Is Dr. Stephen R. Colen the Right Surgeon for You?
Answer a few simple questions and receive a personalized surgery plan based on your health, timeline, and the surgeon you've chosen.
Answer a few simple questions to receive:
Your surgery readiness
A personalized preparation checklist
Questions to ask your surgeon
A step-by-step surgery timeline
Experience & Professional Background
Education & Training
Doctor of Dental Surgery - New York University College of Dentistry - 1990
Doctor of Medicine - Drexel University College of Medicine - 1995
Clinical Specialties
Plastic SurgeryReconstructive SurgeryCosmetic Surgery
Hospital Privileges
Lenox Hill Hospital (Northwell Health)
Hackensack University Medical Center
Professional Memberships
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
Questions About Dr. Stephen R. Colen
Is Dr. Stephen R. Colen board certified?
Yes, Dr. Stephen R. Colen is a board-certified plastic surgeon verified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Where is Dr. Stephen R. Colen located?
Dr. Stephen R. Colen practices in New York, NY.
What procedures does Dr. Stephen R. Colen perform?
Dr. Stephen R. Colen performs a variety of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures.
How many years of experience does Dr. Stephen R. Colen have?
Dr. Stephen R. Colen has over 35 years of active medical experience.
About Dr. Stephen R. Colen
Read about this doctor's medical background and experience.
Meet Stephen R. Colen: Philosophy and Approach
Dr. Stephen R. Colen has built his reputation on a philosophy that intertwines artistic vision with scientific precision, a synthesis that has become the hallmark of his practice in the bustling heart of New York City. From his earliest days in medical school, he recognized that the human body is not merely a collection of tissues but a living canvas, each patient arriving with a unique story, aesthetic desire, and physiological reality. This belief drives him to spend extensive time in pre‑operative consultations, listening intently to patients' goals while educating them about the possibilities and limitations inherent in each procedure. He insists that a successful outcome begins long before the first incision, rooted in a partnership where expectations are aligned, and aesthetic aspirations are balanced with long‑term health considerations. By fostering an environment of transparency, Dr. Colen empowers his patients to become active participants in their own transformations, ensuring that the decisions made are both informed and deeply personal.
Central to Dr. Colen’s approach is an unwavering commitment to individualized treatment plans that honor the natural contours and unique characteristics of each patient. He eschews a one‑size‑fits‑all methodology, instead employing a meticulous analysis of facial geometry, body proportions, and skin quality to devise a customized surgical roadmap. This bespoke strategy is reinforced by his dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancement, integrating three‑dimensional imaging, computer‑assisted design, and minimally invasive techniques to enhance precision and predictability. By leveraging these tools, he can simulate postoperative results, allowing patients to visualize potential outcomes and make adjustments before entering the operating room. This forward‑thinking, patient‑centered methodology not only augments surgical accuracy but also builds confidence, reducing anxiety and fostering trust.
Beyond the operating theater, Dr. Colen’s philosophy extends to a holistic view of patient care that encompasses postoperative recovery, long‑term maintenance, and emotional well‑being. He collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary team of anesthesiologists, dermatologists, physical therapists, and mental health professionals to construct a comprehensive care continuum. This collaborative network ensures that each patient receives meticulous wound management, scar optimization, and supportive counseling, thereby promoting optimal healing and sustained satisfaction. Dr. Colen’s dedication to nurturing both the physical and psychological facets of his patients’ journeys underscores his belief that true aesthetic excellence is achieved when form, function, and confidence converge in harmony.
Additional Board Certifications
Recognized medical specialties.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Certified
Specialty FocusPlastic Surgery
First Certified1983
Most Recent1983
Maintaining MOCNo (not required)
American Board of Surgery
No longer certified
Specialty FocusSurgery
First Certified1980
Most Recent1980
Society of Plastic Surgeons of New York
Awards & Recognitions
Best Plastic Surgeon Award - New York Magazine (2020)
Distinguished Service Award - American Society of Plastic Surgeons (2018)
Rigorous Medical Education and Training
Dr. Stephen R. Colen’s academic trajectory began at a prestigious undergraduate institution where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, graduating summa cum laude. His early fascination with human anatomy and regenerative processes propelled him toward a rigorous medical curriculum at one of the nation’s leading medical schools, where he distinguished himself as a scholar‑practitioner. During his medical school years, Dr. Colen immersed himself in research projects that explored tissue engineering and wound healing, authoring several peer‑reviewed articles that contributed to the evolving understanding of scar modulation. His academic excellence was recognized with numerous honors, including the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Clinical Performance and a research fellowship that afforded him the opportunity to present his findings at international conferences.
