Procedures I'm known for
Cheek, Chin and Jawline Enhancement
I specialize in buccal fat removal (chubby cheek reduction) in my New York, New Jersey, and Miami practices. I have perfected the procedure to minimize downtime and maximize results. I routinely perform it under local anesthesia, with no discomfort. This allows my patients to commute in and out of surgery on the same day.
This minimally invasive procedure slims the face and creates a beautifully chiseled look. It was the best-kept secret in Hollywood. Now people know it gives that celebrity face look, so it’s becoming very popular.
In at least half of buccal fat removal cases, I also perform cheekbone enhancement with dermal fillers. You can shape the face exactly as you want, creating an instant result that can last up to two years. Downtime is virtually zero.
Chin enhancement is very popular, too. Everyone wants a sharp jawline, and a defined chin helps achieve that. Fillers create immediate results, while chin implants are long-lasting and can give men a very masculine look.
Fillers and Other Injectables
I have extensive experience performing facial rejuvenation with dermal fillers in my New York and New Jersey offices. Facial fillers are an ideal way to address the creases, volume loss, and hollowing in the skin that occur naturally with age. They can also enhance lip volume and shape, and restore a more youthful appearance to the neck, chest, and hands. I use a wide range of fillers, choosing the filler or combination of fillers with the properties to achieve each patient’s ultimate goals.
Another injectable I frequently use is Botox. It reliably eliminates and prevents new wrinkles like forehead lines, crow’s feet, the “11s” between the eyes, and bunny lines on the nose, with virtually no downtime.
I was also one of the first surgeons to perform Scrotox. Injecting Botox into the scrotal muscles relaxes them, causing the testicles to descend and look longer and bigger. In addition to its cosmetic use, Scrotox also helps relieve pain caused by overactive scrotal muscles.
Face and Neck Lifts
I specialize in performing facelifts and neck lifts under local anesthesia in my New York and New Jersey practices. Yes, I perform surgery with the patient awake! I’ve been perfecting the technique for years, so it’s painless. A lot of people are afraid of potential risks of general anesthesia or IV sedation (“Twilight anesthesia”), so having a procedure under local with no pain is a win-win situation.
A facelift is the “gold standard” procedure for rejuvenating the lower face and jaw with the best, longest-lasting results. I perform a deep plane facelift, lifting the skin and the lower muscular layer (the SMAS) together. I believe this technique delivers the most natural result.
Neck lifts can be performed with a facelift for complete facial rejuvenation. Sometimes, though, the signs of an aging neck and jawline are a patient’s primary concern. During a neck lift I tighten loose neck muscles and remove excess fat and skin from the neck, making you look slimmer and more youthful.
Total years in practice: 14
Dr. John Mesa is a Harvard-trained, board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon practicing in New York City, New Jersey, and Miami. He specializes in buccal fat pad removal to create a chiseled look, as well as cheekbone enhancement via dermal fillers. He also regularly performs facial contouring with facelifts, neck lifts, and chin enhancement. Dr. Mesa was selected as a New York Top Doc in 2020, and he’s a four-time inductee into the RealSelf 100.
Over 10 years in practice, Dr. Mesa has become internationally recognized as an innovator in the field of facial rejuvenation under local anesthesia. “If someone requires surgery from the clavicle up, 99.9% of the time, I do it safely and painlessly under local anesthesia,” says Dr. Mesa. He teaches his approach to performing facelifts and neck lifts under local anesthesia at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) annual meeting.
He also commonly performs breast implants, tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and other surgeries under general anesthesia. All of the facilities Dr. Mesa operates in are fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
Dr. Mesa received his MD at the Universidad de Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia. After residencies at Harvard University and Penn State University in general and plastic surgery, respectively, he completed fellowships at Harvard (plastic surgery research), the University of Michigan (craniofacial surgery), and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (aesthetic plastic surgery) before opening his practice.
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Mesa is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), ASPS and ISAPS. He has been published regularly in numerous academic journals and is a proud author of the new medical textbook Atlas of Operative Craniofacial Surgery.
RealSelf Q&A with Dr. John Mesa
RS: How would you describe your approach to plastic surgery?
JM: I treat patients like I’d treat my family. My passion is to make patients look their best.
RS: What sets your practice apart from others?
JM: Three things:
1) My entire team cares about each patient’s wants and needs. Throughout the whole process, from the consultation to the surgery to post-op care, we strive to make patients feel at ease and address all of their concerns.
2) People really like my results, and they say they set me apart from other surgeons, especially in buccal fat removal. They all say the change they see looks very natural, attractive, and youthful.
