Asheville Plastic Surgeon Dr. Colette Stern

Where Artistry Meets Science

Dr. Stern was drawn to plastic surgery because it brings together two worlds she has always loved: the artistry and creativity of designing beautiful, natural-looking results, and the science, precision, and technical skill required to achieve them safely.

What continues to inspire her is that no two patients are alike. Every individual brings unique anatomy, personal goals, and a different vision of what they hope to achieve. That individuality is what makes plastic surgery so rewarding. Rather than applying the same solution to every patient, Dr. Stern believes in developing thoughtful, personalized treatment plans that reflect each person’s unique needs while creating results that look natural and feel authentic.

While Dr. Stern is passionate about achieving beautiful surgical outcomes, what she finds most rewarding is seeing the confidence her patients gain afterward. Many patients tell her that, for the first time in years, they no longer find themselves focused on the feature that once bothered them. Instead, they’re able to enjoy everyday life with greater confidence, allowing their attention to shift back to their families, careers, relationships, and the experiences that matter most.

A Philosophy Built on Trust

Dr. Stern believes that exceptional plastic surgery begins with listening. Every patient has a unique story, different goals, and their own reasons for considering treatment. Taking the time to understand those goals is the foundation of every recommendation she makes.

Her approach is centered on honest communication, thoughtful education, and individualized care. She believes patients deserve clear guidance, realistic expectations, and recommendations based on what is truly in their best interest. Whether the best option is surgery, a non-surgical treatment, a staged approach, or simply waiting, Dr. Stern is committed to helping each patient make an informed decision with confidence.

Natural-looking results have always been central to Dr. Stern’s philosophy. Rather than changing the way someone looks, her goal is to help patients look refreshed, balanced, and comfortable in their own skin while preserving the unique characteristics that make them who they are.

Outside the Office

Outside of medicine, Dr. Stern enjoys spending time with her husband and their two boys, traveling, and exploring the outdoors whenever possible.
She has long enjoyed running, cycling, and swimming, and has completed numerous marathons and triathlons, including the Boston Marathon and Ironman races.

Experience, Training & Professional Leadership

Board Certification

Dr. Stern is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties for the full spectrum of plastic surgery.
Board certification reflects years of rigorous surgical training, comprehensive examinations, and an ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient safety, ethics, and continuing education. For patients, it represents the assurance that their surgeon has met nationally recognized standards of excellence and remains dedicated to providing safe, evidence-based care.

Advanced Surgical Training

Dr. Stern believes that excellence in plastic surgery requires a lifelong commitment to learning, refinement, and continued growth. Throughout her career, she has sought opportunities to expand her expertise and thoughtfully incorporate advances that enhance patient care and surgical outcomes.
As part of that commitment, she pursued advanced aesthetic surgical training in Paris, where she worked alongside a world-renowned specialist in aesthetic plastic surgery to further refine her surgical techniques and aesthetic approach. This experience reflects her dedication to continual learning and her commitment to providing patients with thoughtful, natural-looking results grounded in both surgical precision and artistic judgment.

Contributions to Plastic Surgery

In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Stern has contributed to the advancement of the specialty through academic scholarship and professional education. She has presented her work at national plastic surgery meetings, published research in peer-reviewed medical journals, and co-authored chapters in plastic surgery textbooks.
These academic contributions reflect Dr. Stern’s ongoing commitment to advancing the field, remaining engaged with the latest developments in plastic surgery, and continually striving to provide the highest level of care for her patients.

A Privilege to Care for Every Patient

For Dr. Stern, caring for patients is both a privilege and a responsibility. She is grateful for the trust each patient places in her and believes that the most meaningful part of her work is helping people move beyond the insecurities that have occupied their attention for so long.
Whether a patient undergoes surgery, chooses a non-surgical treatment, or simply comes for guidance, Dr. Stern’s goal remains the same: to provide thoughtful recommendations, exceptional care, and natural-looking results that allow each patient to move forward with greater confidence and fully enjoy the people and experiences that matter most.