Dr Kumar is an American Board of Plastic Surgery Board-Eligible plastic surgeon.
“I’ve waited over 10 years for this. He listened to every fear, every hope, and made it happen.”
That’s how one patient describes their experience with Dr. Nishant Ganesh Kumar – a plastic surgeon known for his calm presence, meticulous technique, and deeply personal approach to care. Whether you’re navigating changes after pregnancy, recovering from major weight loss, or looking to restore facial balance in a way that feels truly you, Dr. Kumar partners with each patient to create natural, confidence-restoring results. His surgical focus includes mommy makeovers, rhinoplasty, and post-weight loss body contouring – procedures where precision, artistry, and empathy make all the difference. As one patient put it, “He gave me results I didn’t think were possible – while being the most thoughtful person I’ve ever met in medicine.”
Dr. Kumar completed his Aesthetic Fellowship at the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, one of the most competitive and highest-ranked Aesthetic Surgery Fellowships in the country. This elite program is known for producing leaders in aesthetic surgery through immersive, high-volume experience and mentorship from internationally renowned surgeons. He completed his plastic surgery residency at the University of Michigan, one of the nation’s premier training programs, where he served as Administrative Chief Resident and completed a dedicated research fellowship in outcomes and innovation. He earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, where he received top academic honors.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Kumar has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications and contributed chapters to several leading surgical textbooks covering plastic surgery and rhinoplasty. He has presented his work at major national aesthetic and reconstructive surgery meetings, and his ongoing academic involvement informs the thoughtful, evidence-based care he delivers to every patient. As one patient described, “During my consultation he spent so much time studying my body and excess skin. I could see him thinking through and planning. I knew right away that he was the perfect doctor for me.”
Today, Dr. Kumar sees patients at Illuminate Plastic Surgery, where he brings world-class training, deep surgical expertise, and a commitment to care that is collaborative, precise, and always rooted in what’s best for the individual. His patients walk away not just with beautiful results – but with the confidence of knowing they were truly heard, supported, and cared for every step of the way.
Outside the operating room, Dr. Kumar enjoys playing tennis, watching sports (especially if there's a good comeback story), and exploring the best coffee and brunch spots around the Bay Area. He and his wife, an interventional radiologist, share a love for trying new cuisines and have a standing weekend mission to find the flakiest croissant in town. For Dr. Kumar, balance means staying curious, keeping active, and making time for good food and even better company.
Dr. Kumar is now seeing new patients at Illuminate Plastic Surgery in Palo Alto. If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step in your journey, this could be the moment – and Dr. Kumar is ready when you are.
Ganesh Kumar, N., Sherif, R., & Rohrich, R. J. (2025). Postoperative care in primary and revision rhinoplasty-A survey-based study. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg, 111, 35-42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2025.09.016
Ganesh Kumar, N., Fisher, S. M., Rifkin, W., Borab, Z., Sherif, R., & Rohrich, R. J. (2025). Open Structural Versus Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty: A Comparative Survey Study of Aesthetic Outcomes.Aesthetic Plast Surg. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-025-05090-6
Ganesh Kumar, N., Sherif, R., Schultz, K., Hidalgo, D. A., Stuzin, J. M., & Rohrich, R. J. (2025). Role of Selective Neck Sutures in Face Lifts. Plast Reconstr Surg, 156(2), 194e-197e. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000011968
Ganesh Kumar, N., & Jejurikar, S. S. (2025). Discussion: Long-Term Volume Retention of Breast Augmentation with Fat Grafting Depends on Weight Changes: A 3-Year Prospective Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Plast Reconstr Surg, 155(6), 955-956. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000011913
Schultz, K. P., Sherif, R., Ganesh Kumar, N., Stuzin, J. M., & Rohrich, R. J. (2025). "Demystifying Deep Layer Facelift Techniques: A Systematic Review of Medial and Lateral Based SMAS Techniques".Plast Reconstr Surg. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012526
Ganesh Kumar, N., Sherif, R., & Rohrich, R. J. (2025). Refining Patient Selection in Hybrid Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty - A Review of 50 Patients. Plast Reconstr Surg. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000012177
Fisher, S. M., Sherif, R. D., Borab, Z. M., Ganesh Kumar, N., & Rohrich, R. J. (2025). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Aesthetic Medicine and Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review. Aesthetic Plast Surg, 49(9), 2534-2544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-024-04553-6
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At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.