What kind of man invests $10 million to buy and renovate a building in unsure economic times? One who has had a goal of being a plastic surgeon since the 3rd grade.
Dr. Andrew Jacono, a dual board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, in fact had a girl in his 3rd grade class who had a cleft palate. He saw that she suffered and when she had the reversing surgery, it was a life changing experience.
“I knew from that time that I wanted to help people and be a plastic surgeon,” said Jacono, who is today Section Head of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at North Shore University Hospital Manhasset; Assistant Clinical Professor, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary; Assistant Professor, Department of Head and Neck Surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine; and Director of The New York Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery in Great Neck.
Growing up in a working class family, Jacono was the first to go to college and then medical school.
“My family didn’t know where I was coming from, but they never stopped me,” he admitted.
It seems his success has been driven by his focused approach to his career.
As Assistant Clinical Professor in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Manhattan’s prestigious New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, Jacono is considered an outstanding teacher and lecturer. His innovative surgical techniques and skills have led to the publication of numerous manuscripts. He has published extensively in medical literature on topics including minimal incision eyelid surgery, endoscopic (telescopic) minimally invasive brow lifting, endoscopic midface and face lifting surgery, rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty, lip augmentation, orbital reconstruction, and injectable collagen and biomaterials.
An expert in aesthetic injectables, Jacono was recently named a National Education Faculty Member for Allergan.
He always combined writing and volunteering while building his practice. He has been published in many professional journals, and is the author of the book FACE THE FACTS: The Truth About Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures that DO and Don’t Work; as well as the creator of J PAK SYSTEMS™, homeopathic remedies to help optimize healing after aesthetic procedures.
“I’ve always been on the cutting edge of plastic surgery,” he said.
The doctor believes that because he has written and spoken at international and domestic conferences, his reputation brings clients from around the world.
“I’ve never been dependent on local clients for business so I’m not impacted [by the economic downturn] as severely as other physicians,” he explained.
When asked how he has been able to build such a successful career in such a crowded field, he admitted he is blessed with a passion for what he does and has had it since childhood.
In 2006 and 2007, Jacono was elected as one of America’s Top Plastic Surgeons by the Consumers Research Council of America. He was also featured as one of “Ten Leaders in Plastic Surgery in Long Island” in The New York Times.
Philanthropy is a cornerstone of his practice.
He is the National Chairman of the “FACE TO FACE” Committee for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
“FACE TO FACE” is a national project offering pro bono consultation and surgery to victims of domestic violence.
“I work with women who have suffered from abuse and disfigurement,”?said Jacono. “I give them back their face and at the same time their life.”
Jacono’s commitment to the cause goes well beyond the operating room. For the past five years, he has chaired ABOUT FACE: MAKING CHANGES – an annual Long Island benefit for survivors of domestic violence.
His efforts have been recognized by Congressmember Carolyn McCarthy and by the Center for the Women of New York, who honored Jacono with a “Good Guy” Award in 2006 for his contributions to women’s welfare.
Jacono is also a volunteer surgeon for “BEYOND OUR BORDERS,” an organization that brings underprivileged children from third world countries to the United States for surgery to repair disfigurement due to cancer, trauma, and birth defects.
Jacono currently performs surgery at North Shore University Hospital, The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, The Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, Long Island Jewish Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital and Winthrop University Hospital.
Additionally, his Facial Plastic Surgery Practice is conveniently located at 990 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10021; 212- 570-2500; and 440 Northern Boulevard Great Neck, NY 11021; 516- 773-4646.
