Industry Authority

Drs. Elbert and Jacqueline Cheng bring more than surgical expertise to Cheng Plastic Surgery. With decades of speaking engagements, peer-reviewed publications, and leadership roles in the medical aesthetics community, they are recognized voices shaping the future of facial plastic surgery.

Decades of Leadership in Facial Plastic Surgery

Becoming the best facial plastic surgery center in Silicon Valley takes more than technical skill. It requires sustained dedication and presence in the medical community. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Elbert Cheng and Dr. Jacqueline Cheng have advanced facial plastic surgery through research, education, and industry collaboration. Their expertise in facelifts, rhinoplasty, and blepharoplasty has been valued by thousands of medical professionals worldwide, and their voices continue to influence how aesthetic treatments are developed, taught, and performed.

Advancing the Field Through Research

Dr. Elbert Cheng's Publications

With over 15 peer-reviewed publications and more than 300 citations by the medical community, Dr. Elbert Cheng has built a distinguished research portfolio that helped establish evidence-based standards across facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

His early foundational research centered heavily on complex nerve repair and regeneration. In the late 1990s, Dr. Cheng published landmark studies exploring functional nerve recovery—notably demonstrating how Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and CNTF enhance function after peripheral nerve injury (Archives of Otolaryngology, 1996; Microsurgery, 1998). His work also evaluated multi-channel repair methods, including simultaneous nerve repairs (Laryngoscope, 1997) and comparative models testing silicon tubulization against conduits, fibronectin, collagen gel, and dialyzed plasma (Auris Nasus Larynx, 1999).

As his clinical footprint grew, Dr. Cheng expanded into advanced laser resurfacing and reconstructive outcomes. He conducted precise quantitative studies on skin elasticity changes following carbon dioxide laser resurfacing (1999), later contributing key insights on blended CO2 and Erbium:YAG laser energy for the effective treatment of keloids. In reconstructive care, his long-term eight-year study evaluated patient tolerance of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene augmentation in cheek-lip and lip reconstruction, alongside clinical studies on rare presentations like metastatic renal cell carcinoma of the nose.

Dr. Cheng’s commitment to broad-scale clinical evidence culminated in major comparative analyses, including a meta-analysis on dilation versus standard techniques (Rhinology, 2009) and a multi-institutional study examining outcome factors in salvage therapy for cervical recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma (Archives of Otolaryngology, 2004)—solidifying a career-long dedication to precision, safety, and surgical excellence.

Functional recovery of transected nerves treated with systemic BDNF and CNTF – Microsurgery, 1998
Nerve injury repair by silicon tubulization comparing fibronectin, dialyzed plasma, collagen gel, and phosphate-buffered saline – Auris Nasus Larynx, 1999
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor enhances function after peripheral nerve injury – Archives of Otolaryngology, 1996
Simultaneous nerve repairs – Laryngoscope, 1997
Effects of nerve conduits on sciatic nerve model – 1998
Quantification of skin elasticity changes associated with carbon dioxide laser resurfacing – 1999
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma of the nose
Dilation versus standard technique: A meta-analysis – Rhinology, 2009
Multi-institutional study on factors related to outcome in salvage therapy for cervical recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma – Archives of Otolaryngology, 2004
Blended CO2 and Erbium:YAG Laser Energy: An Effective Modality for Treatment of Keloids
Patient tolerance of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene augmentation in cheek-lip and lip reconstruction – eight-year study
Preauricular and ear lobule keloid treatment

Dr. Jacqueline Cheng's Research

Dr. Jacqueline Cheng's research reflects the arc of her career, from early training in pathology to her current focus on facial rejuvenation. Her earliest published work, completed during her residency years, explored diagnostic pathology topics, including studies on Pap smear cytology in pregnancy (Acta Cytologica, 1993) and a case report on granular cell tumor of the sinus node (The American Journal of Cardiology, 1993), alongside research on opioid regulation of hCG release from trophoblast tissue (Life Sciences, 1991).

As her focus shifted toward facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Cheng contributed to foundational work on nasal tip aesthetics, co-authoring a study on the contoured auricular projection graft for nasal tip projection (Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, 1999) alongside respected facial plastic surgeons Dr. Dean Toriumi and Dr. Stephen Perkins. She went on to publish on perioral rejuvenation (Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, 2000) and on collagen and injectable fillers (Otolaryngology Clinics of North America, 2002), helping shape early clinical understanding of soft-tissue augmentation.

Dr. Cheng's most recent publication, on prejuvenation with monopolar radiofrequency treatment (Modern Aesthetics, March/April 2026), reflects her continued engagement with the latest non-surgical technologies for facial rejuvenation.

Her published work includes:

Prejuvenation with Monopolar Radiofrequency Treatment (J. Cheng, B. Lee, M. Tran) — Modern Aesthetics, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 29–32, March/April 2026
Collagen and Injectable Fillers (J. Cheng, S. Perkins, M. Hamilton) — Otolaryngology Clinics of North America, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 73–85, February 2002
Perioral Rejuvenation (J. Cheng, S. Perkins, M. Hamilton) — Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 223–233, May 2000
The Contoured Auricular Projection Graft for Nasal Tip Projection (J. Porter, M.E. Tardy, J. Cheng) — Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 312–315, October–December 1999
Papanicolaou Smears in Pregnancy: Positivity of Exfoliated Cells for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Human Placental Lactogen (R. Fiorella, J. Cheng, P. Kragel) — Acta Cytologica, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 451–456, July–August 1993
Granular Cell Tumor of the Sinus Node (J. Wang, A. Kragel, E. Friedlander, J. Cheng) — The American Journal of Cardiology, vol. 71, no. 5, pp. 490–492, February 15, 1993
Opioids Regulate the Release of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormone from Trophoblast Tissue (B. Cemerikic, J. Cheng, A. Agbas, M. Ahmed) — Life Sciences, vol. 49, no. 11, pp. 813–824, 1991

Educating the Next Generation of Physicians

Beyond their clinical practice, Drs. Elbert and Jacqueline Cheng have spent over two decades shaping the field of aesthetic medicine by training peer physicians and sharing expertise globally. Their trajectory reflects an evolving commitment to education—starting with regional educational seminars and growing into long-standing faculty roles and international technology development with leading medical aesthetic brands.

