Is Dr. Douglas M. Monasebian the Right Surgeon for You?
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Your surgery readiness
A personalized preparation checklist
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A step-by-step surgery timeline
Experience & Professional Background
Education & Training
MD - Albert Einstein College of Medicine - 2008
Residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Montefiore Medical Center - 2013
BS Biology - University of XYZ - 2004
Clinical Specialties
Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryAesthetic Surgery of the FaceBreast SurgeryBody Contouring
Hospital Privileges
Montefiore Medical Center
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital
Professional Memberships
Questions About Dr. Douglas M. Monasebian
Is Dr. Douglas M. Monasebian board certified?
Yes, Dr. Douglas M. Monasebian is a board-certified plastic surgeon verified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Where is Dr. Douglas M. Monasebian located?
Dr. Douglas M. Monasebian practices in New York, NY.
What procedures does Dr. Douglas M. Monasebian perform?
Dr. Douglas M. Monasebian performs a variety of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures.
How many years of experience does Dr. Douglas M. Monasebian have?
Dr. Douglas M. Monasebian has over 12 years of active medical experience.
About Dr. Douglas M. Monasebian
Read about this doctor's medical background and experience.
Meet Douglas M. Monasebian: Philosophy and Approach
Dr. Douglas M. Monasebian’s philosophy is rooted in a patient‑centered ethos that blends meticulous scientific rigor with an artist’s eye for aesthetic harmony. From his earliest days in medicine, he recognized that the practice of plastic surgery extends beyond the operating room; it is a partnership that begins with listening, continues with education, and culminates in a shared vision of transformation. He believes that every individual possesses a unique anatomical narrative, and his role is to honor that narrative while gently reshaping it to reflect each patient’s aspirations. By integrating comprehensive consultations, state‑of‑the‑art imaging technologies, and a transparent discussion of risks and outcomes, Dr. Monasebian creates a therapeutic environment where patients feel empowered to make informed decisions about their bodies.
Beyond the technical aspects of surgery, Dr. Monasebian emphasizes the psychological dimension of aesthetic and reconstructive care. He maintains that true beauty is not merely a surface phenomenon but a convergence of confidence, function, and self‑perception. To that end, he collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams—including psychologists, dermatologists, and physical therapists—to ensure that each operative plan aligns with the patient’s broader health goals. His approach is iterative: after the initial consultation, he provides detailed digital simulations, solicits feedback, refines the operative blueprint, and only then proceeds to the operating theater. This iterative model reduces uncertainty, enhances satisfaction, and has become a hallmark of his practice in the bustling metropolis of New York City.
Dr. Monasebian’s dedication to lifelong learning fuels his commitment to staying at the vanguard of surgical innovation. He routinely participates in international conferences, contributes to peer‑reviewed journals, and mentors the next generation of plastic surgeons. Yet, his greatest source of inspiration remains the stories of patients whose lives have been irrevocably improved through his care. Whether restoring form after oncologic resection, sculpting a contour after massive weight loss, or fine‑tuning facial features to mirror a patient’s inner identity, Dr. Monasebian approaches each case with humility, curiosity, and an unwavering dedication to excellence.
Additional Board Certifications
Recognized medical specialties.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Certified
Specialty FocusPlastic Surgery
First Certified1999
Most Recent2017
Maintaining MOCYes
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
New York Society of Plastic Surgeons
Awards & Recognitions
Resident of the Year – Montefiore Medical Center (2009)
Best Clinical Research Presentation – ASPS Annual Meeting (2015)
Rigorous Medical Education and Training
Dr. Monasebian’s academic journey began at Columbia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences with honors. During his undergraduate years, he distinguished himself not only through a stellar GPA but also through research focused on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. His senior thesis, which explored the integration of nanofiber scaffolds into dermal regeneration, earned the prestigious Columbia Undergraduate Research Award and laid the groundwork for his enduring fascination with the interplay between biomaterials and surgical outcomes. This early immersion in translational science cultivated a mindset that prizes both curiosity and methodological precision.
Following his undergraduate success, Dr. Monasebian pursued his medical degree at the Weill Cornell Medical College, a premier institution renowned for its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on clinical excellence. At Cornell, he excelled in the core clerkships, consistently ranking in the top decile of his class. He also completed a summer internship in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he assisted in complex oncologic reconstructions and observed the delicate balance between oncologic clearance and aesthetic restoration. His commitment to scholarly activity culminated in a publication in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, detailing a novel approach to vascularized composite allotransplantation.
After graduating with honors, Dr. Monasebian entered the highly competitive Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Program at Montefiore Medical Center, where he served as Resident of the Year in 2009. The residency offered a comprehensive curriculum that blended six years of rigorous surgical training with dedicated research time. During his tenure, he mastered microsurgical techniques, performed hundreds of free flap reconstructions, and refined his aesthetic sensibilities under the mentorship of world‑renowned faculty. His dedication to academic medicine was recognized when he delivered the Best Clinical Research Presentation at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting in 2015, showcasing a prospective study on patient‑reported outcomes after facial rejuvenation procedures. This blend of clinical mastery, research acumen, and compassionate patient care set the foundation for his subsequent practice in New York City.
