David A. Schlessinger, M.D.

For Your Eyes Only

Though Dr. David Schlessinger is known as one of the area’s top cosmetic eyelid surgeons, he is also renowned in the field of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive surgery. Board Certified, Dr. Schlessinger also sub-specializes in Neuro-Ophthalmology – treating a plethora of hard-to-diagnose disorders including brain-related eye disease and complex problems in the areas that surround the eye. The wide base of physicians that refer to Dr. Schlessinger to care for their patients and family members is truly a testament to his impeccable reputation. This referral base extends beyond the North Shore of Long Island to eastern Suffolk County, western Nassau and into Manhattan.

The Woodbury office of Schlessinger Eye & Face and The MediSpa is an oasis right in our own community. Upon entering the office of the Doctor that we’ve all heard so much about one is immediately impressed with the modern, clean lines of the office décor, the professional staff and the relaxing music that plays while the waiting room is filled with patients of all ages and backgrounds.

We caught up with Dr. Schlessinger on a busy Wednesday afternoon. After a tour of his state-of-the-art testing and treatment rooms as well as the tranquil MediSpa, we pass the operating room where the staff is busily preparing for the Doctor’s next surgical procedure. Once inside his private office, among the standard degrees, diplomas and certificates, I take notice of the many community awards and accolades Dr. Schlessinger has received. Those, along with the large selection of family photos seem to be the perfect representation of the way he lives. “I try to find balance in my life” Dr. Schlessinger tells us. “It makes me a better, husband, father and physician”.

On the North Shore of Long Island, we have a wide selection of Doctors to choose from when exploring our cosmetic procedure options. We asked Dr. Schlessinger what sets him apart. “I have a boutique practice where emphasis is placed on my areas of expertise which are the eyes and upper face. I am often called upon by my colleagues to assist in the treatment and management of some of their patients who have complex eyelid problems. I give my patients realistic expectations when discussing surgical and non-surgical options and I firmly believe that limiting my practice in this way has been extremely beneficial. My message is clear – for your eyes and upper face I provide two things: the most natural results and superior patient care.”

So what determines a patient’s course of treatment? We’ve all seen those people who look as though they’ve just gone too far. We asked Dr. Schlessinger how he advises his patients whether they are newly considering cosmetic surgery or if they have been down this road before. “Each patient’s course of treatment is unique, determined by several things that must be considered, no matter what your age or your desired end-result. Are your expectations realistic? Have you considered healing time, post-operative care and the procedure itself? Many times patients come in requesting a surgical procedure and are really pleased to find out that there are other options available to them.”

Dr. Schlessinger is a strong proponent of healthy living and believes patients are their own best advocates in this area. He advises them to limit sun exposure, to use high-quality skin-care products and to exercise regularly. The best surgical candidates are those who strive for this healthy lifestyle and make these healthy everyday choices. He also discourages smoking. “Studies have shown that these healthy habits can optimize results, maintain these results for longer periods of time and decrease the duration of a patient’s healing time.”

This leads us to the opening of The MediSpa at Schlessinger Eye & Face. We asked Dr. Schlessinger how he made the decision to begin offering these services in his Woodbury location. 

“Most of us know the tranquility of the Spa environment. I wanted to bring that to my patients, their friends and family members. We actually began offering facials to people who were bringing others to me for a procedure. We thought this would be a great way for them to spend an hour or so instead of waiting in the waiting room watching the flat-screen TV. From there it just grew. We have a wonderful aesthetic staff that people absolutely love. Robin is our lead Aesthetician who has years of experience and has developed quite a following. People who may have started out with a simple facial have become regular Spa clients. We’ve since expanded Spa hours and the menu of services that we offer to include Microdermabrasion, a whole host of facials, eyelash tinting, mineral makeup application and a lot more. The staff is constantly attending seminars to keep up on the latest trends in the world of aesthetics and changing up the services we can offer as the technology changes.”

Dr. Schlessinger continues, “I’ve found that prescribing pre and post-operative Spa sessions not only serves to adequately prepare the skin but the patients love it and return over and over again.”

We conclude our visit to the good Doctor’s office as he is winding up his afternoon and heading out to the golf course for a round of golf. “Thankfully my surgical skills are far superior to my golf swing. But golf is a great outlet for me. It gives me a few hours of relaxation, clears my head and allows me to recharge for the office.”

A renowned surgeon in the field of Oculoplastic Surgery, Dr. David Schlessinger specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face with an emphasis on aesthetic eyelid surgery and facial rejuvenation – both surgical and non-surgical. Call today for a complimentary consultation at Dr. Schlessinger’s medical office or at The MediSpa at Schlessinger Eye & Face. Two locations: Woodbury/Hauppauge 516-496-2122 Call or visit them on the web at schlessingereyeandface.com