About Dr. Christina Palomo

Dr. Christina Palomo is a fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is one of the few female facial plastic surgeons in Arizona and is deeply committed to facial aesthetics, striving to enhance each patient’s natural features while reflecting their unique personality.
Dr. Palomo offers a feminine touch and brings a refined, personalized approach to patient care, offering thoughtful attention and a high level of precision. She is meticulous in her work and prioritizes understanding each patient’s goals and expectations through attentive consultation.

Dedicated to excellence, Dr. Palomo provides the highest standard of care. She takes a comprehensive, hands-on approach and remains personally involved with each patient throughout every stage of their treatment journey.

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Dr. Christina Palomo standing near a desk

Expertise and Focus

Dr. Palomo specializes exclusively in aesthetic surgery of the face and neck, with particular expertise in facial rejuvenation and rhinoplasty. Her rigorous training in head and neck surgery, combined with a high-volume, one-year fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, has equipped her with the advanced skills necessary to navigate facial and neck anatomy with precision and confidence.

Patients can feel assured when placing their trust in a dedicated facial plastic surgeon.

Dr. Christina Palomo assisting a patient

Education

Dr. Palomo completed a highly competitive and sought after one year fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Sidney Starkman. This fellowship is endorsed by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, reflecting the highest standards of training in the field. During this time, she developed advanced expertise in facial aesthetic procedures, including deep plane facelift, neck lift, and rhinoplasty. She assisted with over 900 procedures alongside Dr. Starkman, while also managing a busy independent clinic and her own surgical caseload, delivering exceptional care to a wide range of patients. Her surgical approach reflects Dr. Starkman’s world-renowned expertise, complemented by her own refined and delicate technique.

Dr. Palomo also completed a high-volume, five-year surgical residency in Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Florida. Throughout her residency, she performed well over 3,000 procedures and consistently provided outstanding patient care. She graduated with the distinguished honor of Chief Resident and received numerous accolades, including first place in residency research (2025 and 2023), the Best Head and Neck Research Award (2025), and the Best Resident Dissection Award (2025 and 2022).

She earned her medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University, graduating at the top of her class. Dr. Palomo also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Biochemistry from Northwestern State University in Louisiana, where she graduated magna cum laude.

Dr. Christina Palomo in a nice pant suit

Research

Palomo, C.M; Johnson, JD. Post-Operative Pain Control with Sphenopalatine Ganglion Nerve Block in Septorhinoplasty. University of Florida, department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Annual Research Day. Gainesville, FL. June 6, 2025.
Palomo, C.M; Johnson, JD. Endonasal Scroll Repair, Surgical Technique. American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA. October 24, 2024.
Palomo, C.M; Curtis, Amelia; Brown, JJ. Transoral Submandibular Gland Excisions: Avoiding the Unsightly Neck Scar in Select Patient Populations. American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Annual Meeting. Miami, Fl. September 27, 2024.
Palomo, C.M; Brown, JJ. Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship Directors and Co-directors: Trends over the Last 6 years. American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Annual Meeting. Las Vegas, NV. October 26, 2023.

Palomo, C.M; Liebman, R; Danan, D. The Effects of COVID-19 on Head and Neck Cancer Presentation. American Head and Neck Society International Meeting. Montreal, Canada. July 10, 2023.
Palomo, C.M; Rengifo, D.A; Johnson, J. Gold plating for Lagophthalmos, is it still the Gold Standard? A Review on Current Therapeutic Options for Paralytic Lagophthalmos. American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Spring Meeting held in conjunction with the Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings. Boston, MA. May 3, 2023.
Palomo, C.M; Rengifo, D.A; Liebman, R; Danan, D. Single Stage Scalp Reconstruction Utilizing Peri-cranial Rotational Flaps: A Case Series. Florida Combined Otolaryngology Meeting. Boca Raton, Fl. November 11, 2022.

Professional Memberships

Dr. Palomo is highly involved with multiple medical and surgical societies. Continued involvement provides access to the most up-to-date medical care and surgical standards.

American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS)
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS)
Association of Women Surgeons
American Medical Association (AMA)

Personal Life

Dr. Christina Palomo is not only a highly skilled surgeon but also a devoted wife and mother who balances a demanding surgical practice with family life. She understands the complexities of being a working mother and can relate closely to her predominantly female patient population.

Originally from Los Angeles, California, Dr. Palomo resides in Scottsdale with her husband, daughter, and their nine-year-old German Shepherd. In her free time, she enjoys running, attending spin classes, and expressing her creativity through cooking and baking. Dr. Palomo and her family also value time spent outdoors and enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, and swimming.

Having a surgical procedure done can be very scary. Dr. Palomo is so skilled it puts you at ease through the process. A deep plane lower face and neck lift that included shaving glands etc is a major and delicate procedure but she walked me through each phase. Her continued post op follow up was amazing and it provided reassurance that I was progressing exactly as I was supposed to.

I saw Dr Palomo for a deep plane face and neck lift, eye lift and a lip lift. After my initial consult I knew she was the surgeon for me. I am 7 weeks post op and still healing but ecstatic with the results so far. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. Dr Palomo and her team exceeded any expectation I had. Not only is Dr Palomo a talented surgeon who listens to her patients. She is attentive and kind. She is authentic and answers every question or concern. She provided a very realistic outcome, therefore setting realistic expectations. I knew I was in good hands and went into my surgery fearless. I am so happy with the new and improved me!! I do not hesitate to recommend Dr Palomo to anyone seeking facial Plastic. Surgery. I placed my trust in her expertise and was not disappointed.

I had the great fortune of having Dr. Paloma perform her magic on me, ok, it was skill, not magic, but it was perfect! (the results were definitely magical). She is up to date on the newest techniques, her knowledge base is individually tailored towards each patient. Your research on Plastic Surgeons can stop, you’ve found the best.

Dr. Palomo revised an unsightly scar on my nose left after a biopsy by a dermatologist. It healed so well that I forget I ever had anything done. She is an incredible surgeon. Highly recommend her for any facial plastic surgery procedures.

Dr. Palomo did a minor procedure on me. She was very skilled, efficient and had a soothing presence. Absolutely recommend her!

I had an excellent experience with Dr. Palomo. As a male patient getting Botox for the first time, I was a bit nervous, but she immediately put me at ease with her caring and professional approach. She took the time to explain everything, answered all my questions, and made sure I felt completely comfortable throughout the process. What stood out most was her patient first mentality... she genuinely cares about achieving natural results that make you feel confident, not just selling a service. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome and the experience. Highly recommend Dr. Palomo to anyone considering cosmetic treatments!

Dr. Paloma gave me a CO2 laser treatment in late December and I had my last follow up appointment today (late January). She was very professional, informative, and kind. I was given great written instructions to guide me before, during, and after the procedure. I was given medical supplies, medications and topicals that I would need for the entire process. It really helped ease any nerves I may have had. I would definitely see her again for future laser treatments or other procedures I might need.

After my best friend received CO2 laser resurfacing from Dr. Palomo, I had to look into it for myself. We set up a zoom consultation to determine if I would be a good candidate for treatment and after discussing expectations, we scheduled my appointment for approximately a week later. The office is gorgeous and the front staff was very welcoming. Dr. Palomo gave an instant positive and energetic vibe. She discussed with me what to expect before, during, and after my laser treatment. I didn't feel like I ever encountered anything unexpectedly. Dr. Palomo is an absolute professional and was very kind. I am certainly happy with the results and even want to book future procedures with her!

Dr. Christina Palomo