MEET DR. TRACY M. PFEIFER – NEW YORK PLASTIC SURGEON

06-23-13 | Posted by Denise Mann

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Word travels fast in this industry and the word on the street is that Manhattan plastic surgeon Tracy M. Pfeifer, MD, MS, is the new “it” doctor for women seeking revision breast augmentation and those who are interested in the newly approved “gummy bear” breast implants. It helps that Pfeifer is one of a handful of female plastic surgeons and as such is uniquely positioned to understand how women think and what they want out of a given procedure.

Gender aside, her qualifications speak for themselves. Board-certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, Pfeifer has offices in Manhattan, Great Neck, and the Hamptons. She is an attending plastic surgeon at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital and Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, and North Shore University-Manhasset.

Pfeifer received her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed her general surgery residency at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center and in Plastic Surgery at the Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery-NYU Medical Center. She also has had advanced training in breast surgery as a fellow in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at Atlanta Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, Georgia. Pfeifer also holds a Masters Degree in Health Care Management from California State University.

While she is well known for taking on the most challenging breast augmentation cases, Pfeifer—a consummate professional and perfectionist—is also regarded for her natural, graceful approach to facial rejuvenation and body contouring.

“I love creating beauty and I love the technical part of surgery which requires precision and persistence. ‘That looks OK’ is not a good enough result, ‘Beautiful’ is the result I want for my patients,” she says.

How do you define beauty?

To me beauty really does start on the inside. Beautiful people have a joyful enthusiasm, an non-jaded appreciation for life and its true meaning. As a plastic surgeon, I love helping people feel as good about themselves as they feel about life. Creating a positive feeling is what plastic surgery is all about. The words I would use to describe beauty are natural, in proportion, and fresh.

What is your signature procedure?

I specialize in revisions of previous cosmetic breast augmentations and breast augmentation with shaped implants. Creating and restoring breasts to a pretty contour brings back a woman’s positive feelings about her beauty as a woman. It is amazing to see the positive effects these surgeries have on a woman’s sense of well being. A person who feels positive about herself just radiates good energy to everyone around her.

What is the procedure you find most challenging?

Breast augmentation revision, of course! I always like challenging problems. Often these patients have been turned down by their original surgeon, told nothing can be done. If someone says something cannot be done, that gets me fired up. Revision patients are understandably frustrated, a little distrustful and have spent a lot of money already. They require special surgical expertise and understanding from both me and my staff. We have a unique ability to provide a supportive environment for these patients.

How did you get started in the beauty business?

Medical school. That was the beginning of fulfilling my dream to be a surgeon. I love all types of beauty—architecture, landscape design, fashion, flowers, makeup, colors, music. Beauty is important to our experience as a human being. Creating beauty for people, no matter what kind, is important to raise the spirits of people.

What sets you apart from others in your space?

My staff and I treat each patient like family. I want my patients to feel safe and secure, knowing that what is in their best interest, that will help them achieve their goals is my priority. I truly enjoy plastic surgery, producing beautiful results, and helping people. It is an honor to have people trust me with something as important as their health and body. It is absolutely not a business. It is a personal experience with each patient. There is nothing else like it.

Who is your beauty inspiration?

Any woman who looks put together, with a cheerful outlook and facial expression, at any age.

What do you want people to think when they see one of your patients?

She looks great. Did she or didn’t she?

What charities do you support?

This year, I am working with the American Heart Association on the Heart of the Hamptons Ball. The focus this year is on combating childhood obesity. I just found out about Timmy’s Ranch, which gives a home to homeless boys and I look forward to supporting their good work. At Christmas, my office collects clothing and toys, with the help of my very generous patients and staff, for children identified by the Salvation Army as needy. The Salvation Army gives us the name, age, and gender of the child, with their clothing sizes, as well as toys they would like, and we all get each child specific gifts just for them. Last year the Hamptons office waiting room, our collection center, was overflowing with beautiful wrapped gifts. Literally these children would not have a single gift without the generosity of our community.