Dr. Karen Horton was recently featured in a Castle Connolly article, “Changing the Conversation Around Plastic Surgery: Dr. Karen Horton’s Patient-first Approach,” recognizing her dedication to truly knowing her Plastic Surgery patients and advocating for their best interests.

As a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon based in San Francisco and serving patients throughout the Bay Area, Dr. Horton blends expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery with a philosophy centered on education, honesty, and connection. She proudly describes herself as not only a Surgeon but a trusted advisor — offering the same guidance she would give a sister or best friend.

“I have no problem saying no if I don’t think a patient is a good candidate for surgery,” Dr. Horton shares, underscoring her commitment to patient safety and long-term well-being. She invests time in getting to know each patient beyond their surgical goals, learning about their lifestyle, family, and values to offer truly personalized care.

The Castle Connolly feature also highlights Dr. Horton’s unique perspective as a woman, mother, and athlete in a specialty where most patients are women, but the majority of surgeons are men. This connection allows her to better understand and relate to her patients’ personal experiences, body image goals, and self-esteem.

Recognized as a 2025 Castle Connolly Exceptional Woman in Medicine—an honor she has received seven years in a row—Dr. Horton reflects on the blend of science, art, and empathy that drives her passion for Plastic Surgery. Whether performing aesthetic procedures or complex breast reconstruction using advanced microsurgical techniques, her focus remains on restoring confidence and helping patients feel whole.

Castle Connolly Top Doctors represent the top 7% of all U.S. practicing physicians. Peer-nominated,Castle Connolly Top Doctors are thoroughly vetted by a physician-led research team and are honored as best-in-class healthcare providers, embodying excellence in clinical care as well as interpersonal skills.

As an Exceptional Women in Medicine award recipient, Dr. Horton is recognized nationally as contributing to the  advancement of healthcare through clinical care, research, community service, education and/or leadership.

The Exceptional Women in Medicine list is compiled through a rigorous selection process that includes peer nominations, extensive research, and evaluation by the Castle Connolly research team. In addition to meeting the criteria to be selected as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, these physicians have qualifications including contributions to healthcare through volunteer work, awards and honors, training at top institutions, research and academics, and innovations in their field of specialty.

In the article, Dr. Horton also shares words of encouragement for the next generation of women in medicine: build a support system, lean on your network, and know that it is possible to balance a fulfilling career with family life—with help.

Her feature in Castle Connolly beautifully reflects Dr. Horton’s patient-first approach and her deep commitment to empowering patients through every step of their surgical journey.

Read the full article here>>