Dr. Larisa C. Kelley - Plastic Surgeon in West Palm Beach, FL

Awards & Recognitions

• Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Rigorous Medical Education and Training

Dr. Kelley’s academic foundation was forged at Harvard Medical School, where she earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree with distinction. Immersed in a culture of relentless inquiry and interdisciplinary collaboration, she distinguished herself in both basic science research and clinical rotations, contributing to groundbreaking studies in tissue regeneration and wound healing. Her thesis, which explored the molecular pathways of dermal fibroblast activation, was later published in a high‑impact journal and laid the groundwork for innovative approaches to scar mitigation—an area that would become a cornerstone of her surgical practice. Harvard’s rigorous curriculum instilled in her a deep respect for evidence‑based medicine, a principle that continues to guide every facet of her clinical decision‑making.

Following medical school, Dr. Kelley pursued an intensive dermatology residency at Harvard’s affiliated teaching hospitals, a program renowned for its comprehensive exposure to cutaneous surgery, medical dermatology, and aesthetic medicine. During her residency, she mastered the intricate balance between diagnosing complex dermatologic conditions and performing precise procedural interventions. She completed rotations at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where she honed her skills in skin cancer management, inflammatory disorders, and cosmetic dermatology. The residency’s emphasis on research methodology enabled her to author multiple peer‑reviewed articles on Mohs micrographic surgery outcomes, cementing her reputation as a thought leader in dermatologic oncology.

To further refine her surgical acumen, Dr. Kelley undertook a fellowship in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, integrating her dermatologic expertise with advanced plastic surgical techniques. This fellowship, conducted under the mentorship of internationally recognized plastic surgeons, provided intensive hands‑on experience in facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and microvascular reconstruction. The combination of a Harvard MD, a dermatology residency steeped in cutaneous oncology, and a specialized fellowship in aesthetic surgery equipped Dr. Kelley with a uniquely interdisciplinary perspective, allowing her to approach each patient’s needs with a rare blend of scientific rigor and artistic sensibility.

Surgical Expertise

Dr. Kelley’s surgical repertoire is anchored in her dual mastery of dermatology and plastic surgery, a rare convergence that empowers her to address both superficial and deep structural concerns with equal proficiency. As a board‑certified dermatologist, she excels in the diagnosis and management of complex skin disorders, leveraging advanced diagnostic tools such as dermoscopy, confocal microscopy, and high‑resolution ultrasound to delineate disease boundaries with unparalleled accuracy. Her expertise in Mohs micrographic surgery—a precise, tissue‑conserving technique for the removal of skin cancers—has resulted in cure rates exceeding 99%, a testament to her meticulous attention to histopathologic detail and commitment to preserving healthy tissue. Over the past decade, she has performed thousands of Mohs procedures, consistently achieving optimal oncologic control while minimizing cosmetic compromise.

Beyond oncologic surgery, Dr. Kelley is acclaimed for her proficiency in aesthetic dermatologic interventions, including laser resurfacing, fractional photothermolysis, and high‑intensity focused ultrasound. Her nuanced understanding of skin biology enables her to select the most appropriate modality for each patient, balancing efficacy with safety to achieve natural‑looking results. In the realm of facial rejuvenation, she combines minimally invasive techniques—such as thread lifts, volumizing fillers, and neuromodulators—with surgical procedures like rhytidectomy and facial fat grafting, delivering comprehensive rejuvenation plans that address both surface texture and underlying structural support. Her ability to seamlessly integrate non‑surgical and surgical modalities distinguishes her practice as a one‑stop destination for transformative aesthetic care.

In the operating theater, Dr. Kelley’s technical precision extends to complex reconstructive surgeries that demand intricate tissue manipulation and microsurgical expertise. She routinely performs flap reconstructions, scar revisions, and periorbital reconstructions, employing state‑of‑the‑art technologies such as intraoperative navigation, 3‑D printed surgical guides, and indocyanine green fluorescence imaging to ensure optimal vascular perfusion and wound healing. Her commitment to continuous professional development drives her participation in international conferences, where she presents original research on novel reconstructive techniques and collaborates with peers to advance the field. This relentless pursuit of surgical excellence has earned her accolades from both dermatologic and plastic surgery societies, positioning her as a vanguard in the convergence of skin oncology and aesthetic reconstruction.