The story of their academic and educational leadership unfolds in three distinct chapters:

1. Community Roots & Advanced Training (2004–2008)

Dr. Elbert Cheng laid their teaching foundation in 2004 as an Allergan Trainer and Faculty, educating doctors on neurotoxin and filler techniques for nearly two decades, while also presenting internationally as a Fraxel/Solta Speaker in Taiwan (2007–2008).
Simultaneously, Dr. Jacqueline Cheng led local wellness lectures in 2007, including the Taipei First Girls' High School Alumni Association Seminar in Fremont and World Journal's "How to Have a Happy and Healthy Retirement" Symposium in San Jose. In 2008, after completing the Juvederm Speaker Training Program in Las Vegas, she hosted Small Group Injector Training Clinics in San Mateo and the "Lose Your Eleven" dinner seminar in San Jose.

2. Multi-Brand Faculty & Global Engagement (2009–2023)

As non-surgical treatments expanded, both doctors became sought-after leaders. Dr. Elbert presented as a Thermage Speaker in 2009, later serving as Evolus Faculty and Consultant and MINT Faculty and Trainer (2019–2022).
Dr. Jacqueline served 14 years as an Allergan Medical Facial Aesthetics Speaker and Trainer (2009–2023). She delivered Thermage clinical presentations in San Mateo (2013) and Menlo Park (2018), and presented internationally at the MINT Worldwide Expert Meeting in Seoul, South Korea (2019).

3. Device Innovation & Industry Leadership (2024 & Beyond)

Dr. Jacqueline’s work has evolved to advancing technology. Keynoting at Solta Medical's Elevation Tour in San Francisco (2024), she presented a major milestone: co-developing an advanced Thermage tip with Solta for professional medical use to elevate procedural outcomes.

Speaking on the World Stage

The Chengs' expertise has taken them to international conferences across Asia and beyond. Dr. Jacqueline was a featured speaker at the MINT Conference in South Korea, while Dr. Elbert has presented in Taiwan to audiences including representatives from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and spoke at the 2009 Plastic Surgery and Dermatology Annual Meeting in Korea and Japan.
As trusted voices in medical aesthetics, the Cheng siblings have served on speakers bureaus for Allergan and Thermage/Solta Medical for over 20 years, delivering main-stage presentations on advanced facial plastic surgery techniques at international and California-based events.

Academic Leadership

Dr. Elbert maintains strong ties to the academic medical community. He has delivered hundreds of talks at Stanford University to staff, residents, medical students, and alumni groups over the past two decades. As an invited lecturer at Stanford Surgery Grand Rounds, he has presented to combined departments and trainees. He has also served as a guest speaker for combined UCSF and Stanford Journal Clubs and was a featured speaker for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2016-2017, 2019–2020).

Trusted Advisors to Industry Leaders

Beyond speaking engagements, the Chengs serve as advisors to leading medical aesthetics companies. Dr. Elbert sits on the Skinceuticals Advisory Board and participated in the Asia Focused Dose Advisory Board (2021). Their insights help shape product development and treatment protocols used by physicians worldwide.

Professional Memberships

Both doctors maintain active memberships in leading professional organizations. Dr. Jacqueline holds memberships in the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, California Society of Facial Plastic Surgery, California Medical Association, Santa Clara County Medical Association, and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. During medical school, she held leadership roles in the American Medical Student Association (1987-1994), including Chapter Co-President (1993-1994), Chapter Co-Vice President (1991-1992), Chapter Treasurer (1992-1993), and Region VIII Fall Convention Coordinating Committee (1993).

Dr. Elbert is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and California Society of Facial Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Elbert Cheng and Dr. Jacqueline Cheng

Community Leadership

The Chengs believe in sharing their knowledge beyond the medical community. They regularly speak to local groups on topics like aging and facelift surgery, and Dr. Elbert has served as keynote speaker for organizations including Ameriprise Financial. Their engagement with Silicon Valley professionals seeking expert insight on aesthetic medicine reflects their commitment to patient education at every level.

What This Means for You

When you choose Cheng Plastic Surgery, you're choosing surgeons whose expertise extends far beyond the operating room:

Treatment protocols informed by decades of research, teaching, and industry leadership
Care guided by physicians who don't just follow standards—they help set them
Access to the latest techniques and technologies, often before they reach mainstream practice
Results that reflect a commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and excellence

Schedule Your Consultation

Experience the difference that true expertise makes. Schedule a comprehensive facial assessment (CFA) with Dr. Elbert Cheng or Dr. Jacqueline Cheng, or book an Advanced Aesthetic Assessment with our experienced nurse team.

Contact our Saratoga office at (408) 741-9982 or our Redwood City location at (650) 227-9693.