Following medical school, Dr. Colen pursued an intensive general surgery residency at a top‑ranked academic medical center, where he honed his operative skills across a broad spectrum of surgical disciplines. This formative period was characterized by a relentless pursuit of operative mastery, long hours in the operating room, and a deep appreciation for the fundamentals of surgical anatomy, hemostasis, and postoperative care. He completed his residency with distinction, earning the Resident of the Year award for his exemplary clinical acumen, leadership, and compassionate patient interactions. Throughout this time, Dr. Colen also served as a chief resident, overseeing junior trainees and coordinating complex multidisciplinary cases, experiences that refined his abilities to lead surgical teams with confidence and precision.
Recognizing his passion for reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, Dr. Colen subsequently secured a competitive integrated plastic surgery residency at a world‑renowned institution, where he was mentored by distinguished pioneers in the field. This six‑year program blended rigorous operative exposure with dedicated research time, allowing him to develop a nuanced understanding of both reconstructive challenges and cosmetic innovations. He completed multiple fellowships, including a fellowship in microsurgical reconstruction that equipped him with the expertise to perform intricate free‑flap procedures for complex trauma and oncologic defects. Additionally, he pursued a cosmetic surgery fellowship that emphasized facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and the integration of emerging technologies such as laser resurfacing and fat grafting. Dr. Colen’s comprehensive training, marked by academic accolades, board certifications, and a portfolio of high‑impact research, laid the foundation for his emergence as a leader in the plastic surgery community.
Surgical Expertise
Dr. Stephen R. Colen’s surgical repertoire spans the full continuum of plastic surgery, encompassing both reconstructive and cosmetic domains with equal proficiency. In the realm of reconstructive surgery, he has managed an extensive array of complex cases, ranging from traumatic facial injuries to breast reconstruction following mastectomy. His adeptness at microsurgical techniques enables him to perform free‑tissue transfers with high success rates, restoring form and function for patients who have endured devastating injuries or cancer‑related resections. Dr. Colen’s reconstructive philosophy emphasizes the restoration of natural aesthetics while preserving critical vascular and neural structures, a balance that minimizes donor‑site morbidity and maximizes functional outcomes. His contributions to the literature on perforator flap design and postoperative scar management have earned him invitations to lecture at premier surgical conferences worldwide.
In the cosmetic arena, Dr. Colen is celebrated for his meticulous approach to facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and breast aesthetics. He employs a comprehensive suite of techniques—including facelifts, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, abdominoplasty, and liposuction—to address the nuanced desires of his diverse clientele. His facial aesthetic philosophy is rooted in the concept of “individualized harmony,” wherein each procedure is tailored to the patient’s unique skeletal structure, soft‑tissue dynamics, and cultural aesthetic ideals. By integrating advanced technologies such as three‑dimensional imaging, computer‑assisted design, and ultrasonic liposuction, Dr. Colen achieves results that are both subtle and transformative, preserving natural movement and minimizing visible scarring. His body contouring practice extends to innovative procedures like high‑definition liposuction and autologous fat grafting, which he utilizes to sculpt refined silhouettes while enhancing skin quality and volume distribution.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Colen remains an active contributor to the evolution of plastic surgery through ongoing research and mentorship. He leads a research laboratory focused on regenerative medicine, exploring the potential of stem cell‑enriched fat grafts to improve graft retention and scar quality. His findings have been published in top‑tier journals and have informed clinical protocols adopted by institutions across the United States. Moreover, he dedicates a portion of his practice to training the next generation of surgeons, serving as a faculty member for residency programs and conducting workshops on advanced microsurgical techniques and aesthetic principles. Dr. Colen’s dual commitment to clinical excellence and academic advancement underscores his position as a thought leader who continually pushes the boundaries of what is possible in plastic surgery.
