As the best female plastic surgeon and hair restoration specialist on the East Coast, Dr. Yael Halaas is double board-certified in the most selective field by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Halaas’s NYC and Westchester area practice offers the best of surgical, injectables, and all laser modalities all in the convenience of one office. She specializes in facelifts, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, injectables, and in the evaluation and treatment of hair loss in women and men. She regularly performs all areas of facial plastic surgery in her nationally accredited facility (for which she herself became an operating room inspector nationally), and brings a particular level of compassion and caring to the office. She is also an active member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, the world’s largest specialty association (which represents over 2,500 of the world’s most influential facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons), and serves as the Chair of the AAFPRS’ Emerging Trends and Technologies Committee. She is a Key Opinion Leader and international speaker for major aesthetic brands, as well as a clinical investigator for new treatments. She has been a featured guest on Fox News, Dr. Oz , NBC, and Telemundo.
FWM: How has the pandemic impacted what your patients request?
We have definitely noticed that our patients have become more concerned with how they look on Zoom meetings. Specifically, their under eyes and jawline/necks. We have also noticed that it has been a mix of existing patients and many new patients coming into the practice because of this. Within the group of new patients, we have a lot of people mentioning “I’d never thought I would care about doing any treatments for myself but it’s really starting to bother me now.”
FWM: Do you see as many men as women?
Over the course of the last 5 years specifically, we have seen a huge influx of men coming in. I would say now with our practice, we have approx 60/40 or 70/30 female vs male clientele depending on the month. We notice that our male clientele comes in less frequently–however when they do come in, they do more combination treatments to maximize their time. The taboo is starting to erase for men having treatments done.
FWM: How do the treatments differ? Are men more concerned about jaw line? Women more concerned about Jowls?
· Men coming in are interested in their jawline/chin, but typically they start with Botox to get comfortable with injections.
· Women have concerns about their jowls, but the most common would be under eyes. Women are also frequently interested in their jawlines too.
FWM: What are you best known for surgically? non-surgically?
An extremely natural, well-rested look; Combining technology with surgical results to achieve optimal, long lasting results
Bespoke rhinoplasty; Under eye injectables and advanced techniques.
FWM: How is a facial plastic surgeon different than a plastic or cosmetic surgeon?
Board certified facial plastic surgeons completes 5 years of head and neck surgical residency training and then complete a separate one-year fellowship dedicated solely to facial plastic surgery. Both the residency and fellowship are the most competitive positions to obtain in the country and recruit from the top of medical schools nationwide.
FWM: Did you always know you wanted to be a physician?
My mother is a pediatrician and took me frequently to the see patients with her. We also spent many Sundays at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Science & Beauty truly are mother’s milk to me.
FWM: Which two technologies have changed the face of plastic surgery?
· Radiofrequency and Ultrasound have been the two technologies that have changed the non-surgical cosmetic market. Specifically, Sofwave™ is an FDA cleared non-invasive treatment for lifting the eyebrow, lifting lax skin beneath the chin and neck tissue; as well as reducing facial lines and wrinkles. It is safe, fast, and effective for building collagen and elastin in the skin. As we age, collagen begins to diminish starting in our 20’s. Sofwave relies on a new delivery method of ultrasound technology called SUPERB™ (read: Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology) to naturally smooth and lift in a single in-office procedure. I like it because Sofwave offers my patients a reliable, consistent, and effective lift; the technology is effective for patients as young as 22 (though 40-60 is the sweet spot for incredible results) and it can be performed on all skin tones all year round
· There is a point to be made that these technologies have influenced patients to hold off on facial plastic surgery. However, these technologies should be used even after a facial plastic surgery to “protect your investment” and maintain results.
FWM: What is pre-juvenation and when is the ideal age to begin addressing aging?
· Pre-juvenation could be defined as doing treatments like Botox, facials, microneedling—even as simple as getting on medical grade skincare (SPF for everyone!)
· As far as an ideal age to start, late 20s/early 30s is smart. The earlier you start, the less you have to do long term and the aging process slows down significantly.
FWM: If you were stranded on an island, and could only bring three aesthetic solutions with you, what would those be?
Being a science fiction geek, laser and basic science research has fascinated me since high school. Helping study, research, teach and design the technology of the future keeps my brain active and my patients from aging.
If I was stranded on an island, I would want EMSCULPT®., Sofwave and Sunscreen!
Social Media:
@drhalaas
@sofwavemed
@aafprs
