Throughout his career, Dr. Fernau has received numerous accolades and advanced his knowledge through specialized education, solidifying his recognition domestically and internationally within various medical societies.

He trained in laser treatments with Dr. Barry de Bernardo in New Jersey, and offers advanced technologies like SmartLipo, Cellulaze, and Precision TX. He’s also used the Sciton erbium-coagulation laser extensively and received training in BodyTite and FaceTite from Drs. Gaurav Barthi, Chad Deal, and Richard Raszewski.

In recent years, Dr. Fernau has specialized in Renuvion, a radiofrequency technology that enhances adipose tissue elasticity, minimizing contour deformities in safe liposuction. This training, acquired in 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada, surpasses previously used technologies.

He has authored numerous articles in the Aesthetic Society Newsletter (ASN) addressing patient safety concerns, particularly in awake liposuction and office-based surgery.

Dr. Fernau specializes in various procedures, including male and female implants for the chest, arms, shoulders, calves, and face. He underwent specialized training with Drs. Eppley and Binder at ImplantTech in Nevada and exclusively uses ImplanTech implants.

For women and select men, Dr. Fernau employs the XYZ technique for intramuscular silicone buttock implants, refined through training with Dr. Gonzalez in Brazil. He also gained knowledge of the Brazilian Lipoabdominoplasty, which eliminates drains and uses progressive tension sutures for improved outcomes.
Other unique procedures include the bullhorn lip lift and specialized injections for migraines, masseter muscle hypertrophy, gummy smiles, bunny lines, and the Nefertiti neck lift.

Dr. Fernau uses the Accuvein to identify vessels and prevent intravascular injection, and applies 3% topical tranexamic acid before injections to minimize bleeding, pain, swelling, inflammation, and redness.

Dr. Fernau specializes in subpectoral and subglandular breast augmentation, particularly subfascial breast augmentation, which preserves the pectoral muscle and provides a natural lift. Eligibility for this newer procedure requires a skin pinch test with a minimum of 2 cm. Breast lifts can be performed with circumvertical, superior vertical, or lollipop incisions. Dr. Fernau doesn’t perform large anchor scar breast reduction. For all operations, he uses the erbium coagulation laser and fractionated Sciton laser to minimize scarring. All liposuction performed is SAFE Liposuction, which emphasizes patient safety by tumescing fluid and extensive tissue crossing before suctioning. This technique allows gentle fat removal with a low risk of contour deformity. The final portion of fat equalization enables autografting of remaining fat on the flap, further preventing deformities. Renuvion radiofrequency tightening can be added to reduce contour deformities and tighten the fibroseptal complex.

Dr. Fernau has performed thousands of follicular unit extraction cases using the NeoGraft device, achieving excellent results in hair transplantation for both males and females, including reconstruction of the hair, eyebrows, mustache, and beard. He has served on the fat grafting safety board and dedicated four days to intensive research on buttock fat grafting and safety. He has performed over 500 Brazilian Buttock Lifts (BBLs), finding that fat should be placed in the subcutaneous tissue with large-bore canals to prevent complications.

Dr. Fernau has developed various insulated retractors to prevent radiofrequency burns from the Bovie cautery, prioritizing patient safety. He holds the esteemed position of former Chairman of Patient Safety for both The Aesthetic Society (6 years) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (4 years). He delivered innovative treatments in Aesthetic, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr. Fernau’s contributions to the Plastic Surgery community have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the American Society of Plastic Surgery Certificate of Special Recognition for Community Service and Volunteerism, the ASPAS Certificate of Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery, the 2019 The Aesthetic Society Hot Topics Award, and the Aesthetic Society Certificate of Deep Appreciation for serving as a faculty member.

Dr. Fernau holds several fellowships in Aesthetic Surgery. As a clinical editor for the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, he’s published numerous articles on tranexamic acid’s benefits in surgery, including reducing inflammation, swelling, redness, and pain, and improving patient satisfaction. He’s also authored over 30 scientific articles on patient safety for The Aesthetic Society News.

In 2024 and 2025, Dr. Fernau achieved a 100% score on his board recertification exam. He’s been a member of the Aesthetic Society’s in-service examination committee for six years, consistently writing questions and scoring above 95% on each exam. His passion for education and teaching is evident in his dedication to providing valuable resources to the medical community.