3) We’re not pushy or sales-oriented. My team and I are here to help people. My patients never feel pressured to have a procedure.
RS: What inspired you to be a surgeon?
JM: I wanted to be an architect, but I studied medicine because I liked biology and thought there would be more job opportunities. During medical school I chose plastic surgery because I realized that it’s like being an architect of the face and body.
RS: What’s a consultation with you like?
JS: One-on-one consultations range between 45 and 60 minutes. I explain everything about the procedure and show before-and-after photos. I don’t leave the room until all their questions are answered and concerns are addressed. I’m happy to meet with them again prior to surgery. I want to be sure they’re fully satisfied that their goals will be achieved.
Over 10 years in practice, Dr. Mesa has become internationally recognized as an innovator in the field of facial rejuvenation under local anesthesia. “If someone requires surgery from the clavicle up, 99.9% of the time, I do it safely and painlessly under local anesthesia,” says Dr. Mesa. He teaches his approach to performing facelifts and neck lifts under local anesthesia at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) annual meeting.
He also commonly performs breast implants, tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and other surgeries under general anesthesia. All of the facilities Dr. Mesa operates in are fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
Dr. Mesa received his MD at the Universidad de Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia. After residencies at Harvard University and Penn State University in general and plastic surgery, respectively, he completed fellowships at Harvard (plastic surgery research), the University of Michigan (craniofacial surgery), and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (aesthetic plastic surgery) before opening his practice.
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Mesa is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), ASPS and ISAPS. He has been published regularly in numerous academic journals and is a proud author of the new medical textbook Atlas of Operative Craniofacial Surgery.
RealSelf Q&A with Dr. John Mesa
RS: How would you describe your approach to plastic surgery?
JM: I treat patients like I’d treat my family. My passion is to make patients look their best.
RS: What sets your practice apart from others?
JM: Three things:
1) My entire team cares about each patient’s wants and needs. Throughout the whole process, from the consultation to the surgery to post-op care, we strive to make patients feel at ease and address all of their concerns.
2) People really like my results, and they say they set me apart from other surgeons, especially in buccal fat removal. They all say the change they see looks very natural, attractive, and youthful.
3) We’re not pushy or sales-oriented. My team and I are here to help people. My patients never feel pressured to have a procedure.
RS: What inspired you to be a surgeon?
JM: I wanted to be an architect, but I studied medicine because I liked biology and thought there would be more job opportunities. During medical school I chose plastic surgery because I realized that it’s like being an architect of the face and body.
RS: What’s a consultation with you like?
JS: One-on-one consultations range between 45 and 60 minutes. I explain everything about the procedure and show before-and-after photos. I don’t leave the room until all their questions are answered and concerns are addressed. I’m happy to meet with them again prior to surgery. I want to be sure they’re fully satisfied that their goals will be achieved.
Dr. John Mesa is a Harvard-trained, board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon practicing in New York City, New Jersey, and Miami. He specializes in buccal fat pad removal to create a chiseled look, as well as cheekbone enhancement via dermal fillers. He also regularly performs facial contouring with facelifts, neck lifts, and chin enhancement. Dr. Mesa was selected as a New York Top Doc in 2020, and he’s a four-time inductee into the RealSelf 100.
Over 10 years in practice, Dr. Mesa has become internationally recognized as an innovator in the field of facial rejuvenation under local anesthesia. “If someone requires surgery from the clavicle up, 99.9% of the time, I do it safely and painlessly under local anesthesia,” says Dr. Mesa. He teaches his approach to performing facelifts and neck lifts under local anesthesia at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) annual meeting.
He also commonly performs breast implants, tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and other surgeries under general anesthesia. All of the facilities Dr. Mesa operates in are fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
Dr. Mesa received his MD at the Universidad de Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia. After residencies at Harvard University and Penn State University in general and plastic surgery, respectively, he completed fellowships at Harvard (plastic surgery research), the University of Michigan (craniofacial surgery), and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (aesthetic plastic surgery) before opening his practice.
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Mesa is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), ASPS and ISAPS. He has been published regularly in numerous academic journals and is a proud author of the new medical textbook Atlas of Operative Craniofacial Surgery.
RealSelf Q&A with Dr. John Mesa
RS: How would you describe your approach to plastic surgery?
JM: I treat patients like I’d treat my family. My passion is to make patients look their best.
RS: What sets your practice apart from others?
JM: Three things:
1) My entire team cares about each patient’s wants and needs. Throughout the whole process, from the consultation to the surgery to post-op care, we strive to make patients feel at ease and address all of their concerns.
