Dr. Melissa Doft, FACS

With more than two decades of experience in facial rejuvenation, Dr. Melissa Doft is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York who focuses on the deep plane facelift and natural-looking facial enhancement. As of July 2026, she practices at Doft Plastic Surgery in Manhattan, where her work centers on refining and restoring the face without altering a patient's individual expressions.

Dr. Melissa Doft is listed as board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a distinction that reflects rigorous training and examination in the field. This credential is one of the most meaningful markers for patients evaluating any facial surgeon.

Dr. Doft's surgical philosophy is quietly summarized in their own words: Dr. Doft's goal is not to change unique features, but to enhance and restore natural beauty. Dr. Doft believes individuality should be celebrated rather than erased by surgery.

Dr. Doft completed their medical education at New York University School of Medicine, one of the most respected training institutions in the United States. That foundation shaped Dr. Doft's approach to precise, thoughtful facial work.

The deep plane facelift Dr. Doft performs addresses facial aging at a deeper structural level than traditional techniques. Rather than simply tightening skin, the deep plane approach repositions the underlying muscle and connective tissue for results that appear more natural and last longer.

Dr. Doft's practice spans facial rejuvenation, facial enhancement, and a full range of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. Their clinical interests reflect a surgeon comfortable with both subtle refinements and comprehensive facial restoration.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Doft has been recognized in professional and editorial circles. She has been featured in ELLE Magazine discussing modern approaches to facial contouring and was invited as a visiting professor in China to speak on ear molding and otoplasty.

New York Magazine has previously listed Dr. Doft among its notable physicians, reflecting a reputation built over years of consistent practice. Such editorial recognition adds context to Dr. Doft's standing among peers.

Dr. Doft is a member of The Aesthetic Society, an organization focused on aesthetic plastic surgery education and standards. Membership signals ongoing engagement with the evolving science of facial rejuvenation.

Their patients often describe a consultative, unhurried approach in which their goals are heard and respected. Dr. Doft emphasizes clear communication about what surgery can realistically achieve.

Recovery is treated as an integral part of the surgical journey in Dr. Doft's practice. Dr. Doft guides patients through the healing timeline of a deep plane facelift with detailed expectations for each stage.

Working in New York places Dr. Doft within one of the world's most demanding aesthetic markets, where patients expect refinement and discretion. Dr. Doft's practice reflects the exacting standards of the city Dr. Doft serves.

Dr. Doft's experience with facial anatomy extends to reconstructive and pediatric work, which deepens Dr. Doft's understanding of tissue behavior. This breadth informs the precision Dr. Doft brings to elective facial surgery.

For women considering facial rejuvenation in midlife, Dr. Doft offers a combination of established credentials, editorial recognition, and a philosophy rooted in preserving natural expression. Her focus remains on results that look like a refreshed version of the patient herself.

Dr. Melissa Doft continues to practice in Manhattan, offering deep plane facelift surgery and complementary treatments to patients seeking thoughtful, individualized care.