John M. Hilinski, MD

I have been going to Dr. Hilinski for injections for about a year now. I have had botox and filler from other places in the past, primarily from nurse injectors or other Doctors, but never from a Facial Plastic Surgeon. There is a huge difference in receiving injections from a skilled Facial Plastic Surgeon. I have never had any issues with anything, in fact he has helped me correct residual filler that was not placed correctly. The results are always exactly as we discussed, and most importantly natural. Dr. Hilinski is really amazing at what he does. I have referred many of my friends to his office, they all have had the same experience, and look amazing. He is so friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. I have never had a better experience with a Doctor. I have complete trust in him as a patient and will continue to recommend him to anyone that is looking for a Facial Plastic Surgeon.

I feel qualified to critique Dr. Hilinski as I’ve been a patient for approximately 10+ years (I’ve lost track) during which time he’s performed a mid-​face lift, reconstructive surgery on my nose, and other more minor cosmetic procedures including, of course, Botox and lately «fills».
Nose surgery included repairing the nose after a Mohs treatment whereby a dime-​size portion of nose was removed. After this all healed, he cosmetically repaired the appearance of nose. Actually, just the temporary repair was so good, I could have gone just that.
If you are older like me — or not, it’s important to know he will NOT make you look «strange» or overdone. One of his top priorities is to achieve a natural-​looking improved appearance.
Even my own family doesn’t know when I’ve had cosmetic work done and I’m too vain to tell them — although some of them are getting suspicious as to why I’m still hanging in there.
Probably one of the reasons he’s so good is that he really loves his work — especially when he has the opportunity to help someone with a serious problem and he’s master at that, but also if you just want to keep up or improve your appearance because it makes life easier.
Long story short, he’s exceptionally technically skilled, he’s not pushy, his fees are in line with others in his profession, he has his own certified operating room on premises for convenience, he’s not arrogant, he’s easy to talk to, he will spend time with you discussing options and interests, and, maybe best of all, he does great natural-​looking work.
As with any good professional, make an appointment as soon as you know you want to speak with him so you can get in when you want. PS: He has a very good and efficient staff that keep everything on track.

Always a delight coming into the Hilinski office. Dr. H is the best! Not only does he have stellar bedside manner, he is also very kind and gentle when injecting. He talks you through it and makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Which is important because you are trusting someone with a needle to your face. I would not trust anyone else to do my injections. If you are looking for a place to go to for any facial injection, definitely see Dr. Hilinski.

Best money ever spent and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I love my nose so much I can’t even describe my gratitude.
1. REVISION — I came to Dr. Hilinski after 3 botched nose jobs, leaving my nose thin, crooked, along with other issues. It was so ugly and difficult to work with that at that point, I wasn’t shooting for a pretty nose, I just wanted to look remotely normal/​natural which I didn’t even think was possible. A year later, my nose looks like the best possible version of my original nose and fits my face perfectly.
2. PRICE — A steal of a price, despite it being a difficult case. Having paid for three previous surgeries, and after getting a $ 25K quote from another LA doctor, I couldn’t believe how affordable Dr. Hilinski’s services were especially considering all the follow up care over the last 1+ year has been included. It was 60% less and I got a Harvard trained specialist.
3. TECHNIQUE — Being that my skin was thinned out from multiple surgeries and all the cartilage from both my ears and septum has already been harvested, other surgeons told me that to repair my nose we would have to harvest cartilage from my rib and tissue from my scalp. That would’ve not only been extremely painful, but would’ve left me with more scars. Imagine how relieved I was when Dr. Hilinski told me he was going to use cadaver cartilage. It’s expensive for doctors to purchase cadaver cartilage and I needed a lot so honestly, all things considered I don’t even know how they could’ve made any money on me.
4. MANNERS — Having been on multiple consultations where I paid upwards of $ 250, Dr. Hilinski was the only doctor who didn’t make me feel rushed through my questions, took the time to address all my concerns, and has always been patient in being thorough with me.
5. ACCURACY — Unlike my previous doctors, Dr. Hilinski gave me photo-​shopped depictions of what to expect. More than a year later when I compare the depictions with the after photos, they look identical. He gave me exactly the nose he depicted.
6. EDUCATION — I never knew how important aftercare over the first 2 years of recovery was because no one ever took the time to educate me. Dr. Hilinski educated me on it’s importance, how to change my habits in handling my nose, etc. to ensure proper healing. In retrospect, I can’t believe how poorly I mishandled my nose after the previous surgeries because I didn’t know better. This time my nose healed much better and the scar even looks less noticeable because Dr. Hilinski recommended a great scar cream.
7. FOLLOW UP — Typically I only had 1 – 2 follow ups in the past. Dr. Hilinski is the only doctor who has continued to follow up with me over a year later, regularly tracking my healing progression and making tiny non-​invasive tweaks here and there to further improve the subtle details. I loved my nose after the surgery but over the last year of follow up, it has continued to get better; we’re not even done yet with the final tweaks and I’m looking forward to my next appointment as it keeps getting better every time I come in.
8. NATURAL — My closest friends, my bff, and even my mom tell me they think it looks the same and they can’t tell the difference when they look at me. But then I show them the before and afters side by side and they’re blown away at the changes. The changes are dramatic to me but subtle enough that people can’t put their finger on what it was I did. They just think I got prettier but don’t suspect plastic surgery. It’s certainly a girly girl nose and makes me feel a lot prettier.

