Jeffrey Kenkel, M.D.

Meet Dr. Kenkel

Internationally Recognized Facial Plastic Surgeon in Dallas and Frisco, Texas

Jeffrey Kenkel, M.D., FACS, is an internationally recognized expert in facial cosmetic surgery. As Chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery at UT Southwestern, Dr. Kenkel offers his patients the latest innovations in nonsurgical and surgical facial procedures at the UT Southwestern Plastic Surgery Clinics in Dallas and Frisco.

A D Magazine Best Doctor and Texas Monthly Super Doctor, Dr. Kenkel is known for combining new research with refined surgical techniques.

“For patients seeking cosmetic surgery, laser treatment, or facial rejuvenations, our goal is always optimal safety, comfort, and results,” he says, allowing patients "to look as good as they feel.”

Facial Rejuvenation, Laser Treatment, and Cosmetic Surgery in Dallas and Frisco, Texas

Dr. Kenkel says that the best results come from a partnership between him and his patients, so he makes accessibility to his patients a top priority.

“It’s important to listen to the patient's goals and objectives and understand their lifestyle and ability for downtime after surgery. Knowing this allows me to better tailor my recommendations to meet their needs and expectations,” Dr. Kenkel says.

As a result, he takes time to answer any questions a patient might have before, during, or after a procedure.

He notes that his surgical expertise is only part of achieving the best possible outcomes. There also must be a commitment by the patient to embrace a healthy lifestyle including skin care, eating right, and being physically active each day.

“Protection from the sun, not smoking, and reducing sugar and carbs can go a long way,” Dr. Kenkel says.

Before a skin peel, laser facial rejuvenation, an eye lift, a face lift, or a combination of these options, Dr. Kenkel works with each of his patients to create a strategy that will be successful for him or her.

“I believe that looking one’s best is just one element of true health,” he says.

Additionally, Dr. Kenkel feels “conservative” and “natural” changes through plastic surgery allow patients to look and feel like they used to rather than an “overdone” or “exaggerated” appearance.

“The doctor-patient relationship is invaluable, and it’s important our beliefs align.”

As an experienced facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Kenkel feels one of his main strengths is reviewing the spectrum of available nonsurgical options – such as peels, laser treatments, and facial rejuvenation – as well as surgical treatment options with each patient and together determining which options will allow the patient to achieve the desired outcome.

“I have all the tools at my disposal and will put together a program that matches the patient's goals. At times, it might make the most sense to combine both nonsurgical and surgical options. A patient might opt for a laser treatment to smooth out the skin’s tone and texture and a facelift to tackle volume loss and sagging that comes with age,” Dr. Kenkel says.

Research for Results at UT Southwestern

Throughout his career, Dr. Kenkel has been involved in research to develop and test new innovations in plastic surgery. His current research focus is developing laser- and light-based therapies and determining their interactions with the skin, focusing on the aging process. Dr. Kenkel has recently published studies focused on treating pigmentation and energy-based microneedling.

"New technologies give us more treatment options for our patients,” Dr. Kenkel says. “UT Southwestern is on the leading edge of plastic surgery research and innovation, so my patients can count on our knowledge of current trends in plastic surgery and what’s effective and safe – as well as insights into new discoveries."

Dr. Kenkel has been practicing at UT Southwestern since 1996 and has watched the institution evolve.

“I’m proud to be part of an establishment that has grown into the number one hospital in Texas, with top-notch physicians and a high standard of excellence in clinical care.”

Outside his clinical practice and research efforts, Dr. Kenkel takes great satisfaction in training the next generation of plastic surgeons at UT Southwestern, as well as educating surgeons around the country and the world about new advances and techniques. UT Southwestern remains the top plastic surgery training program in the country as noted by U.S. News and World Report.