The number of doctors who practice in the cosmetic surgery field is growing at a rapid pace. With all the experts to choose from, it’s tough to know what sets one apart from another.
That being said, Dr. Michelle Zweifler is a standout in the field. Yes, she is often tapped by media and the medical community for her expert opinion. Dr Zweifler has published professional papers in leading scientific journals, including Annals of Plastic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Surgical Endoscopy. She is included in Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors and Castle Connolly’s America’s Cosmetic Doctors and Dentists.
While that may be enough to set her apart, there’s another element of her practice — and character — that make her unique. “I tell it like it is. I’m realistic and I’m honest,” says Dr. Zweifler. “Many procedures may appear simple, and some don’t require a week or two off, but I think it’s critical to be honest with patients about what to expect from their recovery.”
So, what did Dr. Zweifler want to discuss on our most recent call? Faces! “It’s the first thing that we notice about a person, whether it’s the eyes or a smile,” she says. “We’re always looking at someone’s face, and we all want to maintain, preserve or improve upon the features that we like!”
What are some of the trending procedures right now?
Well, let’s start towards the top. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is very popular. At times we remove only the skin under local anesthesia. Sometimes we remove fat for contouring, and other times we reposition the fat for a softer look around the eyelid area.
Where else does gravity take its toll?
Definitely our cheeks. Whether it’s creases near our mouth or more obvious jowls that make us less defined, these can be corrected by a facelift. Fillers and fat grafting can help complement the lifting and repositioning, as well as enhancing volume.
A lot of doctors are promoting facelifts for anyone at any age, sometimes as a preventive measure. What are your thoughts on this?
Well, if you don’t need anything done, then you are too young for a facelift! However, early surgery with patients that have good skin quality tends to have more natural and longer lasting results!
When should people start thinking seriously about getting some work done?
I think one of the things that bothers people a lot are the jowls, the extra sagging skin. Fillers can improve it to a certain degree, but for some patients there comes a point when fillers help but they want something more lasting.
What do you think is an unreal expectation when it comes to treatments?
A lot of doctors promote no or limited downtime. There is always some downtime! People need to have realistic expectations, and I’m always honest about what a patient can expect after surgery. For instance, you can’t go back to the gym three days after a facelift. Maybe with fillers or fat grafting, but any surgery will prevent you from heading from the doctor’s office to the beach.
Most people want to look natural, but most people don’t realize the skill it takes for a plastic surgeon to achieve natural results. I promote natural-looking results and deliver natural-looking results.
Dr. Michelle Zweifler
drmichellezweifler.com
800-A Fifth Avenue, Suite 302
212.355.0500
