Harvard · ResearchBrown University · Plastic Surgery ResidencyMemorial Sloan Kettering · FellowshipPhD · Scar Specialist60+ Scientific Publications5-Star Average · 150+ Patient Reviews30 Central Park South · New YorkFemale Plastic SurgeonTrilingual · English · Russian · SwedishHarvard · ResearchBrown University · Plastic Surgery ResidencyMemorial Sloan Kettering · FellowshipPhD · Scar Specialist60+ Scientific Publications5-Star Average · 150+ Patient Reviews30 Central Park South · New YorkFemale Plastic SurgeonTrilingual · English · Russian · Swedish

KiwanukaPlastic Surgery

30 Central Park SouthNew York

Procedures

Brown UniversityHarvard Medical SchoolMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Surgeon-Scientist

Dr. Elizabeth
Kiwanuka, MD, PhD

Dr. Elizabeth Kiwanuka is an Ivy League trained plastic surgeon in New York City specializing in aesthetic breast and body surgery. She trained at Harvard Medical School and Brown University, completed a microsurgery fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and holds a PhD in wound healing. She also completed postdoctoral research at Harvard and is the only plastic surgeon in New York City with a PhD in wound healing.

Dr. Kiwanuka's practice is founded on the principles of Holistic Plastic Surgery, an approach that recognizes that exceptional results depend on more than the operation itself. By combining advanced surgical expertise with a deep understanding of healing, recovery, and scar formation, she helps patients achieve natural, balanced results while supporting their comfort, confidence, and long term well being.

Full Biography →

Training and Credentials

HarvardPostdoctoral Research · Wound Healing
PhDScar Biology and Tissue Engineering
BrownPlastic Surgery Residency
MSKMicrosurgery Fellowship
60+Scientific Presentations and Publications
HolisticFunctional Aesthetics and Recovery
Patient Experiences

Patient Reviews

5.0 average across 150+ patient reviews

The reviews below are from our 66 Google reviews · Read them on Google

AP
Verified Patient
Breast Augmentation
★★★★★

“I was able to touch and compare different Motiva implants, and Dr. Kiwanuka carefully explained how each size and shape would suit my body. I could immediately tell she is a true expert in Motiva implants.”

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“The 3D simulation was also incredibly helpful, as it allowed me to see how each option would look on my body before surgery. It really helped me understand what would suit me best before making a decision. The staff were also very kind and patient, never making me feel rushed, and they explained everything thoroughly. I left the consultation feeling well-informed, confident, and even excited for my next visit.

The surgery itself went very smoothly. When I woke up from anesthesia, I was amazed that I felt almost no pain. My recovery has also been very smooth. I received clear post-operative instructions and all the necessary medications. From the day of surgery up to now (day 6), I can hardly believe that I’ve had almost no pain or noticeable swelling.

If I were to have breast augmentation again, I would absolutely choose Dr. Kiwanuka without hesitation. For anyone considering breast augmentation, I strongly recommend meeting with her. I’m truly grateful.”

MV
Verified Patient
Breast Reduction
★★★★★

“She made me feel comfortable going through my very first big surgical procedure and was by me every step of the way, from pre-op to post-op. I am currently about 5 weeks after my breast reduction and I couldn’t be happier.”

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“Dr. Kiwanuka very much listens to her patients, whether it’s a simple question regarding appointments or something of greater concern before or after a procedure. She is very thorough in her explanations and makes sure to take the time to answer any questions.

She doesn’t dismiss any concerns I as a patient may have, especially as someone with some anxious thinking. Her office staff are also lovely to work with — professional, sweet, understanding, and prompt when it comes to questions regarding billing or insurance.

I am so happy with my results so far. I am very grateful to have been able to do my procedure here and have already recommended her to a co-worker.”

IC
Verified Patient
Top Surgery
★★★★★

“I had a double mastectomy last Fall, and Dr. Kiwanuka was the most incredible doctor. She was extremely professional and caring — I felt immediately very convinced of her competence, and this really eased my anxiety before this big surgery.”

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“Her team was very responsive and we were in constant communication before surgery and during recovery.

I am now more than 6 months out from my surgery and I couldn’t be more happy with my results. Dr. Kiwanuka is a specialist and pays a lot of attention to the aesthetic preferences of her patients. Additionally, her office uses a special method during top surgery that does not require drains and reduces initial discomfort during the first phase of recovery. I was much more mobile than any of my friends who went to other surgeons post-op!

I am so thankful to Dr. Kiwanuka and would recommend her to any patients considering!”

LH
Verified Patient
Breast Reduction · Consultation
★★★★★

“Dr. K stood out to me from everyone else. Even before my appointment, I received useful pre-consultation documents that gave me more confidence to come into that consultation better prepared with the right questions.”

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“The person at the front desk was so kind and the office was so clean and well organized. Dr. K welcomed me to her office and made me feel at ease.

I felt that Dr. K was viewing me as an individual case and taking into account who I am, my goals, wants, and concerns. She even brought up potential concerns I should consider which allowed me to be better informed about moving forward.

Her holistic treatment was what stood out the most for me and part of the reasons I ended up moving forward with Dr. K. I would recommend if you are considering a breast reduction, Dr. K should be on your list of doctors you do a consultation with.”

AF
Verified Patient
Breast Reduction
★★★★★

“If you’re in NYC I cannot recommend Dr. K enough. She and her team are incredible. I’m 6 weeks post op and she was available every moment I had a question.”

