skin cancer reconstruction and traumatic injury repair — informs his precision-focused approach to cosmetic procedures and enables him to support patients navigating both elective and medically necessary facial interventions.
What to Look for in a Nashville Facial
Plastic Surgeon
When researching facial plastic surgery in Nashville, the credentials and training background of a surgeon are among the most important factors to evaluate. The following criteria can help patients make a well-informed decision.
Board Certification
Look for a surgeon certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), or the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. These certifications confirm that the surgeon has completed accredited training, passed rigorous written and oral examinations, and maintains ongoing continuing medical education requirements. Board certification through either of these organizations confirms your surgeon has demonstrated advanced knowledge and skill in both surgical and nonsurgical procedures.
Fellowship Training
Fellowship training in facial plastic surgery is an additional year of specialized education completed beyond residency, under a nationally or internationally recognized expert. It represents the highest level of subspecialty preparation for facial procedures. Dr. Gilpin completed his fellowship at Tulane University under Dr. Calvin Johnson, a pioneer in rhinoplasty and cosmetic facial surgery. Subspecialty Focus Surgeons who specialize exclusively in the face bring a depth of anatomical knowledge and procedural repetition that general plastic surgeons may not match. Gilpin Facial Plastics focuses entirely on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, with no competing specialties dividing the surgeon’s clinical attention.
Peer Recognition
Castle Connolly Top Doctor recognition is awarded by peer nomination — physicians nominating other physicians they would trust with their own care. This distinction is separate from patient-voted awards and reflects standing within the medical community. Dr. Gilpin has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for six consecutive years.
Commitment to Continuing Education
Facial plastic surgery techniques continue to evolve. Surgeons who actively train with global leaders in the field — through cadaveric workshops, observational training, and professional conferences — bring the most current approaches to their patients. Dr. Gilpin regularly trains with leading experts including Dr. Mishan Nayak, Dr. Ben Talei, Dr. Neil Gordon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, and Dr. Cameron Chesnut.
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