Triple Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Chow

If you are looking for an exceptional plastic surgeon—specifically a facial plastic surgeon—in San Francisco, consider Albert W. Chow, M.D. He is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon renowned for his talent, experience, and dedication.

Dr. Chow performs a full range of advanced facial cosmetic surgeries, including specialized procedures for patients of Asian descent. He believes in providing his patients with uncompromising care in accordance with the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Dr. Chow’s goal is to help his patients look their best through individualized treatment using tested techniques and the most advanced technology.

Exceptional Credentials

A native of San Francisco, Dr. Chow graduated from Lowell High School and completed his undergraduate education at the University of California, Berkeley. He graduated at the top of his medical school class at the University of California, San Francisco. After earning his medical degree, Dr. Chow completed an internship in general surgery at UCSF. He remained there to complete a 5-year residency in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, focusing on his interest in facial plastic surgery.

Dr. Chow was chosen for an American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship position at the University of Cincinnati, where he taught plastic surgery residents and medical students. Under the guidance of a renowned facial cosmetic surgeon, he performed hundreds of operations and perfected his skills.

Dr. Chow proceeded to complete his residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the prestigious University of Louisville Medical Center. While there, he worked directly with one of the most respected plastic surgeons in the field and with the team of surgeons who performed the first hand transplant in the United States. In San Francisco, Dr. Chow was hired at what is now UCSF Zuckerberg Hospital as the head of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, teaching fellows, residents, and medical students for 5 years before starting his own private practice.

Dr. Chow was named one of America’s Best Facelift Plastic Surgeons in 2023 and 2024 and named one of America’s Best Rhinoplasty Plastic Surgeons in 2024 by Newsweek.

Board Certifications

This impressive accomplishment demonstrates Dr. Chow’s commitment to patient safety and quality results. To achieve this status requires years of specialized training, passing numerous rigorous exams, and ongoing professional development.

Professional Memberships

Procedure Specialties

While Dr. Chow performs a full range of facial cosmetic procedures, he specializes in Asian plastic surgery for patients who want to enhance their appearance. He commonly performs:

• Rhinoplasty
• Asian Rhinoplasty
• Revision Rhinoplasty
• Eyelid Surgery (blepharoplasty)
• Asian Eyelid Surgery
• Facelift

Dedicated to Patient Safety

To provide his patients optimal safety and convenience, Dr. Chow performs surgery in his on-site AAAHC-accredited surgical facility, the Daniel Burnham Court Surgery Center, accompanied by his dedicated team of board-certified anesthesiologists, nurses, and scrub technicians. He has surgical privileges at the state-of-the-art Sutter Van Ness Campus hospital (California Pacific Medical Center, CPMC), located directly across the street from our practice, for emergencies and procedures that require a hospital setting.

“I love how Dr. Chow and the staff were very easy to talk to. They made me feel comfortable and reassured.”

— Maria N.

Giving Back

In addition to performing plastic surgery for his patients in San Francisco, Dr. Chow is a Clinical Assistant and Clinical Professor at UCSF, where he teaches his residents the latest techniques in facial plastic surgery. He was on the written examination committee for the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for a number of years. Dr. Chow has developed Board examination questions and has been honored to have been invited to give the oral examination to board applicants for several years.

Dr. Chow is involved in a variety of charitable causes that include traveling around the world to donate his time and surgical services to correct cleft lips and palates on children in developing countries. Most recently, he offered his services to children in China and the Philippines.

To meet with Dr. Chow and discover how he can enhance your appearance and confidence, we encourage you to request a consultation using the online form or call  (415) 441-1888 to schedule an appointment.