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“I had multiple consultations over the course of months but never felt fully comfortable with any of them. Dr. K provided me with all the information I needed to make a decision to move forward — I remember I left without any questions. She would call to check in during the following days and weeks; when I was anxious about something I could send a picture to her and she would respond within minutes.

I wanted her to take off as much as she could while still getting them to look the way they did when I was younger. She managed to not only give me well over a 50% reduction but they look almost identical (if not better) than the pic I showed her.

10000/10 experience — she’s incredible, her team’s incredible, the whole hospital experience was so smooth and comforting, and the experience post op was so easy. I expected to be uncomfortable going back to work Monday (surgery was Thursday) but I was able to take care of myself fully after 24 hours. I feel incredible — I’m not only more comfortable but confident again. I feel like a literal and metaphorical weight has been taken off me; she truly did a job I thought was impossible.”

CL
Verified Patient
Breast Reduction · Consultation
★★★★★

“I spent so many years belittling my problems that were caused by my macromastia, and so knew I wanted a female surgeon who would understand me. I came in afraid initially — but the first consultation completely washed all my fears away!”

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“Dr. Kiwanuka explained both the technical and emotional aspects of the process judgment-free, in a manner that made it really easy to understand. She explained a bit about the surgery technique too. I came out of the consult really confident that this was what I wanted.

The front desk dispelled any mysteries there were surrounding my insurance in general — like how my yearly deductible and co-insurance worked.

Plus it’s a very well organised practice. I made my initial consult around February but still knew everything from around how many weeks before my surgery date I would get a call.”

DL
Verified Patient
Breast Reduction
★★★★★

“After consulting with two other surgeons and not feeling convinced, my experience with Dr. Kiwanuka was completely different. I left my consultation feeling informed, comfortable, and truly confident in my decision.”

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“Dr. Kiwanuka and her team are incredibly attentive and organized. The medical clearance process was smooth, and I received clear pre- and post-op instructions, prescriptions, and a customized pain-management schedule. Dr. Kiwanuka personally checked in before surgery, and her staff also reached out, which made me feel supported every step of the way.

On surgery day, I was very nervous since it was my first surgery, but Dr. Kiwanuka and the surgical team immediately put me at ease. Their bedside manner and care were exceptional. Even with normal post-op discomfort, the instant relief in my back, shoulders, and neck was life-changing.

I’m now five days post-op and so happy with my results and recovery. Choosing Dr. Kiwanuka was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m beyond grateful to her and her amazing team!”

AK
Verified Patient
Breast Reduction · Consultation
★★★★★

“I had my breast reduction consultation with Dr. Kiwanuka today and the experience was everything I could’ve hoped for. She was extremely receptive to my concerns and questions, and she described the surgical process very thoroughly.”

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“It is clear that she is extremely knowledgeable of the procedure, and cares very much about taking the patient into consideration when working toward functional and aesthetic goals.

I’m looking forward to continuing this process with Dr. Kiwanuka and I’d recommend her to anyone considering breast surgery.”

From the surgeon’s desk

Doctor’s Note

All Notes
Wound Healing

Why the Scar Starts with the Incision

The most important decisions about your scar are made before the first cut. A surgeon-scientist explains the molecular biology of healing.

Read the note→
Surgical Protocol

What Drain-Free Surgery Actually Means

Every breast procedure at this practice is drain-free. Not because it is easier — but because the evidence says it is better for the patient.

Read the note→
On Consultation

What Actually Happens at a Plastic Surgery Consultation?

“Nobody comes to a plastic surgeon to have a procedure. They’re thinking about the bigger picture.” A good consultation is about far more than choosing an operation.

Read the note→

Holistic Plastic Surgery

At Kiwanuka Plastic Surgery, we believe that beautiful results begin long before surgery and continue throughout recovery. Our holistic approach to plastic surgery combines advanced surgical techniques with personalized guidance on nutrition, fitness, hydration, scar care, and postoperative healing.

Whether you are planning a breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, body contouring procedure, or top surgery in NYC, we help optimize your health before surgery and support your recovery afterward.

Led by Dr. Elizabeth Kiwanuka, a plastic surgeon with a PhD in wound healing and tissue engineering, our practice focuses on helping patients heal beautifully while achieving natural, balanced results that complement their unique anatomy and lifestyle.

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Tour Kiwanuka Plastic Surgery

Welcome to Kiwanuka Plastic Surgery, located at 30 Central Park South in the heart of Manhattan. Our boutique practice offers one of the most beautiful views in New York City, overlooking Central Park and the iconic Manhattan skyline.

Designed with comfort, privacy, and healing in mind, our office combines the sophistication of a luxury medical practice with the warmth of a personalized patient experience. From your initial consultation to your final follow up visit, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to make you feel cared for, informed, and confident.

Our team works closely together to provide a seamless experience focused on safety, excellence, and natural results. Whether you are visiting for aesthetic breast surgery, body contouring, scar treatment, or a personalized wellness consultation, you will receive attentive care in an elegant and welcoming environment.

We invite you to take a tour of our office and discover why patients from New York City and around the world choose Kiwanuka Plastic Surgery for their aesthetic journey.

Patient Journeys

Every patient has a unique story. In these personal journeys, our patients share what led them to consider surgery, how they felt throughout the process, and how they see themselves today.

Their experiences offer an honest look at the transformative power of aesthetic surgery and the confidence that can come from feeling more at home in your own body. We hope their stories provide insight, inspiration, and support as you explore your own possibilities.

Meet Our Patients →
Naturally Beautiful with Dr. K

Your result starts
with a conversation.

Book a Consultation →
30 Central Park South, Suite 13A · New York, NY 10019