Meet Dr. Marissa Lafer
Dr. Marissa Lafer is Board certified by the American Board of Head & Neck Surgery and is fellowship trained in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Lafer specializes in both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation as well as cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the nose, face, neck and eyes.
Dr. Lafer was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and then moved to the East Coast for college. She earned her undergraduate degree from Cornell University after which she moved to New York City to start a career on Wall Street. She soon decided to change course and purse a career in medicine, which started at Columbia University where she completed her post baccalaureate pre medical training. Between her post bac training and medical school, Dr. Lafer was a research assistant at CV Starr Hand Surgery Center in Manhattan. Following this year of research, she went on to earn her Medical Degree from New York University Grossman School of Medicine.
Dr. Lafer stayed at New York University for her surgical training in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck and Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Lafer held several leadership roles during her time at NYU including those on the Medical School Student Council and Hospital House Staff Leadership Committee. She also participated in several prestigious research projects within the Department.
Following her residency at NYU, Dr. Lafer was selected for a highly sought-after fellowship through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the distinguished aesthetic practice of Dr. Edward Buckingham in Austin, Texas. Dr. Buckingham is recognized by his peers as an authority in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and holds executive leadership positions in both the AAFPRS and the ABFPRS. During her fellowship, Dr. Lafer focused on the treatment of the aging face, rhinoplasty, and Mohs reconstruction.
Dr. Lafer herself is a Member of the AAFPRS and serves on several committees including the Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Face to Face committees.
In addition to her private practice, Dr. Lafer is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and teaches Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to the fellows, residents and students at Bellevue Hospital.
Dr. Lafer was honored as a Castle Connolly “Rising Stars of 2022” after being nominated by her peers for this award.
Dr. Lafer’s Approach
Dr. Lafer’s approach is to provide the highest level of individualized patient care. During a consultation with Dr. Lafer, patients’ individual concerns are addressed. Each patient is carefully evaluated taking into account their unique facial features, and a treatment plan is designed together with the patient to enhance the patient’s natural beauty.
Dr. Lafer’s subspecialty training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery gives her a distinct expertise of the anatomy of the face and neck and understanding of the complexities of how the face and neck ages. Furthermore, with the benefit of her surgical training in Otolaryngology Head & Neck surgery, Dr. Lafer always has an eye on both form and function.
Dr. Lafer’s passion is to help patients look and feel their best.
Professional Societies
-American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS)
-American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery (AAOHNS)
-New York Facial Plastic Surgery Society (NYFPSS)
Education
- College: Cornell University
- Medical School: New York University, MD
- Internship & Residency: New York University, Department of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck and Facial Plastic Surgery
- Fellowship: American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery with Dr. Edward Buckingham in Austin, TX