I was referred to Dr. Hilinksi from an ENT doctor that I had visited due to a severe bleeding nose. The ENT had performed an in-​patient procedure to remove a growth from my nose but that did not solve the problem. He referred me to Dr. Hilinksi because he has an operating room in his office and spoke very highly of his level of care and expertise.
His staff was very accommodating and was able to secure an appointment for me the same day! I could not have asked for better doctor!!! All in all, his level of care and expertise in the field of ENT helped pinpoint the problem and I have been without nose bleeds ever since!
His facility is very clean and his staff is helpful and courteous!
I know I did not go in for any cosmetic work, but I did see some of his patients while there and WOW he does good work.
I guess my review just goes to commend his role as not just a cosmetic surgeon, but as an overall exceptional doctor.
Thank you Dr. Hilinski and staff :)

After months of researching plastic surgeons, for a rhinoplasty, I came across Dr. Hilinski.
I knew I wanted a specialist in Facial plastic surgery and when I saw his credentials and educational background I was impressed. Then I looked at his before and after photo’s.
I was even more impressed! The results looked natural, subtle and stunning.
I knew I had to consult with him.
When I met Dr. Hilinski, I immediatly felt comfortable. He took his time, showed me what my results would look like and was very friendly and easy going.(Not pretentious at all, which I like)
On the day of surgery I was more excited than nervous, knowing I would finally have a nice looking nose. Kathy, the surgical nurse, was great. She was informative and comforting. Dr. Ventura, the anesthesiologist, was funny and had me laughing before surgery.
It has been 5 months since my rhinoplasty and I couldn’t be happier with the results!
The healing was easier than I expected and I only took pain meds for 3 days.
It does take a few months for the swelling to subside, but each week you will notice a difference.
If you want amazing results from an incredibly talented surgeon, go see Dr. Hilinski.
He is the BEST and I am so grateful I found him!
Thank you Dr. Hilinski, you truly are a gifted surgeon!

This was the worst experience trying to book a consult with Dr Hillinski how sad because I really wanted him to do the surgery. The receptionist was externally rude, and did not wish to book me an appointment, I am so frustrated with this phone conversation not to mention disappointed. How sad that I could not make a consult app she kept saying its a $ 220 consult fee when I was otherwise told it was complimentary. She kept repeating herself over and over I suggest the staff get someone who genuinely cares about the Docs reputation and staff service. I hope the office manager finds someone else until then I will not try again. I think her name was Kristine

It’s been 4 years that I’ve been going to Dr. Hilinski for my lips. He does a phenomenal job that it’s unbelievable! No ducky look lol. they look so natural and great every time. He makes no mistakes! 2 years ago I decided to get my nose done with him and let me tell you this; He is not only a great plastic surgeon, but also an artist! He is able to create a new you in the most natural way like you were born with it. I couldn’t be happier with the results that it brings tears in my eyes every time I look at it, because if it went wrong my career as an international Model would have been over! I AM forever thankful Dr. Hilinski. You are my angel. God bless. Mila

Dr. Hilinski is one the best Facial Plastic Surgery that I’ve ever cosulted with. He and his staff are caring, passionate and professional with all their patients. I was pleased with the way his staff explained before, during and after the services is rendered. Choosing a Facial Plastic surgeon and skin care advisor should only be from the best, results of his work will definitely add more confidence to everyone whom uses his services. Thank you Hilinski Clinic for everything.

