Dr. James Apesos is a plastic surgeon with board certification in plastic surgery from The American Board of Plastic Surgery and decades of experience dedicated to the art and science of aesthetic surgery. Based in Dayton, Ohio, he has built a reputation for delivering natural, refined results while maintaining an unwavering commitment to patient safety, discretion, and individualized care.
Classically trained in plastic surgery and extensively credentialed, Dr. Apesos is board-certified in plastic surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He earned his B.A. in biology from the University of Pennsylvania and a Doctor of Medicine from Georgetown University School of Medicine. He completed advanced surgical training at leading institutions, including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Southern Illinois University, and the University of Virginia. Educated in general surgery and hand surgery, with previous board certifications in general surgery and hand surgery, Dr. Apesos has considerable experience. He was the Chief Resident under Dr. Milton Edgerton at the University of Virginia, where he was trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Apesos is a member of the
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Dr. Apesos has received advanced training in general surgery and hand surgery. His background includes extensive work in reconstructive surgery—treating congenital conditions, burns, and complex hand injuries—which continues to inform his precise, anatomy-driven approach to cosmetic procedures today.
Dr. Apesos served as Chairman and Program Director of the Plastic Surgery Residency Program at Wright State University, where he trained future plastic surgeons and helped shape surgical education in the region. Many surgeons practicing today attribute part of their training to his instruction. Dr. Apesos has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and contributed to ongoing research in wound healing, reconstructive surgery, and aesthetic techniques.
Outside of the operating room, Dr. Apesos has led a life defined by service in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. In addition to his surgical career, he has served as a firefighter, a police officer, the Medical Director of the Dayton Bomb Squad, a member of the Ohio National Guard, and has deployed with FEMA to provide emergency medical care in national disasters—roles that reflect a rare willingness to step forward when precision, calm judgment, and decisive action matter most. This unique combination of experiences speaks to a deeper commitment to community, teamwork, and responsibility—qualities that continue to shape his steady, disciplined approach to patient care.
Dr. Apesos Plastic Surgery is centered on the belief that appearance, health, and emotional well-being are deeply connected. From the first consultation through recovery, Dr. Apesos remains personally involved in every patient’s care—providing continuity, clarity, and reassurance at each stage. Patients are given direct access to him throughout their surgical journey, including his personal cell phone and availability for after-hours and weekend care when appropriate. This level of accessibility reflects a simple principle: you are never without your surgeon.
With decades of experience, Dr. Apesos has witnessed trends in aesthetic medicine come and go. His approach is grounded in proven techniques that deliver consistent, reliable outcomes. He believes that in surgery, judgment matters as much as technical skill—skills developed through years of specialization, repetition, and experience.
Today, he is recognized as one of the most experienced plastic surgeons in the Miami Valley and throughout Ohio. He serves as a legal medical expert by bringing clarity to complex cases. Dr Apesos’s opinion is sought by lawyers, insurance companies, and patients seeking clarity on best medical practices and standards of care in cases with poor results and potential malpractice. Plastic surgery remains his passion and purpose. Dr Apesos’s work is defined by surgical precision and a philosophy of care that prioritizes trust, continuity, and results that feel as natural as they look.
