San Diego Magazine readers have voted Dr. Michael Rossi of Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa a Readers' Pick for Cosmetic Surgeon in the Best of San Diego 2026 awards. The results ran on August 5, 2026, in the magazine's Health + Wellness category.
The honor comes from the people who matter most to Dr. Rossi: San Diegans who cast their votes. For a plastic surgeon in San Diego, few recognitions say more than that. In this blog, we share what the award means, why patients choose Dr. Rossi, and where Changes is headed next.
What Is San Diego Magazine's Best of San Diego Award?
Best of San Diego is San Diego Magazine's annual readers' poll. It recognizes the businesses, people, and places that earned the most reader votes in hundreds of categories, from restaurants to medical providers.
The Readers' Picks reflect the votes of local residents. Dr. Rossi was recognized in the Medical: Cosmetic Surgeon category, chosen by the community he serves.
Why San Diego Patients Voted for Dr. Rossi
Patients choose Dr. Rossi because he treats aesthetic surgery as part of their whole health, not a single procedure. He is known for:
- Fit Mommy Makeovers. Dr. Rossi combines tummy tuck, breast surgery, and liposculpture into one plan built around each mother's body and goals. He recently presented his techniques as an invited speaker at the Mediterranean Conference of Plastic Surgery Innovations in Athens, Greece.
- Natural full-face rejuvenation. His facelift, neck lift, eyelid, and brow procedures aim for results that look refreshed, never pulled.
- A whole-person approach. With a background in fitness, nutrition, and fashion, Dr. Rossi builds custom nutrition and exercise plans to help patients maintain their results.
- Concierge-style care. Patients describe consultations where he gets to know them personally before discussing a single procedure.
Patients also travel to see him. Recent reviews come from women who flew in from Colorado and across the country for their Mommy Makeovers and breast procedures.
Dr. Rossi's Training and Experience
Dr. Rossi's results rest on extensive surgical training. Born in Chicago, he earned his education at the University of Illinois. He then completed six years of general surgery training followed by a plastic surgery residency at the University of Texas.
That training included time at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial Hermann Medical Center, two of the country's leading medical institutions. Today, he performs surgery in Changes' state-licensed facility in Carmel Valley.
In Dr. Rossi's Own Words
That philosophy echoes what he tells every patient. "Everybody has insecurities," Dr. Rossi says. "My goal is to help patients recognize that's natural, and then guide them toward feeling confident in every aspect of their lives."
What This Recognition Means for Changes Patients
The award reflects a practice that keeps evolving. Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa now pairs surgical artistry with longevity care, including hormone optimization, peptide therapy, and physician-guided weight management.
For patients, that means one team can support them before, during, and long after surgery. "My patients are like family," Dr. Rossi says. "I'm as invested in their results as they are."
The recognition also belongs to the Changes team. From the front desk to the operating room to post-op lymphatic massage, every patient interaction helped earn these votes.
Meet San Diego's Readers' Pick for Cosmetic Surgeon: Schedule With Dr. Rossi
Whether you're considering a Mommy Makeover, facial rejuvenation, or a plan to support your long-term health, Dr. Rossi will take the time to understand your goals first. Contact Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa in San Diego to schedule your consultation with an award-winning surgeon who listens.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.