The BEST! I have been going to Dr. Hilinski for several years and he has always done excellent work. He fixed a septo — rhinoplasty that another doctor completely botched and has seen me regularly for the past 7 years for general checkups and to monitor my progress (and for other, small procedures). His office staff is always friendly and very accommodating. Dr. Hilinski is very conservative in his approach and is very good about explaining the Why and the How for a certain procedure to make sure I am absolutely comfortable.

My experience at this office was great, and continues to be. Dr. H. is professional, knowledgable, and personable. He combined my expectations, for intended results, and his expertise of rhinoplasty surgery. Each step of the surgery process went smoothly and well. I highly recommend Dr. H. for rhinoplasty surgery! I am absolutely satisfied with my results and am glad I chose him.

Dr. Hilinski fixed a deviated septum and removed the small bump on the bridge of my nose. Everything that he told me would happen did. And so I was completely prepared for the recovery from that surgery. I have better breathing and a bridge that is smooth. He is kind, a perfectionist and very knowledgable about his craft. His office staff, especially Christine, was great about scheduling and filing insurance. Did you know that he has a Foundation that gives free reconstruction surgery to kids who cannot afford it? Pretty cool, right? Glad that I know I can count on him for anything in the future that I may encounter — after all your face is the calling card to the world and it needs to have a positive outcome when it comes to face surgery!

After reading reviews from one to 5 stars, one must conclude, Dr. Hilinski does satisfactory work on some people and not satisfactory on others. (My experience is very similar to Meg K’s.) He has a wonderful chair side manner; and a winning confidence as an «expert in facial and neck surgery.» His printed materials and recorded phone greeting promote him as an expert and touts his education, training and expertise. I had complete trust in him. I am extremely disappointed and sorry I ever met him.
I had him do 4 different procedures and none of them turned out great. The nose is the most disappointing. I had a straight, prominent bridge, which fit my face. I wanted the large bumps on the sides of the nose reduced, the nose straightened and the bulbous end refined. He scooped so much bone off the bridge; the nose is soft close to where the nose meets the brow. The end of the nose is even more bulbous than before and the nostrils are crooked. I was never a mouth breather or a snorer before, but I am now as I find it difficult to get accustomed to how much air rushes into my sinuses. Swimming is not possible without nose plugs. He injected the bulbous end of the nose with a steroid every 8 weeks for a year to reduce the swelling, with no change. He insisted he could get the swelling reduced with chemicals and had done so for people who had even had nose jobs from other doctors years earlier. Unfortunately, it did not work on my nose.
He was willing to do a Gortex implant on the bridge to restore the shape, but I had lost all trust in him as he had not gotten anything right.
Dr. Hilinski may be a nice guy. He may even be a good doctor for some people. For me, he was a mistake. In the future, I will read the reviews on Unilocal that are «not recommended.» The truth lay hidden in those reviews. Hopefully, this one won’t end up hidden there.

Dr. Hilinski gave me the nose I had wanted for all of my life. Sounds corny but its true. I came to John with a fractured nose, deviated septums, and a lifetime of torment for having a big nose. The results of my nose job are excellent. It has been a little over a year since my surgery and no one would ever think that I had anything done to my face. Even within one month of having my surgery I went off to college and no one could tell that a few weeks before I had surgery. My breathing is improved, the bump on my arch is gone, and my nose is more defined and smaller than before. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Hilinski not only because he is a talented surgeon but because he and his staff are extremely kind people. I have never been kept waiting for long and I have never felt rushed out the door. Dr. Hilinski has made my nose look naturally better and I am extremely happy with the results.

Excellent at revision rhinoplasty/​septoplasty. He surrounds himself with kind, caring employees. Review his vast collection of photos on the website to see how natural and outstanding his results are. I wouldn’t normally post a review on a doctor, but he deserves 5 stars period.