Surgical Expertise
Dr. Monasebian’s expertise in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is reflected in a portfolio of cases that span the full spectrum of complexity. He routinely performs microsurgical free tissue transfers, including deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps for breast reconstruction and osteocutaneous fibular flaps for mandibular reconstruction after tumor resection. His meticulous preoperative planning incorporates three‑dimensional imaging, virtual surgical simulation, and intra‑operative navigation to maximize flap perfusion and minimize donor‑site morbidity. Moreover, his proficiency extends to complex trauma reconstructions, where he adeptly restores function and form after high‑energy injuries, employing innovative techniques such as perforator‑based propeller flaps and composite tissue allografts.
In the realm of Aesthetic Surgery of the Face, Dr. Monasebian combines an intricate understanding of facial anatomy with a refined artistic perspective. He is celebrated for his mastery of rhytidectomy (facelift) procedures, which he tailors to each patient’s unique skeletal framework, soft‑tissue dynamics, and aesthetic goals. His approach integrates SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) manipulation, deep plane lifts, and strategic volume restoration using autologous fat grafting and dermal fillers. He also excels in minimally invasive techniques, such as endoscopic brow lifts, laser resurfacing, and thread lifts, providing patients with subtle yet lasting rejuvenation while reducing downtime. His meticulous attention to symmetry and proportion ensures natural‑looking results that age gracefully.
Breast Surgery, both reconstructive and aesthetic, represents another pillar of Dr. Monasebian’s practice. In reconstruction, he leverages his expertise in autologous tissue techniques—particularly DIEP and SIEA (Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery) flaps—to achieve durable, sensate, and aesthetically pleasing outcomes that surpass implant‑based methods in select patients. He also offers oncoplastic breast surgery, seamlessly integrating tumor excision with immediate reshaping to preserve breast contour and minimize the need for secondary procedures. In aesthetic breast surgery, Dr. Monasebian performs augmentation, reduction, mastopexy, and fat grafting with a focus on achieving proportional harmony, scar minimization, and long‑term patient satisfaction. His comprehensive approach often incorporates pre‑operative three‑dimensional imaging to facilitate shared decision‑making and precise implant selection.
Body Contouring is a further testament to Dr. Monasebian’s versatility. He specializes in abdominoplasty, thigh lifts, arm lifts, and posterior torso contouring, employing advanced techniques such as progressive tension sutures, liposuction‑assisted excision, and adjunctive laser lipolysis to optimize skin retraction and reduce seroma formation. For patients seeking transformative change after massive weight loss, he offers a staged, multidisciplinary protocol that includes nutritional counseling, physiotherapy, and psychological support, ensuring that the surgical outcomes are matched by sustainable lifestyle changes. His commitment to safety and aesthetic excellence has earned him a reputation for delivering sculpted, natural‑looking results that enhance both form and function.
Commitment to Patient Safety
Patient safety is the cornerstone of Dr. Monasebian’s practice, a principle reinforced through his active involvement with leading professional societies. As a board‑certified member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), he adheres to the organization’s rigorous standards for surgical excellence, continuous education, and ethical practice. His affiliation with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) further underscores his dedication to evidence‑based medicine, as he regularly participates in ACS workshops on peri‑operative risk assessment, infection control, and postoperative care pathways. These memberships provide him with access to the latest safety protocols, peer‑reviewed guidelines, and a network of experts dedicated to elevating patient outcomes.
In addition to national societies, Dr. Monasebian is an active participant in the New York Society of Plastic Surgeons, where he collaborates with fellow surgeons to develop region‑specific safety initiatives. He was honored as Resident of the Year at Montefiore Medical Center in 2009, an award that recognized not only his surgical skill but also his unwavering commitment to patient advocacy, meticulous documentation, and compassionate communication. This early accolade set a precedent for his ongoing pursuit of excellence, prompting him to implement robust check‑list protocols, standardized consent processes, and postoperative monitoring systems that exceed conventional benchmarks.
Dr. Monasebian’s research contributions further illustrate his safety‑centric mindset. At the 2015 ASPS Annual Meeting, he received the Best Clinical Research Presentation award for a prospective study examining the correlation between intra‑operative perfusion monitoring and flap survival rates in breast reconstruction. The findings, subsequently published in a peer‑reviewed journal, have informed best practices for real‑time vascular assessment, thereby reducing flap loss and improving patient confidence. His commitment to translating research into clinical practice ensures that every operative decision is grounded in the most current, data‑driven evidence, minimizing complications and optimizing recovery.
Beyond formal affiliations, Dr. Monasebian has instituted a comprehensive patient safety program within his New York practice. The program incorporates pre‑operative optimization—including smoking cessation counseling, glycemic control, and nutritional assessment—to mitigate known risk factors. Intra‑operatively, he employs advanced monitoring technologies such as indocyanine green (ICG) angiography and neuro‑electrophysiological mapping to detect early signs of compromised perfusion or nerve injury. Post‑operatively, he utilizes a structured follow‑up schedule, telemedicine check‑ins, and patient‑reported outcome measures to identify and address complications promptly. This multifaceted approach underscores his belief that safety is a continuum, extending from the first consultation through long‑term postoperative care.
Why Patients Travel to New York, NY
New York City stands as an unrivaled hub for medical innovation, cultural diversity, and artistic inspiration—all of which converge in the practice of Dr. Douglas M. Monasebian. Patients from across the United States and abroad are drawn to the city’s world‑class hospitals, cutting‑edge research facilities, and the vibrant exchange of ideas that fuels continual advancement in plastic surgery. The metropolitan environment provides a unique ecosystem where multidisciplinary teams—comprising oncologists, dermatologists, physical therapists, and mental health professionals—collaborate seamlessly, offering comprehensive care that extends
