Meet Dr. Don Griffin
Dr. Don Griffin is a dual board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) in Nashville, Tennessee, who specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery of the face, breast, and body. He holds board certification from both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery — a distinction held by fewer than 1 in 5 cosmetic surgeons practicing today.
As the son and grandson of surgeons, growing up witnessing the power of caring for others had a profound impact. That early exposure to the art of healing instilled in him not only a passion for surgical excellence but also a deep appreciation for the human connection at the heart of medicine—values that continue to guide his practice today. His choice of plastic surgery as a specialty allowed him to combine his love of surgery with his appreciation for symmetry and balance providing an enhanced result that is unique to each of his patients.
“Being a part of the transformation that occurs when a patient feels more confident about their appearance is powerful. It is why I do what I do every day.”
Dr. Griffin’s approach is built on partnership and transparency. He believes in having open, honest conversations about all options, alternatives, and risks, ensuring his patients feel informed and empowered at every step of their journey. By working together as a team, he creates personalized treatment plans that honor each patient’s unique vision. Through clear communication and genuine care, Dr. Griffin is committed to delivering exceptional results that enhance natural beauty and build lasting confidence.
This patient-centered approach has earned him recognition as a “Top Doctor,” “Best Plastic Surgeon,” and a place on the prestigious RealSelf Top 100 list as a leading expert in cosmetic plastic surgery. He also shares his expertise as a frequent speaker on the innovative use of lasers in aesthetic face and body rejuvenation.
EARLY LIFE & EDUCATION
A true southerner at heart, Dr. Griffin hails from Lafayette, Louisiana. After graduating summa cum laude from Louisiana State University, he earned his medical degree and completed his general surgery residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he became board certified by the American Board of Surgery. He then went on to complete fellowship training in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, earning his second board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, before returning to Nashville to establish his practice and make it his home.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
With dual board certification in both general surgery and plastic surgery, Dr. Griffin brings more than 30 years of surgical expertise to every patient interaction. This extensive background, paired with his warm, personalized approach, has earned him an outstanding reputation among colleagues and patients alike. He founded Nashville Cosmetic Surgery in 1998 with the goal of seamlessly integrating both surgical and non-surgical techniques to help patients achieve beautiful, natural-looking results that are in balance and harmony.
WHAT DUAL BOARD CERTIFICATION MEANS FOR YOU
When Dr. Griffin says he is “dual board-certified,” it means he completed two full residency and certification pathways: first in general surgery through the American Board of Surgery, and then in plastic surgery through the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This combination provides a depth of surgical training that goes well beyond cosmetic techniques alone — it means your surgeon understands the full complexity of human anatomy, wound healing, and surgical safety at the highest level.
For patients, this translates to a surgeon who can anticipate complications before they arise, adapt to unexpected findings during surgery, and deliver results grounded in both aesthetic vision and medical rigor. It is one of the most meaningful credentials to look for when choosing a plastic surgeon.