Dr. Lyle Leipziger
Elite New York Plastic Surgeon
Opens Park Avenue Office
After over 20 years of being named by Castle Connolly as one of America’s Top Doctors, and New York Magazine as one of its best plastic surgeons, Dr. Lyle Leipziger has finally opened a Park Avenue office in addition to his state-of-the-art Great Neck practice. It is, of course, impressive for a doctor to head a division in a top hospital, but presiding at two institutions carries major gravitas, and Dr. Leipziger is Chief of Plastic Surgery at both North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. His surgical skill, artful eye, and ability to significantly transform patients with enough subtlety for results to look natural have earned him a reputation as a “go-to’’ esthetic doctor on Long Island. Now, the board-certified plastic surgeon, who also offers non-surgical options to combat aging and improve his patients’ appearance, is available to city dwellers, including those who have previously trekked east to his flagship office. We caught up with the esteemed surgeon and asked about the expansion.
Q&A with Dr. Lyle
BL: What made you pick this time to open in Manhattan?
LL: I’ve considered opening in Manhattan for years, but it came to a point where I had so many people driving in from Manhattan, as well as long-term patients who became empty nesters and had moved to the city, that I was being asked continually about a New York presence, so I felt the time was right.
BL: How has the response been?
LL: I was surprised at how quickly we became busy with existing patients as well as new ones. People who used to take car services out to the office, were so pleased at being able to stroll to the new office at Park and 66th Street, as many live nearby.
BL: What about your approach is unique, or sets you apart from your colleagues?
LL: I’m dedicated to the entire process with a patient, from an initial consultation to at least a year post-op. It’s a journey that we take together with very specific goals, and I see them more than some people feel is necessary, but my staff and I have a real focus on attention to personal detail, so everything is individualized, and nothing is cookie cutter. I’m meticulous and never leave the operating room until I am completely satisfied with the results. I want every case to be my best one. I also haven’t jumped on the social media bandwagon because my strong practice is built on word of mouth, loyalty, and trust.
BL: Is there anything new in plastic surgery that you are excited about?
LL: There are always new ideas, but I don’t jump on every one of them until I’m convinced of their effectiveness. The latest techniques need to be vetted and tested before I implement them because safety is paramount while achieving optimal results. I like fat grafting and think it will become more and more common as the techniques are fine-tuned. Almost every face-lift I do has fat grafting to balance out volume loss, and because of its potential effect of boosting the quality of skin.
BL: Any new non-surgical techniques or procedures that you are using?
LL: I like things that help maintain and amp up the results of surgery. We employ both ultrasound and radio frequency devices to tighten skin on patients. These treatments are particularly effective on the lower face. For fine lines and wrinkles, we use laser technology and have an array of fillers and neurotoxins. All of these non-surgical techniques can also be used to improve the appearance of patients who are not yet ready for surgery.
BL: What do you like to do in your leisure time?
LL: Possibly because I spend so much time focusing on the structure and appearance of faces and bodies, I have always been intrigued by sculpture, and visit museums locally as well as while I’m traveling.
BL: Where do you get your inspiration?
LL: My patients themselves inspire me. Each has a unique story, and there is nothing more satisfying than making a significant change in their lives that winds up improving their quality of life and increasing their self-esteem. drleipziger.com