Dr. David Shafer, MD, FACS

Dr. David Shafer is a double board-certified plastic surgeon renowned for his expertise in aesthetic surgery and personalized, innovative patient care at Shafer Clinic.

Get to Know Dr. David Shafer

David Shafer, MD, FACS is a double board certified, award-winning New York City plastic surgeon who specializes in all aspects of aesthetic and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Shafer combines surgical and non-invasive procedures to achieve natural-looking results. Dr. Shafer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He trained at the world-famous Mayo Clinic in plastic surgery, and he brings the same concept of multidisciplinary, patient-centered care to his field of aesthetic surgery in NYC.

Dr. Shafer: Art, Science, and Compassion in Aesthetic Surgery

Education and Training

Dr. Shafer’s surgical training began at the Arizona Burn Center in Phoenix, Arizona. His research in wound healing and surgical techniques earned international attention and contributed to the scientific literature and his refined approach to patient healing today. Working with burn patients with complex wounds, Dr. Shafer perfected high-tech reconstructive techniques such as tissue engineering and tissue grafting, which translate in a positive way to modern aesthetic surgery. As a graduating Chief Resident, Dr. Shafer was honored with all three possible awards, including “Intern of the Year,” “Rick Weimar Ambassador of Medical Ethics,” and the “Harry W. Hale Jr. Surgery Award for Outstanding Surgeon.” Dr. Shafer continued his training in plastic surgery at Mayo Clinic, which is consistently ranked as best in class for hospitals and surgical training. The international draw of this world-renowned medical center introduced Dr. Shafer to patients from the Middle East to South America to Asia.

Dr. Shafer has traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam to participate in the Global Health Organization’s project to repair cleft lips and palates. Dr. Shafer’s office features many photographs of children he treated in Vietnam with their delighted parents. After Mayo Clinic, Dr. Shafer was selected as an Aesthetic Surgery Fellow at the Manhattan Ear, Eye & Throat Hospital in New York City. This fellowship is recognized as one of the most prestigious fellowships in aesthetic plastic surgery worldwide. Most plastic surgeons do not pursue specialized fellowship training. However, Dr. Shafer continued honing his surgical skills and knowledge rather than going directly into practice in order to achieve the best, most advanced training possible for cosmetic surgery. His traditional surgical training at Mayo Clinic compliments the energy and innovation only found in New York City.

Dr. Shafer’s Role as an Expert and Educator

The road from the Arizona Burn Center to The Mayo Clinic to Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital has given Dr. Shafer a solid foundation in plastic surgery. In addition to teaching plastic surgery residents from New York University, Columbia University, Cornell and Lenox Hill Hospital, Dr. Shafer remains academically active. In recent years, Dr. Shafer has written peer-reviewed articles and chapters on facelift techniques, BOTOX Cosmetic®, Dysport®, and anesthesia for plastic surgery. Additionally, he has produced DVDs on BOTOX® Cosmetic® injections to teach other surgeons fundamental skills and new developments. Dr. Shafer traveled with Allergan Facial Aesthetics to help introduce BOTOX Vista® to Japan, teaching over 200 nurses and doctors injection techniques throughout the country. Select countries have also invited Dr. Shafer as a guest surgeon to perform surgeries on their dignitaries.

Establishing Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue

Dr. Shafer established Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in Manhattan with the goal of breaking down the traditional doctor-patient barrier to create an environment where patients feel comfortable and relaxed. This approach allows patients to openly share their face, breast or body concerns so they can achieve their best outcomes. Dr. Shafer’s approach to patient care is also very unique and ensures he maintains a very hands-on presence from the earliest consult to post-operative recovery and follow-up.

Providing Care for International Patients

Dr. Shafer’s practice has approximately 50% international patients with a Fly-In-Program that hosts and cares for patients from around the globe. Dr. Shafer utilizes virtual online consultations for both initial patient consultations and post-procedure follow-ups.

Providing Expert Medical Care in the Modern World

Dr. Shafer has described today’s plastic surgery patients as “sophisticated, inquisitive and information seeking.” He created the first plastic surgery iPhone App when the iPhone was first launched. Dr. Shafer is a modern generation surgeon and an innovator. He stays on the cutting edge of technological and surgical developments to offer his patients the best possible recommendations, treatments, experience and outcomes.

Dr. Shafer’s Qualifications

Undergrad: University of Michigan, with highest honors, Ann Arbor, MI
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI
General Surgery Residency: Maricopa Medical Center & Arizona Burn Center, Phoenix, AZ
Plastic Surgery Residency: The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship, MEETH Manhattan Eye Ear & Throat Hospital
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery 2005
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery 2007