Searching for a plastic surgeon near me in New York City can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of surgeons practicing across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the surrounding boroughs, the sheer number of options demands a methodical approach. Choosing a plastic surgeon requires careful research and planning, especially in major cities. This guide walks you through what to look for in a top plastic surgeon, the cosmetic and reconstructive procedures available in NYC, and how to navigate every step from consultation to recovery.
Why Choose a New York Plastic Surgeon
New York is home to some of the most sought after plastic surgeons in the world, many of whom are internationally recognized for clinical expertise across aesthetic surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery. Here is what separates NYC surgeons from the pack.
Board certification should be your first filter. Board certification ensures surgeons completed rigorous residency and training in plastic surgery. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties for plastic surgery certification. As of recent data, approximately 7,749 plastic surgeons hold active ABPS certification nationwide, and a significant concentration of them practice in New York NY.
Beyond certification, look at hospital affiliations. Surgeons with admitting privileges at accredited hospitals have passed a peer-review credentialing process. Public state medical board registries offer information about a surgeon's malpractice claims or disciplinary actions, giving you another layer of due diligence.
Patient outcome metrics matter. In a large postapproval study tracking nearly 99,993 breast implant patients, the reoperation rate for primary augmentation was approximately 11.7% at seven years. Numbers like these help you set realistic expectations and evaluate a surgeon's track record honestly.
Several NYC doctors stand out:
Dr. Kevin Tehrani has over 20 years of surgical training and is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Tehrani performs over 10,000 surgeries with high patient satisfaction.
Dr. Elie Levine is a board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon known for precision across facial and body procedures.
Dr. Andrew Jacono is a member of The Rhinoplasty Society and is recognized as one of the best rhinoplasty surgeons for natural looking results.
Columbia's plastic surgeons are board-certified and highly trained, with many earning Castle Connolly recognition as top doctors.
Extensive before-and-after portfolios help gauge a surgeon's consistent aesthetic outcomes. Always review these galleries during your research.

Full Spectrum Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Services in New York City
NYC practices typically offer a full spectrum of plastic surgery procedures, from elective cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive surgery. Procedures such as rhinoplasty, facelifts, and breast augmentation require specialized skills, so look for surgical expertise that matches your specific cosmetic goals.
Non surgical options round out many practices: lip augmentation with dermal fillers, laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling, and radiofrequency skin tightening provide minimally invasive alternatives for patients who are not ready for surgery.
Advanced imaging and planning tools are increasingly standard at leading NYC offices. Virtual surgical planning using 3D printing creates custom surgical guides, while AI-based facial analysis software helps surgeons simulate outcomes before a single incision is made. These tools support a personalized approach to every treatment plan.
A consultation should discuss goals, medical history, risks, alternatives, and a realistic recovery plan. This is your opportunity to ask questions and feel confident about the path forward.
Facial Plastic Surgery and Facial Rejuvenation
Facial plastic surgery covers procedures on the eyelids, brows, chin, jawline, nose, and neck. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) removes excess skin and fat from the upper or lower lids for a refreshed, alert appearance. Neck lifts address sagging skin and banding below the jawline.
Facial rejuvenation aims to reverse volume loss, wrinkles, and skin laxity. Facelifts rejuvenate the face by tightening skin and muscles, restoring definition that time has softened. Dr. Jacono specializes in advanced facelift techniques for natural results, using preservation methods that maintain fat pads and avoid the overdone look.
The deep plane facelift addresses deeper muscle layers for subtle results, producing outcomes that age gracefully rather than looking "pulled."

Mini Facelifts and Related Procedures
Mini facelifts offer a less invasive route to facial rejuvenation. They target the lower face, specifically jowls and jawline laxity, through smaller incisions, shorter operative times, and faster recovery. Most patients return to social activities within one to two weeks.
Feature | Mini Facelift | Full Facelift |
|---|---|---|
Incision size | Shorter, limited | Longer, extended |
Areas treated | Lower face, jawline | Mid-face, neck, jawline |
Anesthesia | Local or light sedation | General or deep sedation |
Recovery | 1–2 weeks | 2–3 weeks |
Ideal age range | 40–55 | 50+ |
Longevity of results | 5–7 years | 8–12 years |
Ideal candidates for mini facelifts are patients with early to moderate skin laxity, good skin elasticity, and minimal neck sagging.
