For more than two decades, the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery has focused exclusively on the face, combining advanced surgical training with a philosophy grounded in precision, judgment, and long-term patient trust. Led by fellowship-trained, double board-certified facial plastic surgeons, our Austin practice is recognized for delivering care that is thoughtful, individualized, and anatomically driven. That standard is reflected in the 2026 Castle Connolly Rising Star recognition awarded to Dr. Hudson Frey, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the Buckingham Center.
This national distinction speaks to the qualities patients value most when choosing a facial plastic surgeon: sound decision-making, technical excellence, and results designed to look natural rather than overdone. Below, we outline what this recognition represents and why it carries meaning for patients seeking specialized facial expertise.
What the Castle Connolly Rising Star Recognition Represents
The Castle Connolly Rising Star designation is one of the most selective early-career honors in medicine. It identifies physicians who demonstrate exceptional clinical skill, professional integrity, and a consistent commitment to advancing their specialty. Each year, only a small percentage of board-certified physicians nationwide are selected.
Physicians are chosen through a peer-driven process that evaluates multiple dimensions of practice quality, including:
- Peer nomination and review: Selection by fellow physicians who understand the clinical and ethical standards required for surgical excellence.
- Clinical quality and outcomes: Demonstrated consistency in safe, effective care and responsible surgical decision-making.
- Professional contribution: Ongoing involvement in education, research, and specialty advancement.
- Patient-centered practice: A commitment to transparency, ethical judgment, and individualized treatment planning.
Dr. Frey’s 2026 recognition reflects both technical capability and a measured approach to care, one that prioritizes listening, education, and thoughtful surgical planning.
Training, Mentorship, and a Deliberate Surgical Approach
Dr. Frey’s career in facial plastic surgery is rooted in academic excellence and focused subspecialty training. He completed medical school with top honors before pursuing an intensive residency in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, where he developed a comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy, function, and surgical decision-making. He then completed a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Buckingham Center, training directly under Dr. Edward D. Buckingham, MD, FACS, and refining advanced techniques across both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.
In practice, Dr. Frey specializes in facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, facial paralysis surgery, and skin cancer reconstruction. His surgical approach emphasizes proportion, balance, and restraint, with careful attention to how each intervention integrates with a patient’s natural anatomy and long-term goals. This philosophy prioritizes outcomes that appear natural and enduring, rather than standardized or trend-driven results.
Professional Leadership and Academic Engagement
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Frey remains actively involved in advancing facial plastic surgery through education and academic contribution. As affiliate faculty at Dell Medical School, he participates in physician training with an emphasis on surgical judgment, patient safety, and ethical decision-making.
His professional contributions include:
- Active involvement in leading facial plastic and otolaryngology societies
- Peer-reviewed publications and authorship of academic chapters
- Invited presentations and poster sessions at national medical meetings
- Participation in international surgical mission work, including care delivery in medically underserved regions
A Practice Built on Specialization and Trust
At the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, recognition reflects a shared commitment to facial specialization, advanced training, and patient trust. Dr. Frey’s 2026 Castle Connolly Rising Star designation underscores a practice built on collaboration, precision, and thoughtful care.
For patients considering facial plastic or reconstructive surgery, this distinction offers confidence in a team dedicated exclusively to the face. To learn more about working with Dr. Frey, schedule a consultation at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery today.
