Kiwanuka Plastic Surgery

Dr. Elizabeth Kiwanuka, MD PhD

Ivy League–Trained Plastic Surgeon in New York City
Specializing in breast surgery, body contouring, scar management, and personalized recovery.

The scar begins in the OR. Choosing your surgeon is choosing your scar.

Book a Consultation Watch: Meet Dr. K

Dr. Elizabeth Kiwanuka, MD, PhD, plastic surgeon in New York City

Wound Healing: PhD
Research: Harvard
Residency: Brown University
Fellowship: Memorial Sloan Kettering
Publications: 60+
Languages: English, Russian, Swedish

Meet Dr. Elizabeth Kiwanuka | NYC Plastic Surgeon, Breast & Body Surgery

The Philosophy Behind the Practice

"I want my patients to leave my office feeling happy. I want this to be an experience of self-care and mindfulness, not just a doctor's visit. Something you look forward to."

Before you meet Dr. Kiwanuka, spend a few minutes getting to know her.

Many practices plan the procedure. We plan the procedure and the months that follow it.

Holistic Plastic Surgery: Good healing starts before surgery. Dr. Kiwanuka focuses on nutrition, preparation, early movement, and thoughtful scar care to support your recovery and long-term results. You receive clear instructions and personalized follow-up throughout the healing process.
The Scar Begins in the OR: Scar quality depends on genetics, skin type, surgical technique, tension, inflammation, and aftercare. Dr. Kiwanuka studies scar biology, and that knowledge shapes how incisions are planned, closed, and managed at every stage.
Her Involvement After Surgery: Healing continues long after surgery, and so does her involvement. Every patient receives her personal cell phone number and a scar management plan that carries through the first year of recovery.
Your Decision: The decision to have plastic surgery is personal. Our role is to provide accurate information before surgery and structured support after it, so you can make the decision on solid ground and heal without guesswork.

Learn More About Our Philosophy

The Scientist

Harvard Research in Scar Science.

Harvard research shaped the way Dr. Kiwanuka approaches every operation. Her work focused on wound healing, scar biology, and tissue regeneration, advancing the understanding of how scars form and how they can be optimized. That scientific foundation continues to influence every procedure she performs, from incision planning and surgical technique to postoperative scar management. For her patients, it means care guided not only by surgical expertise, but by a deep understanding of the science of healing.

2017: TGF-β1 regulates CCN2 in human keratinocytes via Smad-ERK signalingInternational Wound Journal · First AuthorIdentified the molecular pathway controlling scar formation in skin cells, the foundation of Dr. Kiwanuka's surgical scar management approach.DOI →
2013: CCN2 is transiently expressed by keratinocytes during re-epithelializationJournal of Surgical Research · First AuthorDiscovered that CCN2 appears specifically at the moment a scar begins forming, the basis of the "scar starts with the incision" philosophy.DOI →
2012: Harnessing growth factors to influence wound healingClinics in Plastic Surgery · First Author · ReviewComprehensive clinical review of how growth factors direct wound healing phases, published in plastic surgery's leading practice journal.DOI →
2011: Comparison of healing parameters: micrografts vs. STSGs vs. cultured keratinocytesJournal of the American College of Surgeons · First AuthorFirst-author landmark study in one of surgery's most prestigious journals, establishing the effectiveness of micrograft transplantation for wound repair.DOI →

Full publication list Read the scar science essay

Dr. K: My Plastic Surgery Training at Brown University

The Surgeon

Brown University Plastic Surgery

Dr. Kiwanuka completed her internship, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency, and served as Chief Resident at Brown University. Recognized as one of the nation's leading plastic surgery training programs, Brown University provides comprehensive training in both reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery.

During her training, Dr. Kiwanuka cared for patients with a wide range of reconstructive and cosmetic needs, including breast reconstruction, breast surgery, body contouring, microsurgery, hand surgery, craniofacial surgery, burn reconstruction, and facial plastic surgery. Caring for patients across the full spectrum of plastic surgery gave her an appreciation for both technical excellence and the importance of tailoring every operation to the individual.

Today, Dr. Kiwanuka combines the comprehensive clinical training she received at Brown University with her expertise in wound healing and scar science to provide personalized care, natural results, and an exceptional patient experience.

Verified on Brown University’s official plastic surgery residents listing

Dr. K: My Microsurgery Training at Memorial Sloan Kettering

The Expert

Memorial Sloan Kettering Microsurgery Fellowship

After her Plastic Surgery Residency at Brown University, Dr. Kiwanuka completed a Microsurgery Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Memorial Sloan Kettering is one of the world's leading cancer centers and is internationally recognized for its expertise in cancer care, microsurgery, and complex reconstruction. Its highly selective fellowship provides advanced training in some of the most technically demanding procedures in plastic surgery.

Microsurgery requires extraordinary precision and a deep understanding of anatomy, blood supply, and tissue healing. Although most cosmetic procedures do not require microsurgery, the principles Dr. Kiwanuka learned at Memorial Sloan Kettering continue to shape every operation she performs. The result is thoughtful surgical planning, respect for the body's natural anatomy, and an unwavering focus on achieving beautiful results with the best possible healing.

Verified on Memorial Sloan Kettering’s fellowship page — see Alumni, 2021

Recognition

Awards and Honors

2017: Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award, Brown University
2017: Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
2012: Research Grant, Sweden-America Foundation
2010: Travel Award, Wound Healing Society
Uppsala University: ERASMUS Scholarship; Boberg’s and Törnlund’s Scholarships