Education and background

A Jacksonville native, Dr. Desai graduated from The Bolles School before attending Johns Hopkins University, where he studied biomedical engineering. He was then accepted into the highly selective Junior Honors Medical Program at the University of Florida, earning his medical degree while serving as class president for four years.

  • University of Florida, Gainesville – Bachelor of Science
  • University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville – Doctor of Medicine
  • Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO – Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency
  • University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham – Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship

Dr. Ankit Desai’s Expertise and Surgical Approach

He received his M.D. from the University of Florida, serving as class president for four years, a testament to his leadership and the genuine warmth of his personality. Dr. Desai went on to complete his plastic surgery residency at St. Louis University. He engaged in further training in cosmetic surgery and served as clinical faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

  • Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD
  • University of Florida, Gainesville, Bachelor of Science 
  • University of Florida, Health Shands Hospital, Gainesville, Doctor of Medicine 
  • Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, Residency
  • University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Fellowship
Dr Desai
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Leadership, Teaching & Research

Dr. Desai has served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Baptist Jacksonville, Baptist Beaches, and St. Vincent’s Riverside, as well as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff at Baptist South Hospital. He maintains privileges at Baptist South, Baptist Jacksonville, Baptist Beaches, St. Vincent’s Riverside, and St. Vincent’s Southside.

An accomplished author and educator, Dr. Desai has published peer-reviewed research, presented at national plastic surgery conferences, and provides patient education through his website, videos, and RealSelf Q&A contributions.

Professional Memberships

  • American College of Surgeons (FACS)
  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
  • American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
  • Southeastern Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (SESPRS)
  • Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons (FSPS)
  • Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
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Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Desai’s dedication to excellence has earned him consistent recognition locally and nationally:

  • Jacksonville Magazine Top Doctor in Plastic Surgery – 15+ years running
  • Castle Connolly Top Doctor in Plastic Surgery – 10+ years
  • Newsweek America’s Best Plastic Surgeons (multiple years, with highlights in Breast Augmentation, Facelift, and Liposuction)
  • Vitals Patients’ Choice Award
  • Vitals Compassionate Doctor Award
  • RealSelf Verified Doctor and RealSelf Top Doctor Recognition

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Certifications, recognitions, and awards

Dr. Desai has been featured in Jacksonville Magazine as a Top Doctor. He has also been featured as one of America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, a RealSelf Top Doctor, and Vitals Patients’ Choice Award, among other accolades.

Giving back

Deeply connected to his Jacksonville community, Dr. Desai has served on the Board of Directors for Susan G. Komen North Florida and as the organization’s President. He also supports Bosom Buddies, Pink Ribbon Symposium, and other initiatives dedicated to breast cancer awareness and early detection.

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Introducing Dr. Ankit Desai, FACS: Leading Surgeon at Florida Plastic Surgery Group

Dr. Ankit Desai, plastic surgeon in Jacksonville, Florida

On a personal note…

Outside of medicine, Dr. Desai is a proud husband and father of two. He enjoys traveling with his family, relaxing by the pool, and spending time on the golf course.

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I no longer feel self-conscious.

I am extremely happy with the result. The actual surgical procedure was easy. I was only out of work for a couple of days. I was careful with lifting a lot longer but got right back to living my life quickly. I no longer feel self-conscious. Dr Desai is a compassionate person. His staff is kind. I can’t say thank you enough!!

I feel like me again! Thank you, Dr. Desai!

Dr. Desai gave me my life back! After having a double mastectomy in March of 2017, he performed the Diep Flap procedure on me on Dec. 8, 2017, as part of my breast reconstruction. I can’t express how thankful I am to have had him as my surgeon. He is so professional and caring about his patients, and his staff is also excellent! Before I went to sleep in sur...

I took his advice! He knows best!

Before the surgery, I was a 34A cup and now I’m wearing 34D. I’m so happy with my results, they look and feel very natural. They are the perfect size for my body. I went with a 400 cc silicone gel, which ended up being the perfect implant size for my body. My body looks more proportional now than it did before the surgery. I am so glad that I didn’t pick a s...

To say I am extremely pleased with my results is an understatement.

Let me first begin by stating that anyone in Jacksonville, FL or within a 200 mile radius should not think twice about selecting Dr. Ankit Desai as their choice of Plastic Surgeon! After having bariatric surgery and losing 150 lbs., I was referred to Dr. Desai by the physician who performed my surgery. I had 3 other consultations with various well known surg...

Extremely gifted…

Dr. Desai is an amazing surgeon who is caring and empathetic. He is also extremely gifted when it comes to his craft, and I am very pleased with my results. I would definitely recommend Dr. Desai to anyone needing reconstructive surgery.

I can’t say enough glowing things…

Dr. Desai, Alana and all of the staff at this office are knowledgeable, compassionate and patient. It’s evident the entire team shares a similar philosophy on patient care. Let’s face it, finding people who will consistently go above and beyond at every level within an organization isn’t always easy, however they’ve nailed it. I can’t say enough glowing thin...

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