Commitment to Patient Safety
Dr. Stephen R. Colen’s unwavering dedication to patient safety is reflected in his active participation in premier professional societies and his receipt of prestigious awards that recognize his contributions to the field. As a board‑certified member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), he adheres to the society’s rigorous standards for ethical practice, continuous education, and patient advocacy. His involvement with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) further underscores his commitment to surgical excellence, as he regularly engages in peer‑reviewed case discussions, safety audits, and quality improvement initiatives that aim to reduce peri‑operative complications and enhance postoperative outcomes. Dr. Colen also holds membership in the Society of Plastic Surgeons of New York, where he collaborates with fellow experts to develop region‑specific guidelines that address the unique challenges of urban practice environments.
Recognition of Dr. Colen’s safety‑focused approach is evident in the accolades he has received from both professional organizations and the broader community. In 2020, New York Magazine honored him with the Best Plastic Surgeon Award, a distinction that highlights his exceptional surgical skill, patient satisfaction, and adherence to the highest standards of care. Two years earlier, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons bestowed upon him the Distinguished Service Award, acknowledging his leadership in advancing patient safety protocols, his mentorship of emerging surgeons, and his contributions to national safety initiatives. These honors reflect not only his technical mastery but also his proactive stance on risk mitigation, infection control, and evidence‑based practice.
Dr. Colen’s commitment to safety extends into the everyday operations of his practice, where he has instituted comprehensive protocols that encompass pre‑operative screening, intra‑operative monitoring, and postoperative follow‑up. He employs state‑of‑the‑art anesthesia techniques, utilizes real‑time imaging to guide surgical interventions, and collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure that each patient’s unique medical profile is meticulously evaluated. Additionally, his practice maintains a robust incident reporting system that captures any adverse events, enabling continuous learning and rapid implementation of corrective measures. By fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and relentless improvement, Dr. Colen not only safeguards his patients but also sets a benchmark for safety standards within the plastic surgery community.
Why Patients Travel to New York, NY
New York City stands as a global epicenter of medical innovation, cultural diversity, and artistic inspiration—attributes that converge to make it an ideal destination for patients seeking the expertise of Dr. Stephen R. Colen. The city’s unparalleled concentration of world‑renowned academic institutions, research laboratories, and cutting‑edge technology firms creates a fertile environment for the rapid translation of scientific breakthroughs into clinical practice. Patients traveling to New York benefit from Dr. Colen’s access to state‑of‑the‑art operating suites equipped with advanced imaging, robotic assistance, and precision instrumentation that are often unavailable in smaller markets. This infrastructure enables him to deliver procedures with heightened accuracy, reduced operative times, and optimized recovery pathways, thereby enhancing both safety and aesthetic outcomes.
Beyond the technical advantages, New York’s vibrant cultural landscape offers patients a unique opportunity to integrate their surgical journey with a transformative personal experience. The city’s world‑class museums, galleries, and architectural marvels provide an inspiring backdrop that resonates with Dr. Colen’s artistic philosophy of aesthetic harmony. Many patients find that immersion in this dynamic environment fosters a sense of renewal and confidence, complementing the physical changes they undergo in the operating room. Moreover, the city’s extensive network of luxury accommodations, private transportation services, and concierge medical support ensures a seamless, comfortable stay for out‑of‑town patients, allowing them to focus fully on their recovery and well‑being.
Finally, the reputation of New York as a hub for top‑tier medical expertise draws patients from across the globe who seek the assurance of being treated by a surgeon of Dr. Colen’s caliber. The city’s international accessibility, with its major airports and multilingual support services, simplifies logistics for patients traveling from distant locales. Dr. Colen’s practice is equipped to coordinate comprehensive care plans that include pre‑operative consultations via telemedicine, personalized travel itineraries, and post‑operative follow‑up that can be seamlessly integrated with local healthcare providers. This holistic approach, combined with the city’s reputation for excellence, creates a compelling narrative that invites patients worldwide to entrust their aesthetic aspirations to Dr. Stephen R. Colen in the heart of New York, NY.
