Harinder Chahal, MD, FACS
Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Chahal specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, face, and neck. He received his bachelor’s degree with high distinction from U.C. Berkeley and completed his medical degree at The University of Virginia. He completed his internship at Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA, followed by his residency in ophthalmology at U.C. Davis.
After spending years learning precise microsurgical techniques on the eye, he went on to complete a two-year fellowship in oculofacial plastic surgery at The University of Iowa, widely regarded as a premier center for oculofacial training.
Dr. Chahal is a fellow of the prestigious American Society of Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASOPRS) and the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.). In 2024, Dr. Chahal was also inducted as a fellow of the prestigious American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (AAFPRS), the only Central Valley physician with this distinction. He is also the only surgeon in Central California who is double board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery.
Dr. Chahal has published numerous book chapters and peer-reviewed publications and has won awards for both his research and teaching. He also remains actively involved in teaching surgeons-in-training as a faculty member at the UC Davis School of Medicine — with a dual appointment in the departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Ophthalmology.
His unique surgical skill set has proven invaluable in numerous medical mission trips where specialty care is inaccessible or non-existent, including trips to Honduras, Mexico, and India.
Dr. Chahal is a product of the Central Valley and was born and raised in Fresno, CA. His father worked in the valley as a surgeon for over 35 years, and he is proud to follow in his footsteps. When not performing surgery Dr. Chahal enjoys the outdoors, books, and spending time with his family.
Professional Credentials
Licenses & Certifications
- Board-certified by the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery
- Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
- Fellow of the American Society of Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASOPRS)
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- Fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (AAFPRS)
Education Background
- Two-year Fellowship in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery – University of Iowa
- Ophthalmology Residency at U.C. Davis
- Medical Internship – Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA
- Medical Degree – University of Virginia
- Bachelor’s Degree – U.C. Berkeley
Experience & Accolades
- Voted “Best Plastic Surgeon” in the Bakersfield Californian “Best of Kern” Reader’s Choice Poll in 2023 and 2024.
- Faculty member at the U.C. Davis School of Medicine
- Numerous Peer Reviewed Publications and Published Book Chapters
