There are places that simply offer treatments, and then there are places that shift your energy the moment you step in. Shafer Clinic is the latter—a serene, luminous oasis tucked into Fifth Avenue’s elegant rhythm, where aesthetic excellence meets soul-deep care. It’s not just about beauty here. It’s about you—your story, your evolution, your glow.
I first discovered Shafer Clinic during a particularly full season of my life, juggling deadlines, creative projects, and a thousand tiny to-dos. My skin felt tired, my spirit a little dull. I wasn’t looking for a drastic transformation—I was looking for someone who could truly see me and help me feel vibrant again. What I found was a sanctuary.

Dr. David Shafer is not your typical plastic surgeon. He’s warm, intelligent, and grounded—a rare combination of surgical genius and deeply human intuition. A double board-certified plastic surgeon trained at the Mayo Clinic and Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, he’s known globally for his work in facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and innovative procedures like the “Ozempic Makeover,” which redefines post-weight-loss aesthetics with empathy and precision.
But what truly sets him apart is his presence.
He listens—not just to what you want, but to what you may not even know how to say. Whether it’s injectables, CO2 laser, or a surgical consult, he approaches each person with curiosity, kindness, and care. It’s a gift, and you feel it.
In my case, I started with PRF injections and CO2 laser resurfacing—a powerful duo to restore radiance, boost collagen, and improve texture. These aren’t your typical “quick fix” treatments. They’re regenerative, deeply nourishing, and tailored specifically to your skin’s needs.
And when it comes to injectables, Dr. Shafer has the eye of an artist. He knows how to lift, refine, and enhance with such subtlety that you don’t look “done”—you look fabulous. Natural. Awake. Like you’ve just returned from the best vacation of your life.

Every great maestro has an ensemble, and Dr. Shafer’s team is no exception. Two names I must mention—Edyta and Allison. These women are absolute gems—each session with them feels like both a luxurious treatment and a healing ritual. Edyta’s touch is precise, nurturing, and intuitive. She has that rare ability to know what your skin needs before you even speak. Whether it’s post-laser care, PRF enhancement, or lymphatic massage, she delivers results while making you feel completely at ease. Allison is just as magical—her gentle energy, deep expertise, and meticulous attention to detail make her facials and treatments unforgettable. She’s not only knowledgeable but also incredibly kind. The kind of esthetician who genuinely cares about how you feel as much as how you look.
Shafer Clinic doesn’t operate from a place of superficial beauty. Everything here is driven by intention. Whether it’s the precise application of filler, the strategic use of PRF, or the transformative magic of CO2 laser resurfacing, it’s all guided by a philosophy that beauty is personal, powerful, and sacred.
One of the most talked-about offerings at the clinic is Dr. Shafer’s “Ozempic Makeover”—a custom suite of treatments for those who’ve experienced facial volume loss after weight-loss medications like semaglutide. What I love about his approach is that it’s not about fixing—it’s about restoring. Empowering. Reclaiming what makes you feel most like yourself.

Another bold and fascinating innovation is Dr. Shafer’s SWAG procedure, which stands for Shafer Width And Girth. This non-surgical enhancement for male anatomy uses dermal fillers to boost confidence and restore proportion, all while being performed under local anesthesia in a discreet, respectful environment. The fact that Dr. Shafer openly discusses and normalizes procedures that were once considered taboo is a testament to his open-minded, forward-thinking philosophy.
Dr. Shafer sees a future in aesthetics where personalization, regenerative medicine, and whole-body vitality are the standard—and he’s helping build it.
What I admire most is that even with all the press, Dr. Shafer remains grounded. He doesn’t perform procedures to chase trends—he helps you feel confident, vibrant, and at peace in your skin.
He once said, “People aren’t looking to be someone else. They’re just looking to feel more like themselves again.” That line stayed with me. It’s exactly how I feel every time I leave the clinic—like me, but elevated, lit up, renewed.
The Shafer Clinic itself deserves mention. Walking through the doors feels like entering a five-star wellness retreat. Clean lines, soft light, calming art, and a team that greets you like family—it’s a complete energy reset.
It’s rare to find a medical space that’s so soulful.
There’s no rush here. No judgment. Just results, delivered with grace and intention. Whether it’s a 20-minute injectable touch-up or a transformative series of laser sessions, the care is consistent and heartfelt.
Everyone—from the front desk team to the nurses to the post-op coordinators—is infused with the same values as Dr. Shafer: compassion, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to helping you look and feel your best.

INLOVE: What inspired you to pursue plastic surgery, and what continues to drive your passion today?
Dr. Shafer: I’ve always been intrigued by science and technology, but I also have a strong artistic side. Plastic surgery is the perfect blend of both—art and science mixed with creativity. What drives my passion every day is the positive impact we have on our patients’ lives. Seeing their confidence soar is the greatest reward.

INLOVE: Your clinic has become known as a sanctuary for patients. How do you cultivate that feeling?
Dr. Shafer: From the very beginning, we set out to create a space where people feel safe, welcome, and cared for. It’s not unusual for our patients to feel like family. One of our core goals is to treat everyone like family, providing a seamless, supportive experience from the initial consultation through their procedure and recovery.

INLOVE: What are your favorite procedures right now?
Dr. Shafer: I love combining non-invasive treatments with surgical procedures to elevate the overall result. For example, a face and neck lift paired with PRF and laser resurfacing enhances the underlying structure, soft tissues, and skin texture all at once. It’s a comprehensive approach that delivers truly transformative outcomes.

INLOVE: Tell us about the energy of your team—people rave about Edyta and Allison!
Dr. Shafer: We’re fortunate to have an incredible team. Dr. Engelman and Lucia lead the way in dermatology, Allison is our go-to expert for injectables and laser treatments, Jane brings powerful energy healing, and Edyta is all about facial treatments. Alongside Jamie and our Metabolic Center, Advitam, plus our amazing support staff—we operate as a patient-focused, results-driven team. The energy is positive, collaborative, and always centered on care.

INLOVE: What should people understand about aesthetics that they often don’t?
Dr. Shafer: Aesthetics is elective, and while results can be amazing, they’re not always instant. Many treatments require recovery, so don’t be misled by before-and-after photos that seem too good to be true. We work hard to make our patients’ recovery seamless, but it’s important to know that time, effort, and commitment are part of the journey.
The best results require ongoing maintenance, a healthy lifestyle, expert guidance, and occasional touch-ups to continue fighting aging and gravity.

INLOVE: How do you see the future of aesthetic medicine evolving?
Dr. Shafer: We’re seeing a rise in advanced technology, energy-based devices, and biostimulators that work on a cellular level. That said, the foundation of all these innovations still lies in the core principles of traditional plastic surgery. The future is a thoughtful blend of cutting-edge science and timeless surgical expertise.

INLOVE: What’s one thing you hope every patient walks out of your clinic feeling?
Dr. Shafer: I hope every patient leaves with elevated confidence and a renewed sense of positive energy.

I leave each appointment at Shafer Clinic with a renewed sense of possibility—not just because of how I look, but because of how I feel. And that’s the real magic.
Dr. Shafer and his incredible team have created more than a practice—they’ve created a movement. A movement rooted in empathy, individuality, regeneration, and beauty that radiates from within.
Whether you’re preparing for a big moment, healing from life’s transitions, or simply wanting to feel more you, I can say this from experience:
The right hands can change everything. And at Shafer Clinic, you’re in the best hands of all.
For more about Dr. Shafer and Shafer Clinic, visit shaferplasticsurgery.com
Instagram: @shaferclinic

Words by Elena Vasilevsky