Rhinoplasty and Nasal Recontouring
Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose for aesthetic improvement and, in many cases, improved breathing. The consultation process includes a thorough review of medical history, analysis of facial proportions (nasofrontal angle, nasolabial angle), and standardized photography from multiple views.
Before-and-after photos should be taken under consistent lighting and angles. Many practices now use 3D morphing tools so patients can preview potential outcomes, which improves communication between surgeon and patient.
Revision rhinoplasty is more complex, involving scar tissue management, compromised cartilage, and sometimes the need for costal or auricular cartilage grafts. Experienced surgeons set realistic expectations for these cases.
Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants
Breast augmentation uses implants for fuller bustlines and remains one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in NYC. Two primary breast implants options exist:
Saline implants: filled with sterile salt water after placement, approved for patients 18 and older. Deflation is immediately noticeable. Lower cost but may show visible rippling.
Silicone gel implants: pre-filled with cohesive gel, approved for patients 22 and older. More natural feel. Ruptures can be "silent," requiring periodic imaging (MRI or ultrasound) for monitoring.
Sizing involves measuring chest base width, existing breast tissue, skin envelope, and nipple position. Profile options (low, moderate, high projection) and shape (round vs. anatomical) are selected based on anatomy and desired outcome.
Post-op recovery expectations: pain peaks in the first few days, most patients resume moderate activity in one to two weeks, and full recovery takes six to eight weeks. Drains may be placed temporarily, and compression garments are standard.
Breast reconstruction helps individuals reclaim physical and emotional well-being after mastectomy or cancer treatment, and many NYC surgeons handle both cosmetic and reconstructive cases.
Full Range Body Contouring and Reconstruction
Body contouring procedures sculpt and reshape the body through targeted removal of excess skin and fat. Common procedures include:
Abdominoplasty: a tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. A tummy tuck targets loose skin and separated abdominal muscles, making it popular after significant weight loss or pregnancy.
Liposuction: liposuction targets stubborn fat areas for body contouring. Liposuction techniques include tumescent and power-assisted methods, as well as ultrasound-assisted and laser surgery options.
Brazilian butt lift: Brazilian butt lift redistributes fat for enhanced natural curves, harvesting fat from one area and grafting it to the buttocks.
Breast lifts: breast lifts reposition sagging tissue for a more youthful contour.
A mommy makeover combines multiple procedures, typically breast augmentation or a breast lift with abdominoplasty and liposuction, into a single surgical session for comprehensive body restoration.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Cleft Lip Care
Cleft lip and palate affect thousands of newborns annually, and reconstructive plastic surgery teams in New York City are among the most experienced in the world.
A multidisciplinary cleft lip team typically includes:
Plastic surgeon
ENT specialist
Pediatrician
Speech and feeding specialists
Orthodontist
Geneticist
The pediatric surgical timeline follows a structured approach: lip repair at 3–6 months, palate repair at 9–18 months, alveolar bone grafting around age 8–10, and orthodontic interventions as the child grows.
Speech and feeding support begins immediately after birth and continues throughout childhood. Long-term follow-up recommendations include monitoring dental development, hearing, speech milestones, and psychosocial well-being. Columbia's craniofacial team specializes in complex skull conditions and works alongside these interdisciplinary groups.
Reconstructive surgery can address issues from trauma, birth defects, or cancer. Orthoplastic surgery combines orthopedic and reconstructive plastic surgery for complex limb and musculoskeletal cases.
Hospital Affiliations and NewYork-Presbyterian Partnerships
Many of NYC's top plastic surgeons hold affiliations with NewYork-Presbyterian and its academic partners, including Weill Cornell and Columbia. These partnerships grant access to:
ICU and emergency backup for complex cases
Tertiary-care resources including advanced imaging and specialist consultations
Accredited surgical facilities that provide essential safety for patients undergoing procedures
Peer-reviewed credentialing that ensures high quality care
Accreditation by recognized bodies guarantees high standards of safety and sterile equipment in surgical facilities. When evaluating a practice, ask whether their operating rooms carry AAAASF or hospital-based accreditation.