2) People really like my results, and they say they set me apart from other surgeons, especially in buccal fat removal. They all say the change they see looks very natural, attractive, and youthful.
3) We’re not pushy or sales-oriented. My team and I are here to help people. My patients never feel pressured to have a procedure.
RS: What inspired you to be a surgeon?
JM: I wanted to be an architect, but I studied medicine because I liked biology and thought there would be more job opportunities. During medical school I chose plastic surgery because I realized that it’s like being an architect of the face and body.
RS: What’s a consultation with you like?
JS: One-on-one consultations range between 45 and 60 minutes. I explain everything about the procedure and show before-and-after photos. I don’t leave the room until all their questions are answered and concerns are addressed. I’m happy to meet with them again prior to surgery. I want to be sure they’re fully satisfied that their goals will be achieved.
Over 10 years in practice, Dr. Mesa has become internationally recognized as an innovator in the field of facial rejuvenation under local anesthesia. “If someone requires surgery from the clavicle up, 99.9% of the time, I do it safely and painlessly under local anesthesia,” says Dr. Mesa. He teaches his approach to performing facelifts and neck lifts under local anesthesia at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) annual meeting.
He also commonly performs breast implants, tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and other surgeries under general anesthesia. All of the facilities Dr. Mesa operates in are fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
Dr. Mesa received his MD at the Universidad de Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia. After residencies at Harvard University and Penn State University in general and plastic surgery, respectively, he completed fellowships at Harvard (plastic surgery research), the University of Michigan (craniofacial surgery), and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (aesthetic plastic surgery) before opening his practice.
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Mesa is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), ASPS and ISAPS. He has been published regularly in numerous academic journals and is a proud author of the new medical textbook Atlas of Operative Craniofacial Surgery.
RealSelf Q&A with Dr. John Mesa
RS: How would you describe your approach to plastic surgery?
JM: I treat patients like I’d treat my family. My passion is to make patients look their best.
RS: What sets your practice apart from others?
JM: Three things:
1) My entire team cares about each patient’s wants and needs. Throughout the whole process, from the consultation to the surgery to post-op care, we strive to make patients feel at ease and address all of their concerns.
2) People really like my results, and they say they set me apart from other surgeons, especially in buccal fat removal. They all say the change they see looks very natural, attractive, and youthful.
3) We’re not pushy or sales-oriented. My team and I are here to help people. My patients never feel pressured to have a procedure.
RS: What inspired you to be a surgeon?
JM: I wanted to be an architect, but I studied medicine because I liked biology and thought there would be more job opportunities. During medical school I chose plastic surgery because I realized that it’s like being an architect of the face and body.
RS: What’s a consultation with you like?
JS: One-on-one consultations range between 45 and 60 minutes. I explain everything about the procedure and show before-and-after photos. I don’t leave the room until all their questions are answered and concerns are addressed. I’m happy to meet with them again prior to surgery. I want to be sure they’re fully satisfied that their goals will be achieved.
Consultation Fee:
$250. Consultation fees applied to booked procedure.
Get a consultation
Meet Dr. John Mesa, MD
Education
Postgraduate Education
Board Certifications
Memberships
Hospital Privileges
Awards
RealSelf Verified Doctor
Now you can select a doctor with confidence. Verified doctors complete our multistep
verification process, fulfill all requirements for every treatment offered, commit to
extraordinary patient communication, and meet a higher standard.
Now you can select a doctor with confidence. Verified doctors complete our multistep
verification process, fulfill all requirements for every treatment offered, commit to
extraordinary patient communication, and meet a higher standard.
Destination Doctor
Pre-treatment Travel Support
Offers convenient appointments and transparency about language proficiency within their practice.
Follow-Up Care and Accommodations
Tailors treatment plans to patients’ travel needs, provides personalized follow-up care, and offers an onsite recovery center or local recommendations.
High-Quality Profile
Has a thorough profile that demonstrates their ability to deliver patient satisfaction and empowers patients to make confident decisions.
Locations
From the doctor
Mention RealSelf to Redeem
$500 Discount on Buccal Fat Removal in New York
$500 Discount on Buccal Fat Removal in New York
Get a consultation
$500 Discount on Buccal Fat Removal in New Jersey
$500 Discount on Buccal Fat Removal in New Jersey
Get a consultation
$500 Discount on Buccal Fat Removal in Miami, FL
$500 Discount on Buccal Fat Removal in Miami
Get a consultation
Doctor's videos
Explore video content uploaded by Dr. Mesa
Contact Dr. Mesa
Book your consultation today