Worst experience ever. EVER. Long story short. Got a rhinoplasty. He gave me a «Pollybeak deformity» (looks like a birds beak). He kept telling me it was swelling and injected me SOO many times «to reduce swelling.» Went to 4 doctors and all told me «Dr. Hilinski messed up»…ALL of them said that. All I wanted him to do was admit that he messed up. HE NEVER did! Isn’t that crazy??? Hey. «things» happen… that’s life. BUT if you can’t admit that there’s a problem THAT is a Bigger problem. Had to wait almost 1 year (living with a Pollybeak deformity) to have it redone by a real surgeon.

Dr. Hilinski not only performed a 6 hour reconstructive surgery that Dr. Paul E. Chasan (Rancho Coast in Del Mar) had completely messed up & destroyed me with pain & suffering for 6 long years.
He did it with class, style, and lots of LOVE.
He is the best in the business. Dont be fooled by any negative reviews
, they are all JEALOUS because he is better than all by far.
The best RHINO/​ENT/​REVISION RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON IN SAN DIEGO. Go no further, Dr. John Hilinski is a gift from GOD!

Age and a rhinoplasty had elongated the distance between my nose and mouth, which prior to surgery measured about 17 mm. I researched lip lifts for more than a year – this is only now becoming a popular surgery and many surgeons don’t do it at all (or if they do, they don’t do it well). I was really impressed with Dr. HIlinski’s before and after photos; some of his patients had narrow noses with lips that extend a bit beyond the nasal base (like mine) and he was able to give them a natural (but noticeable) result without hiking the center part of the lips up, rendering the sides too «slopey.» I live in New York City and actually flew out to San Diego and stayed there for a week because I thought Dr. Hilinski was the best surgeon for the job.
Dr. Hilinski measured my face and decided to excise 5 mm in the center and 6 going out toward the sides, at the longest point, leaving me with a distance of about 12 mm. He only cuts skin, not muscle, and I’ve had no problems with movement or function of my mouth. After one day of pain I was fine. No bruising at all. My stitches were neat and tidy and my scar (after an initial bit of redness) is nearly invisible. It’s been six months since my surgery and I am thrilled with the outcome – there’s a marked difference without looking obvious or «done.» The distance is shorter and I have increased vermillion show, which enhances the cupid’s bow. Overall, my mouth and face looks more youthful. Dr. Hilinski is truly an artist, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone (or to go back for future work myself!)

For decades I had a mole near my left ear that I nicked when I shaved. I didn’t want to grow long sideburns to cover it, so I finally resolved to having it removed. After I searched online, I found Dr. John M. Hilinski. The reviews were positive, so I set up an appointment.
Dr. Hilinski is a true professional and I was at ease from the first consult. The mole removal went extremely smoothly and he had excellent follow up visits. I now kick myself that I did not go to him years earlier.
Dr. Hilinski has my strongest recommendation!

It is unfathomable to me that this world-​class plastic surgeon would only be rated 4 stars! Not only is he a 5 star surgeon, but I truly see him as an artist in his own right.
I went to Dr. Hilinski for a revision rhinoplasty, as my first rhinoplasty was SEVERELY botched. At the time, my nose went in 5 different directions and had no visual appeal to it whatsoever. I searched for the right doctor over the course of a few years before making my decision, and ultimately arrived at Dr. Hilinski after viewing every before and after picture he had on his website. My consultation was quick but Dr. Hilinski was able to point out every defect that I had fixated on without me having to bring them to his attention. So, I was ready nose job #2 at last.
The day of surgery was a bit strange as the anesthesiologist is quite a character. He actually left me feeling a little strange going into surgery, but Dr. Hilinski and the rest of the staff made me feel right at home. A few puffs on the old mask and I was off to Lala land. Next thing I know, I wake up and head to the restroom to see that my nose was already dramatically different, even with the bandages.
It is now 4 months since my surgery and I am happy to say that I am a whole new person. Those close to me can see the difference, but the grocers and the waiters I know around town recognize me instantly; an indicator that he gave me a nose so natural looking, people think it was always there. I used to envy others noses, and now I find defects in the noses of celebrities… mine is now that good.
I’ll end by saying, these aren’t always vain endeavors. I was truly not living life to my full potential because of the insurmountable insecurity that came with my botched nose. Dr. Hilinski has turned that around for me and I can’t thank him enough for that.