Facial Plastic Surgeon NYC

Searching for a facial plastic surgeon can be overwhelming, especially in New York City. This guide will help you learn more about what type of experience, credentials, and training you should look for to separate the best from the rest.

Dr. Jennifer Levine is a global leader in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology. She is an award-winning, double board-certified plastic surgeon certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. This gives her the experience and training needed to manipulate the complex anatomical structures of the face to provide each of her patients with seamless, natural-looking results.

For further information, please contact us online or call (212) 517-9400.

About Facial Plastic Surgery

Facial plastic surgery is a multidisciplinary field that covers both facial reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. This field is technically a subspecialty of otolaryngology, but it also borrows techniques and knowledge from specialties such as dermatology, plastic surgery, and ophthalmology. ⁽¹⁾ It primarily focuses on improving the patient’s facial appearance, with many common procedures focusing on addressing loose skin, facial volume loss, visible signs of aging, and more.

Dr. Levine’s Training and Credentials

One of the first things to research is your plastic surgeon’s credentials and training. Any surgeon, doctor, or other medical specialist you see should be clear about what training they received and where.

Dr. Levine graduated with honors from Columbia University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. She then received her Medical Doctorate from Cornell University, one of the country’s leading medical schools. Here, she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society. This is the only medical honors society, and membership is based on merit.

After obtaining her degrees, Dr. Levine completed several different residency programs. She completed one in general surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, one in otolaryngology at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, and another otolaryngology residency at New York University. During her final otolaryngology residency, she served as chief resident, which is a leadership position that typically oversees trainees, coordinates schedules, and more.

Dr. Levine then served as a fellow in facial plastic and reconstructive Surgery at the New York University Hospital, where she received training and instruction from several leading surgeons in her field.

Outside of her current practice, she additionally serves as an attending plastic surgeon at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, Lennox Hill Hospital, and Bellevue Hospital.

Dr. Levine’s Professional Organizations

Beyond your surgeon’s training, it is important to know if they are a part of any professional organizations. Dr. Levine is actively involved with the:

Board Certification: What Does It Mean?

Dr. Levine is a double board-certified plastic surgeon, which means she has undergone additional training and testing to provide a higher level of service and care to each of her patients. Each certifying medical board in the country has its own requirements and examination processes. Dr. Levine holds certifications from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, which means she has completed all necessary training and requirements set by these boards.

How Does One Become A Board-Certified Otolaryngologist?

The American Board of Otolaryngology is one of the American Boards of Medical Specialties (ABMS). 24 boards are a part of this organization. To qualify for otolaryngology board certification, doctors must complete a full-time residency program before submitting their application. Then, they must complete a written, 300-question examination.

Once the doctor has passed the written examination, they will be eligible to take the oral examination. They must compile 40 operatively managed cases and 40 non-operatively managed cases. During the examination, the board will pre-select ten cases. Over the course of two 50-minute examination sessions, the proctors will test the doctor on these cases, covering five cases per session. Once the doctor has completed these two examinations, the examining board will use a psychometric process to determine their scores. ⁽²⁾

How Do You Become A Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon?

The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a subspecialty board certification, which means it is not a part of, nor does it follow, the requirements set out by the ABMS. Instead, this board requires a separate set of requirements and hosts its own examination process.

Each surgeon who applies for this subspecialty board must have earned prior certification by the American Board of Otolaryngology, the American Board of Plastic Surgery, or a Canadian equivalent. They will also have to be in practice for at least two years and operate in an accredited facility, and submit 100 operative reports to a peer-review committee before passing an 8-hour written and oral examination.

What’s on the Written Exam?

The written exam consists of 300 multiple-choice questions, 50 of which are new items that researchers are actively field-testing during the time of the examination. The written test will comprehensively cover:

Each question focuses on different types of thinking, including information recall, interpretation, and problem-solving using the given information.

Once the doctor passes the written examination, they will need to pass an oral examination. This examination takes three hours to administer and consists of three 50-minute sessions. There will be 12 oral problem-solving exercises, with each session containing four patient problems. Each patient problem will contain 8 to 12 questions, each of which will determine the overall score for that patient problem. These questions will include patient problems, lab information, and photographs, and will test a doctor’s ability to treat a patient in a safe and effective manner.

Approximately 60% of the oral examination will cover cosmetic aspects of facial plastic surgery, 33% will cover reconstructive surgery, and 7% will cover medical management. ⁽³⁾

Dr. Levine’s Procedures and Treatments

Dr. Levine offers several surgical procedures as well as non-surgical treatments. Her unique background in both facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology gives her a deep understanding of the complex structures that make up our facial anatomy.

When Dr. Levine treats a patient, she always meets with them first for a consultation to learn more about their concerns and desired results. She will then determine the best procedure or treatment for them before tailoring her techniques to fit their needs.

Surgical Procedures

Surgical procedures consist of more in-depth corrections or augmentations that involve anesthesia, incisions, and a longer recovery period. These procedures manipulate or remove your skin, fat, and soft tissues and allow for longer-lasting results compared to non-surgical treatments. A few of the surgical procedures that Dr. Levine offers include:

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments include non-invasive or minimally invasive treatments, such as injectables, laser treatments, or skin rejuvenation. These treatments each offer less downtime or an immediate return to your routine. Certain treatments require several treatment sessions.

Several of Dr. Levine’s non-surgical treatments consist of:

Cost of Facial Plastic Surgery in NYC

Dr. Levine will discuss your financial obligations with you after she establishes your treatment plan. Your pricing will vary, as she personalizes each procedure according to your natural anatomy and goals.

For further information about our pricing, please contact us online or call (212) 517-9400.

FAQ

References

1. Chuang J, Barnes C, Wong BJF. Overview of Facial Plastic Surgery and Current Developments. The Surgery Journal. 2016;2(1):e17-e28. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0036-1572360
2. Our Assessment Programs | American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Abohns.org. Published 2024. https://www.abohns.org/about-our-certifications/our-assessment-programs
3. Examinee’s Guide to the Written and Oral Exams. https://www.abfprs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/9-examinee-guide-copy.pdf