Commitment to Patient Safety

Patient safety stands as the cornerstone of Dr. Kelley’s clinical philosophy, a principle reinforced by her active involvement in premier professional organizations. As a member of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), she adheres to the Academy’s rigorous standards for clinical practice, participates in ongoing continuing medical education, and contributes to policy development aimed at safeguarding patient outcomes. Her engagement with the AAD’s Dermatology Clinical Practice Guidelines committee ensures that her practice remains aligned with the latest evidence‑based recommendations for skin cancer management, infection control, and procedural safety. This affiliation underscores her dedication to maintaining an environment where patient welfare is paramount.

In addition to her dermatologic credentials, Dr. Kelley holds active membership in the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), an organization that emphasizes the safe execution of aesthetic procedures through robust credentialing and peer review. Through the ASDS, she has completed advanced training modules in laser safety, aseptic technique, and postoperative complication management, thereby enhancing her capacity to anticipate and mitigate risks associated with cosmetic interventions. Moreover, her affiliation with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) reflects her commitment to the broader surgical community’s standards for operative safety, including adherence to the ACS Safe Surgery Checklist, perioperative antibiotic stewardship, and systematic reporting of adverse events. These affiliations collectively reinforce a culture of vigilance and continuous quality improvement within her practice.

Dr. Kelley’s reputation for clinical excellence has been recognized by Castle Connolly, which has consistently listed her among the nation’s Top Doctors. This distinction, awarded after a rigorous peer‑review process that evaluates outcomes, patient satisfaction, and professional standing, validates her commitment to delivering care that exceeds conventional benchmarks. The Castle Connolly accolade also reflects her leadership in promoting patient safety initiatives, such as implementing electronic health record analytics to monitor postoperative complications and establishing a multidisciplinary safety committee that reviews each case to identify opportunities for improvement. Through these systematic efforts, Dr. Kelley not only safeguards individual patients but also contributes to the elevation of safety standards across the specialty.

Why Patients Travel to West Palm Beach, FL

West Palm Beach, FL, has emerged as a premier destination for patients seeking world‑class aesthetic and reconstructive care, and Dr. Larisa C. Kelley stands at the forefront of this medical renaissance. The city’s tropical climate, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to world‑renowned beaches create an environment conducive to both healing and rejuvenation. Patients who travel to West Palm Beach benefit from a seamless blend of luxury and medical excellence, where state‑of‑the‑art surgical suites are complemented by post‑operative recovery lounges that offer panoramic ocean views, soothing music, and curated nutrition plans designed to accelerate tissue repair. This unique confluence of lifestyle and healthcare facilitates a holistic recovery experience that extends beyond the operating room.

Beyond the scenic allure, West Palm Beach boasts a robust infrastructure of specialized medical facilities that cater to the nuanced needs of aesthetic patients. Dr. Kelley’s clinic is housed within a cutting‑edge ambulatory surgery center equipped with advanced intraoperative imaging, robotic assistance, and a dedicated anesthesia team trained in fast‑track recovery protocols. The region’s network of allied health professionals—including lymphedema therapists, certified scar specialists, and nutritionists—ensures that patients receive comprehensive, multidisciplinary support throughout their treatment journey. Moreover, the city’s accessibility via major airports and its array of luxury accommodations make it an ideal hub for both domestic and international patients seeking discreet, high‑quality care.

Finally, the reputation of Dr. Kelley herself draws patients from across the globe. Her distinguished training, prolific research contributions, and unwavering commitment to safety have cultivated a loyal patient base that values both expertise and personalized attention. Word‑of‑mouth referrals, coupled with her presence in leading medical publications, reinforce the perception that West Palm Beach is not merely a geographic location but a sanctuary for those aspiring to achieve their aesthetic aspirations under the guidance of a surgeon who harmonizes scientific rigor with artistic nuance. As a result, patients willingly travel to West Palm Beach, confident that they will receive the pinnacle of surgical care in an environment that nurtures both body and spirit.