Craig Lehrman, MD, a plastic surgeon with Athēnix Advanced Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Centers in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been named a 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctors honoree, the fourth year he has received the designation. The recognition matters because selection is peer-driven and highly selective: only 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians are chosen each year as Castle Connolly Top Doctors for their specialties in their regions, and doctors cannot pay to be selected.
Dr. Lehrman said the honor carries particular weight because it reflects the judgment of both colleagues and patients. "Being recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor is especially meaningful because it reflects the trust of both my peers and my patients," he said. "Throughout my career, my goal has always been to provide thoughtful, individualized care while delivering results that look natural, balanced, and true to each patient's unique features. Every patient places an incredible amount of trust in me, and I consider it a privilege to be part of their journey. This recognition reinforces my commitment to continually advancing my craft and providing the highest standard of care."
According to the announcement, Dr. Lehrman evaluates and treats a broad range of aesthetic and reconstructive conditions, including patients seeking facial rejuvenation, body contouring, breast surgery, and post-weight-loss body reshaping. His key procedures include Facelift and Neck Lift, Blepharoplasty and Brow Lift, and Facial Fat Transfer, Lip Augmentation, and Lip Flip.
His surgical offerings also span Breast Augmentation, including Motiva® implants, Natural Fat Transfer to Breasts, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction, and Explant of Implants. Body procedures include Tummy Tuck and Extended Tummy Tuck, Liposuction and Surgical Body Contouring, the Mommy Makeover, and Body Lift, Arm Lift, and Thigh Lift.
The practice, Athēnix Advanced Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Centers, offers on-site consultation rooms, modern treatment suites, and specialized clinical staff focused on supporting patient care through recovery. Dr. Lehrman earned his medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine before completing an integrated residency in general surgery and plastic surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center, and he further advanced his expertise through fellowship training in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. He has contributed to peer-reviewed publications, participated in clinical research, and held memberships in leading national plastic surgery societies.
Top Doctors are nominated by peer physicians and selected by the physician-led Castle Connolly research team, which publishes its list at castleconnolly.com and in print and online partner publications. Nominations are open to all board-certified MDs, DOs, and DPMs, and honorees are chosen based on criteria including medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories.
