Dr. Marissa Lafer is Double Board Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and American Board of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. She 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 Star” in 2022, 2023, 2024, and again in 2025 after being nominated by her peers for this award. She was also named a “Rising Star” by SuperDoctors in 2023, 2024, and 2025.