Russell Kridel, M.D.
Honoring the Retirement of Dr. Russell W. Kridel
After an extraordinary career spanning more than four decades, Dr. Russell W. Kridel has retired from private practice and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates as of June 30, 2026.
As the founder of Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Dr. Kridel built a practice dedicated to world-class facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, surgical innovation, academic leadership, and uncompromising patient care.
Although Dr. Kridel is no longer seeing patients in private practice, his legacy remains deeply woven into the mission, standards, and culture of FPSA.
Please enjoy Dr. Kridel’s heartfelt letter to his patients.
Internationally Recognized Leader in Facial Plastic Surgery
- 1981 — Founded Facial Plastic Surgery Associates
- 1980s–2026 — Built an internationally recognized facial plastic surgery practice
- 44 Fellows trained
- 40,000+ patients treated
- 250+ scientific publications
- June 30, 2026 — Retirement
- August 2026 — Begins teaching at UTMB
Pioneering Surgical Innovations
Dr. Kridel had made significant contributions to facial plastic surgery, particularly in rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, facelift surgery, and septal perforation repair.
Many of the surgical techniques he developed are now taught in medical schools and residency programs throughout the United States. His septal perforation repair method has achieved a success rate exceeding 98 percent, enabling him to successfully repair some of the most challenging defects that many surgeons considered impossible to close.
His research on the use of irradiated costal cartilage in nasal reconstruction was recognized as a landmark study and remains one of the most influential publications in reconstructive nasal surgery.
Scholarly Achievement and Global Education
Dr. Kridel had authored more than 250 scientific journal articles and textbook chapters, making him one of the most published and influential surgeons in his field.
As an internationally sought-after lecturer, he had presented hundreds of educational courses and scientific lectures. His work had shaped the practice of facial plastic surgery and educated generations of surgeons around the world.
Continuing Your Care
Dr. Kridel thoughtfully planned the future of Facial Plastic Surgery Associates well before his retirement. As his fellowship-trained successor and former surgical partner, Dr. Sean Delaney now leads the facial plastic surgery practice, continuing the tradition of meticulous surgical planning, natural-looking results, and personalized patient care that has defined the practice for more than 40 years.
Whether you’re an established patient returning for follow-up care or considering facial plastic surgery for the first time, our team remains committed to providing the same exceptional experience you’ve come to expect from Facial Plastic Surgery Associates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Dr. Russell Kridel retired?
Yes. Dr. Russell W. Kridel retired from private practice on June 30, 2026, after more than 40 years of caring for patients and advancing the field of facial plastic surgery.
Is Dr. Kridel still seeing patients?
No. Dr. Kridel is no longer seeing patients or performing surgery.
Who is caring for Dr. Kridel’s patients?
Dr. Sean Delaney has assumed responsibility for the ongoing care of Dr. Kridel’s patients at Facial Plastic Surgery Associates. Dr. Delaney is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who trained under Dr. Kridel during a dedicated AAFPRS facial plastic surgery fellowship and worked alongside him before his retirement.
Can I still request my medical records?
Yes. Facial Plastic Surgery Associates maintains Dr. Kridel’s medical records. If you need copies of your records or have questions regarding your previous care, please contact our office and our staff will be happy to assist you.
Can I continue treatment at Facial Plastic Surgery Associates?
Yes. The practice continues to provide comprehensive facial plastic surgery, rhinoplasty, facelift, eyelid surgery, facial rejuvenation, and reconstructive procedures under the direction of Dr. Sean Delaney and the FPSA team.
Can I schedule a consultation?
Absolutely. We welcome both new and returning patients. If you would like to discuss cosmetic or reconstructive facial surgery, our team would be happy to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sean Delaney.
An Enduring Legacy
Dr. Russell Kridel’s career had been defined by innovation, scholarship, leadership, mentorship, and compassion.
As he retired from the practice he founded, Dr. Kridel leaves a legacy of excellence that will continue to influence facial plastic surgery and inspire physicians and patients for generations to come.
What is next for Dr. Kridel?
Beginning in August, 2026, Dr. Kridel will be teaching at the University Of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston medical school, as well as completing his medical text book and additional scientific papers.
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