Patient Journey and Consultations in New York
Virtual consultation: many Manhattan practices offer preliminary video consultations where you can share photos, discuss your cosmetic goals, review medical history, and receive initial cost estimates. This step saves time and helps narrow your options.
In-person evaluation: the surgeon examines skin quality, bone structure, muscle tone, and soft tissue volume. Measurements are taken, photographs documented, and digital simulations may be shown. This is where a detailed treatment plan takes shape through patient centered care.
Financing and insurance: cosmetic plastic surgery is generally out-of-pocket. Reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction after cancer and cleft lip repair, may be covered by insurance. Most practices offer financing plans to make procedures accessible.
Safety, Recovery, and Outcomes
Patient safety starts before you enter the operating room. Standard protocols include preoperative labs, medical clearance, EKG when indicated, and strict infection control under anesthesia administered by board-certified providers.
Recovery time varies by procedure, typically 1 to 6 weeks. Here is a general timeline:
Procedure | Return to Activities | Full Recovery |
|---|---|---|
Mini facelift | 1–2 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
Rhinoplasty | 1–2 weeks | 6–12 months (subtle swelling) |
Breast augmentation | 1–2 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
Tummy tuck | 2–3 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
Liposuction | 1 week | 4–6 weeks |
Post-surgery care includes managing pain and swelling through prescribed medications, compression garments, and lymphatic massage. Patients may require follow-up visits to monitor healing and address any concerns. Hydration and nutrition support recovery after surgery, and some practices now offer adjunctive therapies. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can enhance post-surgical recovery by promoting tissue oxygenation and faster wound healing.
Before-and-After Gallery and Results
A strong before-and-after gallery is one of the most telling indicators of a surgeon's expertise. High-quality images should be standardized: consistent lighting, angles, and distance in both pre- and postoperative photos.
Each image should be captioned with the procedure performed, the patient's baseline condition, and the time elapsed since surgery. For example, a rhinoplasty result photographed at 12 months post-op shows the final outcome after all swelling has resolved.
Patient satisfaction statistics add credibility. Validated tools like the BREAST-Q measure outcomes across domains including satisfaction with breasts, psychosocial well-being, and physical comfort. Typical revision rates range from 5–15% depending on the procedure, with experienced surgeons trending toward the lower end.

Contact, Locations, and Scheduling
If you are searching for a plastic surgeon near me in Manhattan, most leading practices are located along the Upper East Side, Midtown, and the Park Avenue medical corridor. Office addresses, phone numbers, and directions are typically listed on each practice's website.
To schedule, look for an online appointment request form or call the office directly. Many NYC practices respond within 24–48 hours. Be prepared to discuss your areas of interest, share relevant medical history, and ask about the surgeon's experience with your specific procedure.
Take the first step: book a consultation, review before-and-after results, and trust your care to a surgeon whose credentials, outcomes, and approach align with what matters most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credential should I verify when selecting a plastic surgeon?
Board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery is essential. This ensures the surgeon completed rigorous residency and training in plastic surgery. You should also verify hospital affiliations and check state medical board registries for any malpractice claims or disciplinary actions.
What is the difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift?
Mini facelifts use smaller incisions, shorter operative times, and target the lower face and jawline with one to two weeks recovery. Full facelifts use longer incisions, treat mid-face and neck areas, require general anesthesia, and involve two to three weeks recovery with longer-lasting results.
What should I expect during a plastic surgery consultation?
A consultation should cover your goals, medical history, surgical risks, alternatives to surgery, and a realistic recovery plan. The surgeon may use advanced imaging tools like 3D printing or facial analysis software to simulate outcomes before surgery and help you understand what to expect.
What non-surgical alternatives are available instead of cosmetic surgery?
Non-surgical options include lip augmentation with dermal fillers, laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling, and radiofrequency skin tightening. These minimally invasive alternatives are available for patients not ready for surgical procedures.
How can I evaluate a surgeon's past work and results?
Review extensive before-and-after portfolios during your research to gauge a surgeon's consistent aesthetic outcomes. Look for standardized photography taken under consistent lighting and angles. Patient satisfaction metrics and reoperation rates also help you set realistic expectations.
Learn more: Body Contouring at Leva Medical